A Show So Perfect - Cleveland

I would attend every show of the tour if I had the money. Celtic Woman have a special place in my heart and they are worth watching them perform one more time. This was my 11th. Celtic Woman show, the 4th. for Songs From The Heart.

I started my day with John (starman) as he picked me up when he came through Columbus on his way to Cleveland. It was a nice day for traveling and I know the ladies have to be glad that winter is behind them. But when we left Columbus it was warm. Not so in Cleveland. I grew up by the lake and it does get colder with the cold Canadian wind coming off it. Never thought of checking the weather because it was a lot cooler. We got to Cleveland about 3:30 and checked into the Wyndham, the same hotel the ladies were staying at. Though I did not see them, I would have respected their privacy if I did see them.

The venue was only a few hundred yards from the hotel so that was very convenient. Of course I always wear one of my special made Máiréad shirts. I plan to have a few new ones made for my next show.

One thing I like to do at every show is talk to others. I started with the couple next to me. He told me the first time they heard of Celtic Woman was when they were on Dancing With Stars. Most people I talk to say they found them on PBS, so this was the first with Dancing With Stars. He told me that they really love the Celtic Woman and that this was their first show. I went into explaining how much of a treat they are going to experience. The videos are great, but nothing beats a live performance.

I also make a point to look around and see how things look. The theatre was full. If there were any empty seats, I could not see any. This is what I like to see. I know my very first show in Columbus last spring was a sell out. While waiting in the lobby, I heard a few people get turned away who were inquiring about tickets. Ohio cannot get enough of Celtic Woman.

Though there were some faces I did not recognize, I did see many I knew. Between Máiréad’s forum and Celtic Woman Forum, we had the first five rows. With all of us, I knew we could not only let the girls know that we love them and our stronger numbers would help motivate the audience.

About that time the lights went down and of course, you know the rest. It is time for Máiréad to enter for her part on Níl Sé'n Lá and I hear something that I have not heard on the three previous shows. The audience breaks out in a large applause during the song.

Going through song by song seems repetitious, but I will mention my favorites. I have said it before and I will say it again, I have never heard anything so beautiful as Lisa‘s version of Fields Of Gold. She can turn water into wine as she puts her heart into this song. I become so mesmerized that I become totally oblivious to everything around me.

Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears is my favorite group song. This song has so much meaning behind it and one can truly feel the depths of this song through each word. I am pleased that they kept it for this tour and would like it to remain for future tours.

Many fans are split with Alex’s solos, but I still favor You’ll Be In My Heart. I have heard the version by Phil Collins and he has nothing on Alex. I admit that prior to Celtic Woman I listened to a lot of rock and some country. Celtic Woman has changed my preference for music, but it is the ladies, not the songs. Many of the songs performed by Celtic Woman touch my soul because of their voices. You’ll Be In My Heart is one example. Only Alex can sing this song with beauty like a rainbow.

I want to briefly touch on what I mentioned in the above paragraph. Since I became a Celtic Woman fan, I have checked out many of their songs by other performers. I have to admit that the other performers do not stand up to my standards. I hope I say this correctly so everyone understands, but the reason I love the Celtic Woman is because they can take underrated songs and turn them into a masterpiece, That is something no one else can do. If the Celtic Woman sing it, than I know before I even hear it that it will be perfect. Their voices are just that good.

Another example is When You Believe. Chloë performs this song with such a high quality that is flawless. One thing I love about Chloë’s voice is that it is soft and yet she has the ability to hit any note with perfection. She hits that high note like it is nothing to her. Mariah and Whitney, step back because Chloë Agnew does this like no other.

I fell for Lynn’s voice the very first time I heard it. When she sings My Lagan Love I just do not know how to explain how so beautiful she sounds. I have one word that I believe describes Lynn as she sings My Lagan Love and that is Angelic. She just blows me away with a sound of an angel singing from Heaven.

And now my lovely Máiréad. Can I really pick a favorite? Each of her songs has a special part that exhibits Máiréad’s exceptional talent with her fiddle and the way she speaks through it. I love the way she can make the bow burn as she hits notes with lightening speed, but I find a real love for her slow songs. When she opens with You Raise Me Up and throughout the song, I love to look at her eyes. I have found that Máiréad speaks not only with her fiddle, but also with her eyes. When she plays it is like she is carefully listening to each note and it shows through her eyes.

During the intermission the couple next to me got up and I just thought they were stretching their legs. Throughout the first session, I continued to hear them talking. Found that to be disrespectful. I got up and went over to talk to Mike and Thomas. I asked him if he counted the 13 spins. Of course, I knew he would not have missed them. When I sat back down I started to talk to the ladies seated behind me. They wanted to know where I got my shirt with Máiréad on it. I informed them that I have my shirts made by a local business. We than proceeded to talk about the girls. They did not know all the names so I explained who each was. Just as the second session was about to start a new couple came and sat down next to me. I briefly got to speak to the lady and she told me the other couple left. I found that to be odd. She told me that she is an Irish dancer and she was very vocal and active all through the second half. After the show I got to speak to her a little more and she said they switched with the other couple. Well, they got the better deal because the best seats are near the stage. I gave her one of my cards with Máiréad’s information and told her to check out her website and forum.

After the show I went to meet some more people. I introduced myself to Rich Ropes and his son. Spent time talking to a few others while waiting for the meet and greet. I thought this was an excellent show and thought each lady was very active with the fans. As always, many smiles and looks. Starman and I were in the 5th row, but I would not say we went unnoticed. We got some looks and many smiles. I think one reason we got some looks was because we were standing out. It did bother me that many fans in rows 2 - 4 stood very little. I do not mean that no one stood, because there were some, but it was clear enough that the ladies had clear view of us in the fifth row.

I love all five ladies and I cherish seeing each one. I was hoping for Máiréad because I wanted to see how she liked the crystal fiddle I gave her in Roanoke. I wanted Lynn to come out because she is the only one I have not seen. I still have IOH stuff for her to sign. Plus, I want to meet Lynn. She is so sweet and I just want to see her. But after Mike got done with his little show, I made it to Alex and Chloë. Two very nice and lovely ladies. But as always, I forget what I want to say and end up talking about something else.

I really take it hard after the shows. My CW withdrawal sets in every time, but usually does not hit hard until the following morning. These ladies are five of the most talented and sweet people on this planet and their shows really touch the depth of my soul. It is hard to end something so beautiful. I will attend a few of the extended tour shows, at any cost.