Celtic Thunder Roars at UBC Thunderbird Arena
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CELTIC THUNDER, the group consisting of five male soloists, backed by the Celtic Thunder Orchestra, played to an appreciative audience at the newly constructed Thunderbird Arena at UBC on May 7. |
By ANNE SANDERS
VANCOUVER - The forecast called for thunder in the vicinity of UBC. However, the system that rolled in, in the form of Celtic Thunder, was very welcome indeed.
Celtic Thunder, the group consisting of five male soloists, backed by the Celtic Thunder Orchestra, played to an appreciative audience at the newly constructed Thunderbird Arena at UBC on May 7.
While the 7,500 seat venue wasn't a complete sell-out, about 6,000 fans took in the spectacle that has been wowing audiences since the group performed their debut concert in Dublin back in 2007.
With an expansive set, massive video screen, creative lighting, and a stage constructed to resemble an ancient stone path, the men of Celtic Thunder performed an impressive array of songs.
The audience was treated to traditional folk songs, haunting ballads, love anthems, even tunes from The Police and The Proclaimers.
From the opening number where Paul, George, Keith, Ryan and Damian descended the "stone" steps in flowing black coats - you could hear the appreciative hoots from the legions of female fans in the crowd.
Judging from the variety of ages represented in the audience, Celtic Thunder's fan base is truly multi-generational. I spied grandparents toting their grandchildren, entire families, giggling groups of pre-teen girls and men and women of all ages.
Yes, men too. (It's evident that Celtic Thunder offers talent that goes far beyond their collective good looks).
At the concession just prior to the show, a young girl was doing the happy dance behind me, telling grandpa she would "die, just DIE!" when she saw Damian. I had to laugh.
Those familiar with the broadcast of Celtic Thunder: The Show, which has aired on PBS, would have recognized most of the songs performed at Thunderbird Arena.
I suppose part of the widespread appeal is the sheer variety of musical numbers they offer. From the poignant My Boy performed by the oldest member of the group, 41-year-old George Donaldson, to the crowd favourite Lauren and I, written and performed by 22-year-old Keith Harkin, this show had something for everyone.
Thirty-year-old, Paul Byrom from Dublin is the sole tenor in the group. He brought the audience to their feet with his powerful version of You Raise Me Up. An incredibly talented vocalist, Paul has performed at the All Ireland Finals in Dublin's Croke Park and for Ireland's President, Mary McAleese.
So Justin Timberlake may have brought sexy back, but County Tyrone-born Ryan Kelly, (31) had it all along when he performed the catchy Ride On and the Eagles super-hit Desperado.
At just 16, Damian McGinty is the youngest member of the group. His versions of Neil Sedaka's Breaking Up is Hard to Do and Sweet Sixteen were entertaining. Even if his fancy footwork isn't exactly Dancing with the Stars, Damian, who hails from Derry, has energy and style that's fun to watch.
With a scattering of Irish flags, the crowd was waving their hands in the air to Ireland's Call and when the lads arrived on stage, fully decked out in kilts for Caledonia the applause was long and loud.
Honestly, who knew kilts could look so good? Originally from Glasgow, George Donaldson belted out an unforgettable version of The Proclaimers, 5,000 Miles and a real highlight of the evening was Paul Byrom's stirring rendition of Remember Me.
All five members of the group are incredibly talented vocalists who had to audition for show producer Sharon Browne, also the driving force behind Celtic Woman.
With his model good looks, Keith, who is from Derry, barely made the auditions, only finding out about them on the very day they were taking place.
Ensuring the Celtic Thunder Orchestra never miss a beat, the legendary Phil Coulter is Celtic Thunder's Musical Director.
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ANN SANDERS |
Performing for just over two hours, with a 15 minute intermission, Celtic Thunder returned to the stage for one encore, exiting to thunderous cheers and applause. While Thunderbird Arena isn't exactly an intimate setting, when the performers and the music truly connect with the audience, it somehow feels more intimate.
It's clear the men of Celtic Thunder have a repartee with the audience that says "hey, we love being up here and we love performing these songs for you." You get the feeling they're not just going through the motions.
It's been described as a production that explores the expression of Celtic music and so much more - all in all, it delivers just that.
The show in Vancouver was the final date in their spring 2009 tour. Celtic Thunder is scheduled to begin a 50 date concert tour of the U.S. this fall.
Originally from Belfast, Anne Sanders is a freelance writer living in Ladner, B.C.
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