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If you’ve read Charles Dickens, and you remember “A Tale of Two Cities”, you’ll recall that the novel begins “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” That sentence might be used to describe the feelings that were present on May 1, at the end of Anthony Kearns’ concert, at Bayshore High School. It was certainly the best of times, because it was one of the most gorgeous concerts I’ve ever heard him sing. But it was also one of the worst of times, because it meant his spring tour was over, and there would be no more solos (at least on the east coast), until October. It will take awhile to come down from the breathtaking high on which Anthony left us.

I thought Anthony sounded a little tired,-understandably-when he began this concert. But true professional that he is, he found the strength, used his voice wisely and well, and got progressively better as the evening wore on. And because he has treated his voice with care, and has such a strong vocal technique, the voice warmed up as he sang, and we were treated to some of the most exquisite singing I’ve ever heard. I may as well jump right into the highlight of this or practically any other evening in recent memory….his “Danny Boy.” As Patrick raised his hands over the keyboard to begin the introduction, Anthony held up his hand, and asked Patrick to wait. And then the sky opened up, and a thousand shooting stars descended into the audience, as Anthony sang an a capella verse, rarely heard, but one that he himself had found a few years ago, to precede the song. It was almost sean nos, but it wasn’t. And the “Danny Boy” that followed was beautiful beyond belief. As I sat there, tears streaming down my cheeks, I noticed the effect it was having on the rest of the audience, as well. I hope that Anthony also took a good look around the theatre, and realized the power of that extraordinary voice. In other, less gifted hands, it would be dangerous. I apologize for sounding so dramatic, but I can’t think of any other means of sharing the gift we were given that night.

“We’ll Gather Lilacs” was also the best I’ve ever heard it done. It’s as if Anthony and Patrick had made a pact that this concert would not soon be forgotten. There was “O Sole Mio”, vibrant and sunny as Italy, a magnificent “Because You’re Mine”, and “With a Song in My Heart”, which would have made Mario Lanza smile, if he wasn’t too jealous (and if he were still alive!) A poignant “As I Sit Here”, an adorable “Kitty of Coleraine”, to name just a few. And a sumptuous “Granada” to end the concert.

Patrick Healy had a couple of surprises up his elegant sleeve, as well. During the secondhalf, when it was time to give the tenor a rest, Patrick told some new stories,and regaled us all with a fabulous rendition of the famous Gilbert & Sullivan patter song “A Modern Major General,” aided by a newcomer who ran out onto the stage, whinnying, and riding the pretend horse from “Trottin’ to the Fair.” How wonderful to hear an expert on Gilbert & Sullivan perform one of the finest examples of G & S. And when Patrick got a standing ovation , who do you think stepped to the front of the stage, stretched out his arms……and accepted all the applause??? Who was that fair young man??? It was just some more tomfoolery from the dynamic duo!

We also had wonderful singing from “The Hibernian Festival Singers”, led with great aplomb by Christopher Billella. They sang some lovely Irish songs, and a dynamite salute to the Armed Services, as well as a rousing “Oklahoma.” Their voices blended elegantly, and the evening finally came to a close with Anthony, the Hibernians, and the audience singing “God Bless America.” And bless our talented performers, for sharing their gifts with us!

by Berta Calechman