Detroitrev - Page: 1 of 1

How do you describe a day of mishaps? A delayed concert...lost luggage....no sheet music? Only one word comes to my mind....GLORIOUS!

Michelle Senton and I arrived in Detroit yesterday afternoon only to learn Anthony's concert had been delayed two hours due to flight problems. There was no question about waiting. We went for a quick bite to eat and then to the venue. We milled around meeting new people and sharing our Tenor experiences. Everyone was anxious ... waiting for any bit of news ... the plane was in the air ... the plane was on the ground ... Anthony was in a car on his way. Finally ... Anthony had arrived! We could hear a piano ...we heard that wonderful voice. Just a moment or two longer........

The doors were finally open and we wandered about picking seats. (It was general seating ... either on the main floor or box seating). We were in the second row ... right in front of Patrick and Anthony. The lights dimmed ... an announcement was made ... our entertainers are here, but their luggage was lost ... their regular 'costuming' did not arrive ... like any of us would care! Anthony and Patrick were introduced and came onto the stage. We could see they were bit embarrassed about being in street clothes. Anthony announced that the day had made them feel like they had "been pulled through a hedge backwards". He went on to say that Patrick's music was with their luggage, but as he had played the songs a time or two before, well ... he thought Patrick would do just fine. He said they would do their very best for us. They proceeded to enthall us with their music. I'm not good at song lists, so I'll leave that to someone else. I'm always too busy paying attention to every word that's sung. Let it suffice to say, Anthony sang as beautifully as he always does. And he truly lit up the entire place with that beautiful smile. After four or five songs, he left us to be entertained by Patrick, who gave us his summary of the days events.

"The day started at 7am when there was a knock on my door. My breakfast literally fell into my room ... there was eggs on the rug, toast on my bed and tea dripping from my foot. Fortunately, as with many American hotels, the tea was only tepid. When my second cup of tea arrived it was time to leave. Our plane took off and after a bit in the air, the pilotess ... lady pilot ... the lady in charge of the plane announced we had to turn around. We then took an airal tour of Philadelphia for a half hour. I told Anthony if he ever sings "Off to Philadelphia" again ... I won't speak to him ever again". The only other flight to Detroit was at 3:20pm ... they gathered to board that plane only to learn there was no crew. So they left Philadelphia at 4:20 ... (keep in mind the concert was scheduled originally for 4:30pm). "We landed and then taxied around for a tour of Detroi t ... finally we were able to get off the plane and RAN to gather our luggage. We stood for about 20 minutes and then I told Anthony ... I don't think there is anyone back there. I was right! No luggage. It's sitting on the runway in Philadelphia and I hope it's having a wonderful time. And now here we are with you wonderful people who waited for us". He then sang "Galway Bay" for us. And did it beautifully too, I might add.

The concert proceeded and, as always, was delightful. During the second half, after finishing one song, Patrick stood up and started looking inside and under the piano. Anthony looked around and asked "What are you doing"? Patrick said "Not only have I no clothes ... I've developed a rattle"! Anthony laughed and said "maybe the engine is about to fail".

For having no music and no "proper costuming", this concert was absolutely wonderful. It was more fun than I've had in a long time. At the end, Anthony promised to return next year "but to arrive a day early".

On to the meet and gree t ... St. Patrick's had gone all out. Tons of food and drink ... china and silverwar ... great people. Anthony and Patrick arrived and sat at a table and proceeded to sign anything and everything placed before them. They took the time to thank each and every person for waiting. Gracious to the end of the night.

Needless to say, they made many new fans and proved once again that they are worth any and all effort it takes on our part to gather where they are to witness their performances.

God Bless these dear men for all their efforts on our behalf! Here's hoping today was a better one for flying!