EauCStPaul - Page: 1 of 1

I don't care for flying, so it was with some trepidation, and great
anticipation, that I boarded the plane to Chicago, and then to Minneapolis,
for the final two concerts of Anthony Kearns' Fall 2004 Tour. I've said
before that a Kearns solo concert is worth the trip from anywhere, and the
statement still holds true. This was a grueling tour, and I'm sure both
Anthony and Patrick were glad to see the finish line. Although he was very
tired, Anthony was in fine voice, and at both concerts, we were treated to
some exquisite singing. I've now found it true in Wisconsin and Minnesota,
as well as in the northeast, that although the audience loves to hear
Anthony sing the Irish favorites, it's the arias and Italian songs they
love the best. At both concerts, he tossed off "Mattinata" with great
flourish, and ringing high notes. "Granada" was splendid and he held the
high notes for perhaps an extra beat, and brought the audience to its feet.

He paid homage to Mario Lanza with a lush "Because You're Mine", and a
wonderful "With a Song in My Heart." Lanza would be proud to hand over
those two songs to Anthony Kearns (and probably a little jealous, as well.)
Anthony also paid loving homage to poet Thomas Moore, by singing 3 songs
based on Moore's words: "Love Thee Dearest", a jewel of a song - "Meeting of
the Waters", and an absolutely exquisite "She is Far From the Land." I've
wanted to hear him sing this song in concert for 2 years, and he didn't
disappoint.

At the final concert in St. Paul, Anthony and Patrick pulled
out all the stops for their duet Friendship, "written by the man himself",
as Anthony said. Both men really got into the fun, singing exaggeratedly,
and using endearing facial expressions. The audience was really tickled by
lines such as Patrick's "I've got my bus pass,", and Anthony's
response - "I've a Mer-ced-es Benz!" and the favorite--Patrick's "When I sing
op-er-a, people pray", followed by Anthony's "I make my dollars in the
U-S-of A!" And as always, Anthony graciously acknowledged Patrick's
talents. The lovely duet "We'll Gather Lilacs", from the operetta
"Perchance to Dream", by Ivor Novello, was beautifully and movingly sung
(and spoken), and the story line of the song was very topical, with so many
husbands and wives, sons and daughters in Iraq. I saw several members of
the audience wiping away tears on both evenings. At the end of the final
concert in St. Paul, the appreciative audience didn't want to let the men
go, and after not too much coaxing, Anthony obliged with a marvelous "O
Sole Mio." It was a fitting end to the tour, since Anthony Kearns' voice
always brings the sun to wherever he's singing.

Patrick Healy was his usual wonderful self. I could just stop there,
but then I couldn't mention that being the trouper, and comsummate
professional he is, he continued on with the tour, even after finding out
that his oldest (and only) sister had passed away. Putting his grief on
hold, he still delighted the audiences with "The Foggy Dew", "And Her
Mother Came, Too", also by Ivor Novello, and a very funny reading of a
mother's letter to her son, besides his artistry at the piano.

I'll also make mention of a young violinist, Bridget McCarthy, from
St. Paul, now studying at the New England Conservatory of Music. She
played several songs, and she coaxes a lovely tone from her violin. Her
accompanist was Michael Loonan, and he is a superb
"accompanist-in-the-making." There's an art to accompanying, and a distinct
difference between a pianist, and an accompanist.

When I told Michael how impressed I was with his skills, he said that listening to Patrick Healy during rehearsals was like a "clinic for accompanists."

Thankfully, I made it back to CT in one piece, and I wish the same
"safe travels" to Anthony, Patrick, and Vince. And a huge THANK YOU, for a
magnificent tour!

Berta Calechman