This was our first Irish Tenor concert. The tickets were an early Christmas present and a wonderful present it turned out to be!
What an elegant show, with all the bells & whistles! The orchestra of about 40 did a great job as a fantastic Christmas backdrop surrounded the entire show. There was special effect lighting with a wide range of constantly changing colors that fit the music throughout the evening.
These guys know what they are doing - real laid back showmen that purport such a wonderful perspective of our Irish ancestory (and their own) . Especially Martha's -(maiden name Martha Jo Kelly) - and what a treat it was for her - the next best thing is a trip to Ireland someday.
The stage was laced with vivid red poinsettias with fog type presentations from time to time - a great backdrop to such a crowd pleasing trio of Irish talent.
Finding the Mann Hall was tough - no signs when approaching from the North - but the parking situation was.great. Although it was a cool night, the Hall was hot. There was an older crowd - and we noticed some taking aspirin, etc. during intermission, to cut the headaches they'd gotten from the heat..
Martha's mother's (and her) favorites were sung. Finbar did " How Great Thou Art" and all three performed "Go Tell It On The Mountain " especially significant as Martha's mother's birthday was November 28. (She died about 5years ago .)
The first half was dedicated to mostly Christmas music as was the latter portion of the second half. Christmas songs started with "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and went on to include such favorites as "Silent Night, "O Holy Night", "Mary's Boy Child", "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and a fun song I wasn't familiar with - "Fairytale of New York." The first part of the second half was an ensemble of tear jerking Irish songs - one dedicated to the 1916 liberation. A couple of songs were in Italian, I think, and French, and the last of three encores had a Latin theme, "Amigos Para Siempre". with lots of energy and fun gestures coming mostly from Ronan. There were three standing ovations!
There wasn't much chit chat from the three but when they did explain something, or jest a bit, it was all well said and extremely appropriate - FUN for us.
There wasn't a full house, but the auditorium were certainly nearly full and those that were there enjoyed every minute.
Martha and Winsor Eveland
Englewood, FL
WE THREE KINGS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
"THE IRISH CROWD PLEEZERS"
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Ft Myers FL
November 28, 2003