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I might as well get my grumbling out of the way, right at the start. The MelodyTent in Cape Cod is a terrible venue. Well, maybe I should say it's not a good venue for The Irish Tenors, and those of us who want to see the emotion in those handsome faces, as they're singing their hearts out. I'm afraid I was very vocal about my dislike of the tent, but the turntable wasn't working correctly, and all I can say is, it's a good thing the guys washed their necks and their ears, because with very few exceptions, that's all I could see of them! Thankfully, I could still hear, because they were all in spectacular voice, aside from a few musical mishaps. Anthony sang "The West's Awake" magnificently, and when he finished his last, high note, a man behind me just said "Wow!" And "The Old Bog Road" was eloquently, and beautifully sung, with a poignancy that fit the emotional words. How many times now, have I heard "Love Thee Dearest?" It's a tribute to the wonderful music, and the beauty of Anthony's voice, that no one ever tires of hearing him sing it. Anthony's voice was especially fluid this night, and he added embellishments to several songs, making them forever his own, because few voices can wrap themselves around the notes as Anthony's can. It was absolutely lovely.

And may I say for the record....Finbar looked gorgeous!! In his red vest, with his longish, dark hair, and his most animated stage demeanor, he was mesmerizing. He sounded the best I've ever heard him. I loved "Nora", which we all know is "Maggie", but I'm partial to the Nora version, and he sang it beautifully. "South of the Border", with no explanation about Jimmy Kennedy from County Tyrone, was fabulous! It did prompt some laughs from those who didn't know the history of the song, but the applause was deafening when he finished, and he added an "ole", which I haven't heard him do in awhile. He did his thing with Arnie about "Folsom Prison Blues", and proceeded to sing several bars, and he was great. Maybe it should be part of his concerts in the future!

Ronan was great! And let me say, he is very agile. It was nervewracking to me to watch all three lads negotiate the ramps, but it was worrisome to watch Ronan go back and forth, and at one point, the turntable stopped at the wrong place, and Anthony jumped off the stage. When he saw that Ronan needed a little help, he came back and held out his arms as if to catch Ronan, and the audience laughed, and applauded. Finally, Ronan partially shimmied down a pole to solid ground. When he came back onstage, he said "listen, I don't mind you moving the stage while I'm singing, but please get me back home." He was in great voice as well, and sang an especially moving "Grandfather's Emigrant Eyes", after he thanked the audience for all the support he'd received during the past 5 years. "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen", not one of my favorite songs, nevertheless was beautifully and expansively sung.

The trios were marvelously sung,and as usual "My Heart Will Go On", brought down the house, as did "Whiskey in the Jar", "Spanish Lady" (where once again, Anthony's "Lady" shaved and waxed her legs!), and "Go, Lassie, Go", where the three men tried to outdo one another with their high stepping."

The more I hear Arnie Roth conduct, the more impressed I am, with his technique, and his control of the orchestra. He's a wonderful musician, and it shows in his expert conducting, and his deference to his singers. To me, it looks as if his singers respect and trust him. That's the mark of a fine conductor.

Well, only two concerts left. Of course we wish Ronan Godspeed. But please, Anthony. Please, Finbar. Don't leave us adrift, with no Irish Tenor concerts to look forward to. You've meant too much to all of us.

Berta Calechman