BENAROYA HALL
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
DECEMBER 18, 2006
A New Tenor Convert for Sure
By Josh Smith
I first heard of the Irish Tenors at a dinner party in Naples from an Irish woman
who lives there. My Dad who is now 92 years old is a tenor who also taught ballroom
dancing, but I had no interest in listening to anything other than Rock music growing up.
When the Irish woman played Boolavogue for me. I was told the story of the
history behind this song and why it was so important to all Irish people.
I was told how the Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns became famous after winning
a competition by singing down the telephone.
She introduced me to the magnificent voice of Finbar Wright, described by her
as one of world's nicest people. He had achieved success and fame long before
he joined the tenors and sang at the Pope's Mass when the good man from
Rome was in Ireland.
I liked what I heard and planned to attend an Irish Tenors concert on 18th.
December in Seattle. So that I would better enjoy the concert I was guided
down the telephone through the various tenor websites so that I would learn
who was who.
I was delighted I did this as I was in the elevator at the Benaroya Hall when I was
joined by none other than the Irish Tenors and a man who must have been
their agent, Sean Casey.
Karl Scully was next to me and instinctively I said "Hello Karl". He seemed very
happy, outgoing and friendly. The other members were quiet but polite. They
agreed to allow some photos to be taken at the Meet and Greet.
I had met many great stars over the years but I felt spellbound in the presence of
the Irish Tenors. I was in the presence of greatness but they were all so humble.
From the moment the show began with The Harp that Once Through Tara's Hall to
the end of the concert when they sang Danny Boy I was thrilled and amazed.
I particularly liked O Holy Night, Isle of Hope and The Lord's Prayer.
I was amazed that a group of tenors sang Fairy Tale of New York, but it was just
magnificent. I had been told it had been written by Shane McGowan (the Gaelic
of Smith) of the Pogues.
The Pogues got their name from the Gaelic word for Kiss which is Pog. The Pogues
are alleged to have chosen the name from a more lengthy translation of one of the
very few vulgar expressions in the Gaelic Language, a phrase that should never be
used on being corrected for any infractions by one's boss.
A Meet and Greet is just a wonderful idea. I have had some very exciting
experiences in my lifetime since I played on stage with my hero Angus Young and
AC/DC in 1986 during the opening number which I still remember was Who Made Who.
I have actually met Slash of Guns & Roses. It was Jimmy Page's daughter Scarlet who
took my photo which appeared in a European magazine. Jimmy Page was a founder
of Led Zeppelin who once performed with the Yardbirds. Scarlet is a famous Rock Photographer.
These were all huge thrills but after sitting and listening to the Irish Tenors for the first
time ever, and getting to shake their hands in appreciation after the concert,
surpasses all thrills I have ever had.
In years to come I will be boasting that I once shared the elevator with some of
most talented guys on earth the Irish Tenors and Sean Casey of CMI Entertainment
who bring over all the great artists from Ireland.
After meeting the guys again at the Meet and Greet I rushed out to make a call to
find out more about some of the songs I had heard.
I needed to know about the song about somebody in need. I was informed that
this was Anthony singing "If I can help somebody". I needed to know the name of
the beautiful holy song that Finbar sang, and learned it was "Great Thou Art".
At the Meet and Greet it was very disappointing to be told that we were not allowed
use the flashes in our cameras. If the Irish Tenors felt flash bulbs hurt their eyes,
well that was fine. I hope it was they who gave the order. It was a little dark to
take photos without the flash turned on.
In less than half an hour after the concert, thanks to our neighbor here in Seattle,
Bill Gates, the photos were on their way to this website a thousand miles away.
My father loves to sing to people and really enjoys singing "When Irish Eyes are Smiling"
and even asked that to be sung at his funeral. I wish he could have experienced this
concert with me. He was thrilled that I was going to this special concert and
even asked me to buy a CD for him.
I bought WE THREE KINGS for him and listened again and again all night long to the
spectacular voices of Finbar and Anthony.
It really comforted me to think just what a wonderful night I had at this Benefit Concert
for Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and the Ballard-Northwest Senior Center.
It was a very joyous but very sad time for me because my own father was spending
his first night in a Seattle Nursing Home.
Josh Smith
December, 2006.
(Josh Smith is a promoter for a Rock Band)
Josh with the Tenors.
