MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
SOUTH BEND, IN
NOVEMBER 5, 2004
Hi Gang,
I just got home from staying the night in South Bend after the concert last
night. It was absolutely wonderful, to borrow a few words from Finbar. I have
never seen the Irish Tenors having more fun during a concert!! The friendship
and the genuine liking for each other showed through clear and bright last
night.
I would say that the venue was about 90% full of people that were there to
have a good time and boy, did Finbar, Anthony and John provide!! I have to admit
maybe sitting in the very front row of the pit between Finbar and Anthony
might have clouded my mind a wee bit, but again, it was just a great concert. John
adds so much to the sound of the Irish Tenors. For those that were maybe a
bit worried about the blend, don't be!! You will love it. I promise!!
John's own brand of subtle humor came through all evening. When Finbar said
that they were glad to be in South Bend, the home of the Fighting Irish, John
took up a boxer's stance and kind of punched at Anthony, who did the same thing
back to him. Finbar sings" I Will Take You Home Kathleen" with such feeling, but
as John and Anthony were leaving the stage for him to sing this song, John told
Finbar to bring her home this time. LOL
I have to say that the new CD has to be great. We were privileged to hear
selections from the recording. I think everyone is going to be very happy when they
can get their hands on it. Finbar mentioned it and said it was in a slow oven,
so that meant it was baking slowing!! Finbar's" Morning Has Broken" is not to be missed, and Anthony's " If I can Help Someone" really is special. I don't if John singing " Legacy" is on the CD, but it should be. Special is an understatement.
There were several funny moments during the performance, one was during" Go
Lassie Go". Finbar and Anthony did their usual high stepping and John stood in
one spot and crossed on foot over the other side to side very slowly. I cannot
remember the last song in the concert, before the encore, but before it
was done, John got up beside David, the conductor, and turned to Finbar and Anthony and asked, "do we know this song'"? They sure did! It is one by Stevie Wonder and it takes your breath away, I can tell you that. John's gentle humor was really appreciated by all there.
There wasn't a M & G, but against my better judgment I went to the stage door
with a few others. We waited about 20 or 30 minutes and out came John. He
signed autographs and posed for pictures and then just walked down the block
towards the hotel. After about 15 minutes or so, out came Finbar and Anthony and they spent time with the few of the gang that were waiting. They did not seem in a
hurry so pictures were taken and autographs were signed. They then got in their
transportation and were taken back to the hotel.
I have to say you going to the St. Louis concert are in for a treat!! Now I
wish I would have kept my ticket to NJ on the 13th. This grouping can only get
better as they go forward, as Anthony said as the last song was being sung and
the introductions of the group were done, " WE ARE THE IRISH TENORS"!!!
Susan Swinehart
