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It was a long drive to Villa Roma, six hours as a matter of fact. And as I was driving through the Catskills I was wishing this particular concert had been scheduled for peak foliage season. The views were spectacular, even in a season of bare trees and gray/brown grass. I could just imagine what October would be like.

Villa Roma Resort nestles in hills at the side of a quiet country road which could, I expect, be impassible in winter.

I was going to a concert by ANTHONY KEARNS, of course. And while that in itself would be enough, this wasn't just any concert, but an Irish weekend. Villa Roma apparently has two Irish weekends a year and has had for more than 15 years.

After checking in and making arrangements to attend Anthony's concert, I went to the main dining area where Irish bread, Irish beer, Irish cream and soft drinks were being served while Willie Lynch sang traditional Irish music. This was a perfect start to a wonderful, fun-filled evening.

Dinner would be a traditional meal of Irish potato-leek soup, pork, potatoes and dessert. After dinner, another Irish Tenor, Noel Kingston, would do a pre-performance show in the Forum Club. The club had tables and chairs on several levels (Las Vegas style) and probably holds several hundred patrons. As I arrived early, I was able to get one of the front tables and was hoping to take good photos (I'm one of Gail's site photographers, pressed into service as a reviewer, as I seem to be the only "regular" here.) With Forum Club reservations completed, I headed for the main dining area in hopes of making my reservation for dinner.

The main dining room is located on the second floor and today, had a purpose besides dining. Edmund Sullivan, an American born artist specializing in Irish life, was, in addition to displaying his paintings, offering something very special. He had one painting that was part of a raffle prize. Anyone who added a few strokes to this particular painting was eligible to win it, and a second, completed painting. All of the artists performing that weekend were adding a stroke or two and were also signing on the back.

As I was waiting to be seated, I looked towards the painting and discovered none other than Anthony Kearns, Patrick Healy and Vince Mitchell receiving instructions from Edmund Sullivan. As I always have my camera with me, I took advantage of the opportunity to snap a few photos as each added his mark.

(You'll find the photos in Anthony's Solo Concert Photos under Villa Roma.)

I enjoyed what was, indeed, a wonderful dinner and then added a few strokes of my own to the painting. And yes, I do know where Anthony painted and in what color. I was fortunate enough to get a picture of the painting and am hoping it will come out well.

Then, on to the Forum Club for an evening of entertainment which included Noel Kingston and others . Anthony was the main performer.

Noel Kingston mentioned that Anthony lives in the highest town in Wexford...and alluded to the fact that neither Villa Roma, in the Catskills, or Wexford, are exactly in the Alps.

In introducing Patrick, Anthony let the audience know that the two of them had been working together for 11 years.

The two performed continually, no intermission, for approximately 1 1/2 hours. I didn't get the entire list of songs because I was too busy listening and taking pictures, but I know he included these:

The Old House
The Gentle Maiden
Trottin' to the Fair
The Star of County Down
Mother Macree
Because You're Mine
With a Song in My Heart
Little Grey Home in the West
Off to Philadelphia
O Sole Mio
Danny Boy
Granada

I know I missed a few selections. Anthony also sang "The Meeting of the Waters" which was new to me. He asked if anyone had been to Wexford and a few people clapped. He the asked if anyone had been to another town...a name I didn't recognize and can't quite remember. Apparently the song was written on a tree (sounds strange, but I thought that's what he said) and there is a plaque marking the spot.

Oh, and Anthony said "Heritage," taped in Chicago, should be out in June. He didn't specify whether he meant the DVD or the PBS showing.

All in all, it was a usual Kearns concert. Thoroughly enjoyable. Anthony charmed the audience with his wonderful voice and Patrick, as always, contributed his delightful songs and stories. The audience showed their appreciation with constant clapping but with few of the standing ovations we've come to expect when a large contingent of "regulars" is on hand. There may have been others there, but if so, I didn't see them.

I started my journey home early the next morning. Those of you who have been there know the Catskills are beautiful, rolling hills, with frequent long, uphill climbs. At the peak of one such climb, I was greeted with the site of a young deer doing the "Dublin Saunter" across the highway. Yes, I had plenty of time to stop as no one was behind me. I was surprised by the deer's complete lack of concern as I passed him. He continued to simply saunter along.

Memories of the Photographer