Loading ...Celtic Thunder Plays Palace Theater – Albany NY Oct 11, 2009
By CelticFawn
You could feel the excitement mounting in the theater as we all heard the weather report! Celtic Thunder was on its way! The lovely Palace Theater, complete with ornate trim and a cozy balcony area, was the perfect place to enjoy the show. As you walked in and espied the shipwreck and rocks on the stage, you knew you were in for a treat. When the lights dimmed and the thunder started to roll, it was proof you were right all along! After the monks chant their way across the stage, and you take in the haunting voice of Ryan Kelly singing the opening of the song, you see the wonder of all of Celtic Thunder on the stage. Ryan Kelly, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, Damian McGinty, and George Donaldson.
Celtic Thunder is 5 male solo artists, each with a different style and personality, who prove that when you put your differences aside, beautiful music can be made. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the show in Albany. The above picture was taken from my seat, 5th row floor and found I didn’t miss anything from where I was sitting. There was enough of an incline that the person in front of me didn’t block my view. The seats were set more in a semi circle, so even being on the side of the theater didn’t keep me from being able to enjoy the show.
The men of Celtic Thunder were a wonder to behold. Ryan, the bad boy “Dark Destroyer” captures your heart and breaks it all in one evening. Keith, the blonde surfer, dazzles you with his skillful guitar playing and songwriting skills, as well as his playful nature. Paul, the romantic Tenor, sweeps you off your feet and takes your breathe away with his powerful voice. Damian, the boy wonder, the youngest of the group, takes you back to a time of innocence and reminds you of what it was like to be a teen. And last, but surely not least, is George, the stable, settled one, reminds you how important it is to have family, love and security in your life.
This entire journey takes place through the gift of music, ranging from pop classics such as Happy Birthday Sweet 16 and Desperado, traditional Irish songs, including Danny Boy, and original music written by legendary Phil Coulter.
My personal journey was a wonderful one. The guys like to reach out to the audience and interact in small ways, or just have fun with each other on stage. Good examples are best seen during Caledonia where Damian has to hold his kilt down to protect it from the rest of the guys, Paul lifting his to show the women his leg (be prepared to hear screams), Keith bending over to pull up his falling socks, or Ryan waving to various people in the audience. Caledonia is not the only place this type of thing happens, so watch carefully, you never know what you are going to see. After the show, I went out back to the stage door and waited with a good number of people in hopes of seeing the guys. I did get to see them all, but not all of them were able to stop and visit. It is understandable, since they did have either family there, or fighting off a cold. Ryan always seems to find the time to stop and say hello, and treat the fans to his special attention. I must say here that I am a Ryan fan and was thrilled when he stopped to sign for me. (unfortunately, I have no picture of us in Albany, but I do have one from Portland, Oregon when they were there last year). All in all, I would recommend seeing them for a wonderful experience! I will go back again.
Ryan and I in Portland, Oregon December 6, 2008
This is one of him signing autographs at the stage door in Albany.
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