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April 13, 2006. Houston, we have liftoff. I may still be in orbit. "If Spock were here, he'd say that I was an irrational, illogical human being for going on a mission like this....... Sounds like fun!" - Kirk (star trek). The concert was fun! It seemed to take forever to get here. It was to be the first time I got to see Celtic Woman in concert. Such anticipation these girls can create. It began while watching them on PBS. I became an instant fan. I bought their DVD which I’ve watched countless times and the anticipation kept building. Nine months is a long time to wait. Just ask your mother.
But I didn’t have to wait this out alone. At some point I found the forum. What a relief!
People that shared the same enthusiasm. It was like having your own support group for this anticipation addiction I had. Besides that there were a lot of nice folks there. I have to give a special Thank You here. People like Danielle, Jan, Beth, there are others. Down this long winding road to the concert you meet people on the way. I got to meet Jan and Beth, wonderful thoughtful people. And Danielle, she’s done so much for CW fans. The experience I have had just would not have been the same without all of them. They, along with others at the forum I like to refer to as my first meet and greet with Celtic Woman. I feel I owe them. Thanks to all of you. I’ll never forget you.
I played drums for the dance band in school. Every year we had to provide the music for the school’s variety show. I remember one year the director of the show saying, “leave the audience wanting more.” Ok, I thought, no encores, nothing extra, everybody perform their one act, that’s it. Of course, what he meant was give the quality of performance that leaves the audience wanting more. Celtic Woman could sing until the sun came up. We would have wanted more. A wonderful performance and the girls were having fun too. I felt happy and sad after the last song. It’s over. However, lucky for me I had a meet and greet ticket. Actually, two of them.
You know, a decision had to be made between which one of three daughters would accompany me. The one who was about to deliver my granddaughter won out. I guess I figured she understood what it meant to wait 9 months.
It seemed to me there was a good size crowd for the meet and greet. We were next to last in line. I figured these girls had to be a little tired. Perhaps more so by the time they got to us. If they were, they didn’t show it.
Meeting any of these girls is such a thrill. I adore all of them. It’s just that the M&G goes so fast. Maybe that’s a good thing. Approaching them I felt like I was 13 again. You know the feeling. Like when you’re at a school dance and you’re trying to build up the nerve to ask a girl to dance. What do I say? Don’t make a fool of yourself. Be cool. No good reason to be this way, but I was nervous.
Maybe I’ll bring my grandson next time. That way if I say something foolish it doesn’t matter. He wouldn’t understand, I don’t think. I talked to him about coming. He said, “I don’t want to see any girls sing, they’ll hurt my ears.” Kids, they have so much to learn. Ok, I probably played the CD too loud.
I met Mairead first. She looks like a beautiful princess. I handed her the “Raining Up” album cover. It already had her autograph on it (I ordered it from her website). I asked if she could personalize it. When she saw that she already signed it, she goes “OH!” She is so nice! If I had the nerve I would have given her a hug. But, it would not have been the proper thing to do. Besides, she has a good right arm from all the fiddling she does. She could hurt me. Not that she would. She is precious.
She also signed the programme for me. I told her I was amazed how she could move like she does and play so well. I wish I had more time with her.
I did want to tell her how she inspired me to start studying piano. I believe she’s inspired a good number of people to play, particularly the fiddle. That’s a real tribute to her because she displays such a joy with the music she plays. You can feel it and see it. I like to see her smile when she plays. It’s no nice to see her enjoying herself with that fiddle. She’s one of a kind. Simply a superb musical talent! I play her CD often, a nice mix of songs and I highly recommend it. In fact I wrote a review on Amazon. Five stars of course.
Then I meet Meav. I think I introduced myself first, I honestly can’t remember. She signed my CD cover and programme. She’s so beautiful. As she was signing the programme I blurted out, “I’m going to San Antonio tomorrow to see you sing again.” She looked up from the programme she was signing and said, “Really?” Then I said very sincerely, “Ohooo you bet Meav.” I know what you’re thinking, Lester is that the best you could come up with? This is Meav you’re talking to. Well, at least I was enthusiastic.
I think I remember the corners of her mouth turning up a little like a smile after I said that. Although I couldn’t blame her if she was trying not to laugh. The look on my face had to be so sincere. I find myself laughing thinking about it now. Actually it would have been nice to hear her laughter at that moment. I’ll figure out a way if there’s ever a next time. Yeah, I really did feel like I was 13.
I can’t recall other discussions but did want to tell Meav that I taught Danny Boy to two small girls from the family several years ago. I had them memorize it and then sing it to me. Meav’s voice, the feeling she puts into this song makes it so special. I really appreciate her talent. Such a terrific performer, I just love to watch her sing. She Moved Through The Fair is another of my favorites. On her CD, The Last Rose Of Summer, just beautiful. So happy she continued singing as opposed to practicing law.
It was time for the picture. We weren’t aligned properly for the photo. So Meav took charge. She says, “To the left, one, two, one, two.” Just like a country girl. I mean here we were arms around each other doing a little Texas Two Step in perfect unison. Well, that’s not exactly how you dance the Texas Two Step but it was good enough for me. How many can say they danced with Meav and Mairead? (see below for the Texas Two Step) ***
Meav and Mairead, the M&M’s, just like Maris and Mantle from the old Yankees who hit home runs. The girls hit a home run for me. I wouldn’t forget the experience, who could.
It’s not that often you get to meet someone you hold in such high regard. Someone that has had a profound effect on you. I felt so honored and privileged standing there with them.
Like Elvis once said, “Music should be something that makes you gotta move, inside or outside.” These girls move me. Meeting them is like experiencing the high note. It still rings in me. What can I say, I love these girls. I’ll grow up another day.
Thanks Meav and Mairead.
And to Marie,
Thanks for making this possible. I’m sure Meav has to be proud of the work you do for her and for her fans. Thanks so much.
I wrote a poem for this. I wrote a few lines spur of the moment for something else a couple of weeks ago. So I thought I would try it for this. This is new for me. The only concept I have of poetry is perhaps using some rhythm and rhyme. No idea what I’m doing, just pen to paper. I’m not a writer. So please forgive me as you read. Inspiration did it to me. I simply wanted to express my appreciation of them and feelings for their music. They really are special.
Lester B
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