On August 30, my mom and I went to go see Celtic Thunder at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. It was an incredible show, full of emotion and laughter and amazing music.
I was one of the youngest people who went to see this show. From my experience, young people don’t know about them. Perhaps they’ve never been exposed to it. Maybe they think the idea of “celtic” is weird. But let me try to explain why CT is so awesome, and maybe I shall convert you to the celtic ways! *evil laugh*
1. Their voices are beautiful.
At any one time, there are five or six singers of Celtic Thunder who perform at a show. Members change due to illness, other music opportunities, or other life changes. But every man who sings with the groups has a beautiful, distinct voice, rich and full of emotion. They hit the notes in such a way that just makes your heart melt, or that sends shivers down your skin. They get into the song, and you can see the emotion on their faces as they sing. Their voices sound like…chocolate, or velvet. Sometimes they’re soft and dark, other times, they’re voices are brighter. Either way, the music is beautiful to listen to.
2. They make every song their own.
I’ve written about folk music before, and all those reasons why I love it apply to CT as well. But CT puts their own twist on the songs, adding sweet harmonies and counter melodies. They also sing covers of popular songs—“I Wanna Know What Love Is”, “Home”, “The Boys Are Back in Town”, to name a few—and they make every song their own. I know that may make some people upset; if they cover isn’t done right, then it doesn’t sound good, right? But I think Celtic Thunder does a fantastic job with every song they sing.
3. It’s a show, not a concert.
I know what you’re thinking—what’s the difference? At concerts, you have people crowding the stage, heart pounding music, screaming fans, sweat and lights and overall excitement. At a Celtic Thunder show, it’s like a performance. The music is different. There is dancing, visuals, acting. Most of the songs they sing, folk or otherwise, tell a story, and the members of CT act out that story with every note, every move.
4. They have fun.
Many of these songs are meant to be fun or silly. One song in particular is called “Seven Drunken Nights”. Only five nights are ever mentioned in the song (Monday-Friday), and everyone gets a night. They act out the story of the song, and you can see and hear them laughing as they sing. It’s contagious, and it makes you feel like you’re part of the show. They have funny little skits making fun of each other. You can see their joy and love of performing when they’re on stage.
5. They’re a family.
Most bands are like this, and Celtic Thunder is no different. You can see the affection and love and respect they all have for each other. They treated their youngest member, Damian McGinty (love him, btw), like a kid brother. When the oldest member, George Donaldson, passed away, they dedicated a song to him at their next show. They still make posts saying how much they miss him.
Celtic Thunder is an incredible band, and I love listening to them. Give them a listen by clicking the video below, and you’ll see what I mean :)
