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Volume I Number 3 |
June 2009 |
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Welcometo the June 2009 issue of theLisa Kelly Fan Club Newsletter |
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 Thank you for visiting our fan site and for your interest in Lisa's Fan Club.
Welcome to the June 2009 issue of The Voice. The Isle of Hope tour is now in its final month, building toward a memorable conclusion at Red Rocks, CO, on July 1 and 2. We hope you enjoy this issue, and we're always open to suggestions and reader input. If you'd like us to include your original work (articles, reviews, graphics, etc.) send them to us at rich@lisakellyfan.com. Our features this month include our review contest winners and a delightful interview with Helen Kelly below. There's also a new Q&A with Lisa, new Adventures of Celtic Chicken, new articles and poetry, and a few chuckles. Check our News Bytes for a cool free download! Enjoy yourself, and let us know if you have any suggestions or questions.
Dat Ol' Fat Guy |
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Message from Lisa
Hi Everyone, Hope you are all well. I'd like to thank you all for the very kind birthday cards and lovely thoughtful gifts!. I may never have to buy a Starbucks ever again after all the vouchers I received!!!! Of course, the Karen Carpenter sheet music and signature was incredible and something I'll treasure forever. Thanks to you all! Well we're nearing the end of our tour now and I honestly think it's been one of the most enjoyable. We've been to some wonderful venues and got to meet some great people. And thanks to you all for all your support and encouragement. You have no idea how much it means to us.
Thank you again.
As always, thanks to Rich for all the hard work he does.
See you all soon. |
Our First Contest Winners |
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It was really tough selecting winners in our review contest. We received so many great articles. The following two members have won their choice of any item in the Fan Club Gift Shop.Congratulations Kevin and Martin on your winning entries.
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Review of the Celtic Woman Isle of Hope Show at the Dunkin Donuts Center, March 4, 2009 in Providence,R.I.by Kevin Kurowski
The show started precisely at 8:00 p.m. as the stage lights dimmed and a fog enveloped the center of the stage. A petite, stunning vision of a blonde lady emerged carrying a large violin and a long bow which she pointed at one of the two percussionists. The spotlight lit up the drums which thundered alive then this 'fairy' dressed in white pointed the bow at the other with the same results....very dramatic. Then I heard some of the sweetest fiddle music this side of Heaven. This was followed by four equally stunning visions walking single file down the center of the stage dressed in rust color, blue, green, and red gowns. I was then treated to four of the most beautiful voices imaginable. The sound system was superb allowing each talented voice to be heard clearly. Lisa Kelly and Chloe Agnew's voices are as beautiful (even more so with a good sound system) as remembered from the TV specials. I was particularly curious to hear Lynn Hilary and Alex Sharpe and I must say I was very impressed and pleased at what I heard and saw. Lynn definitely does justice to the "Irishy Stuff" as she once described it. All CW fans know what Dulaman should sound like, it's an all time CW favorite. Well, Lynn most certainly does justice to it as it sounded "just right". When Alex sang her first solo, that loud "thud" that could be heard was my jaw hitting the floor as I listened to one of the sweetest voices I've ever heard. Lisa singing her signature "The Voice" is really something that needs to be heard live. With the thundering drums, it's an experience to be heard and felt. The person next to me just sat back at its conclusion and exclaimed "WOW!" Chloe's voice gets even more beautiful as she matures. At the end of one of her solos, she blew a kiss to the guitarist, popped up in the air (a la Mairead) and ran off the stage, If anyone hadn't been a Chloe fan yet, they instantly became one then. Then of course there's the one and only Mairead. No one on earth does what she does. If you've seen her on the TV specials and wondered "can she really move like that?" the answer is a resounding YES. She bounds across the stage twirling and leaping (in heels no less) playing the best fiddle music you'll ever hear. The CW "standards" the fans all know sound just perfect when heard live. Spanish Lady, Mo Ghile Mear and At the Ceili all sound exactly as you expect and want them to sound. The new numbers are in some cases songs already familiar from other artists. The new numbers written for the tour are explained by Chloe in a lovely Irish accent. The audience was treated to two encores after which five gracious ladies come back on stage where Lisa thanked the audience for being so wonderful and with extended arms they applauded US (!) with Mairead pointing her fiddle bow over her head at the audience and wiggled it at everyone. The audience was treated to two hours of glorious music, great musicians, wonderful sets and five of the most talented ladies on earth. |
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Review of the Celtic Woman Isle of Hope Show at the Civic Auditorium, May 3, 2009 in San Jose, Californiaby Martin Mills
Wow! ... I could stop there, and my review would be complete, but I can't bring myself to stop there. If you've seen the Celtic Woman Isle of Hope performance, then you know what I mean. If you have not, then no words I use could do it justice. I am no stranger to hearing and seeing Celtic Woman perform on the screen, but to be there in person, with these amazing musicians, so far from their homes, but right in front of me, was a dream come true. Even now, 12 hours after the San Jose, California show ended, I can hardly believe that it was real. Like most of us fans, I went to the show filled with anticipation. I could really relate to "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" as the song paralleled the emotions of my first time watching Celtic Woman perform live. I had so much hope and anticipation going into this show, and the emotional journey of the show brought many tears streaming forth. I hoped the night would never end. The show was exquisite in every way. Had you come just for the music and kept your eyes closed the entire time, you would still have been amazed. The material that was chosen was a perfect balance of songs familiar to Celtic Woman fans, songs that first-time listeners would recognize, and songs that were new to us all. Likewise, the arrangements and performances delicately blended the familiar with innovation. Even the most discerning listener would have been impressed by the auditory experience. The music was at times as grand as one could imagine then suddenly as soft as a whisper on a spring breeze. David Downes did another fine job of producing a show that fills your senses with harmony and percussion that you can feel as much as hear, then captivates you with a clear solitary voice sustaining a single note. From four part a cappella harmony on "Danny Boy" to Lisa blessing us with her performance of "The Blessing", the show balanced ensemble and solo performances perfectly. The musicians did not miss a beat and Máiréad kept us all in high spirits. Those who have seen Celtic Woman perform, anticipate that they will be wowed by beauty, but this show was breathtaking. If I had not been able to hear a single note, I would still have loved every moment of the show for its visual splendor. My eyes struggled to take in every detail. I scarcely allowed myself to blink for fear of missing something. Lighting of all colors flooded the stage and spilled into the theater. Even the ceiling of the auditorium became part of the canvas. At times, I felt as if I were being lifted from my seat and pulled toward the stage. It was all I could do to keep from leaning with my chin resting on my palms and my elbows on my knees. Even 20 rows back from the stage, I was rarely even aware of the audience. The show made excellent use of the stage, with its many levels, and I was mesmerized by the fluid motion. The dresses were dazzling. The strikingly pure red, blue, green, orange, and white smooth fabrics for the first half were contrasted by glittering ruffles of silver, gold, black, blue, and crimson for the second half. If someone had told me that Lisa would be wearing an orange dress, I might have been disappointed to hear the news; but, to watch her appear for the opening number could not have been more captivating. Perhaps the most precious moment of the show though, was when Lisa emerged for the first time in her second half gown and its train delicately followed her down the stairs to the main stage, so elegant. What more could one ask for in a show? As always, Celtic Woman gave so much to the audience and delivered both musical and visual splendor. I did not want it to end, and for just a moment I thought and hoped that if we kept clapping, they would keep singing. Our audience, who seemed so stoic and reserved at the onset, was brought to their feet no less than four times during the performance. The hope and love that poured from the stage, into our hearts, and spilled out of our eyes reminded me to be a better person, live more, and always marvel at the magic that surrounds each of our lives. It was an honor to be seated just 50 feet from these amazing artists who traveled here all the way from Ireland to perform just for us. I went to this show with the highest of hopes, and I left feeling exhilarated by how much it exceeded my expectations. Thank you Celtic Woman. |
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Honorable Mention |
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Fan Club and CW Forum member Ed Tompkins (edtom) submitted this review way back in December 2008, and I misplaced it in my chaotic filing system. At any rate, I think it deserves an honorable mention here.
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I haven't seen a live performance by lisa yet - or have i?by Ed Tompkins
I love good music-from Beethoven to the Beatles, from Aretha Franklin to Johnny Cash to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I've had the pleasure of seeing many great concerts and musical performances live, the majority at the Clemens Center in Elmira, NY. My brother John and I have been Ushers there for years. The absolute best show I've ever seen was a few years ago when the fabulous Riverdance came to town for seven rollicking performances. We ushered for two exhausting but exhilarating shows. Unfortunately, the place was so packed that the Ushers had to watch the show from way in the back foyer. Other than Michael Flatley, Riverdance's performers have been semi-anonymous. The names on the program meant nothing to me at the time. But I have reason to believe that Lisa Kelly was among the performers for those magical shows. Go forward to three years ago. Riverdance was coming back to Elmira for two more shows. This time I bypassed Ushering and was part of the audience, with John, our brother Bill and our sister-in-law Sandy. We had the best seats in the house-front row center of the balcony. It was well worth the price. At that point, I had never heard of Celtic Woman. Although I sometimes watch PBS concert specials, John and I had completely overlooked Celtic Woman. Bill and Sandy were more observant. They had seen the first concert, were understandably fascinated, and had gone to a Celtic Woman concert in Buffalo. They mentioned an upcoming concert in Canandaigua, strongly recommended that we go, and noted that some of the Celtic Woman cast had previously performed with Riverdance. It was tempting. I trusted their word, although somewhat skeptical that this show, with singing but little if any dancing, could capture the magic of Riverdance. I went online, found excellent seats, and was about to make the purchase when I for some idiotic reason decided not to. Go forward to Christmas time. I had still never seen a Celtic Woman performance. We went to Bill and Sandy's for a family gathering and, while there, they played for us a video of the first concert. I sat there and watched Chloe, Meav, Mairead, and Orla. I was hooked. While watching them perform the glorious "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" I turned to Sandy, said it was great, and then, in the dumb question of the year, asked, "So, is this the whole group?" Sandy sort of chuckled and said, "No, there is another, and she is my favorite." Thus my introduction to Lisa and "May It Be". As I watched the rest of the concert, it became obvious that I had blown it big time by not going to Canandaigua. Over the next few weeks, I watched the DVD several more times. I also did some research to try to determine if any of the cast had possibly been to Elmira with the cast of either Riverdance or Lord of the Dance. Comparing personal biographies and calendars, I concluded that it was likely that Lisa was with Riverdance the first time they came to Elmira. The more I watched the DVD of the first concert, the more I came to appreciate Lisa. Of all the fantastic performances by all the ladies in all the concerts, my absolute favorite number is Lisa's "May It Be". It has so much of what makes Lisa special. Phenomenal range, powerhouse delivery, dead on pitch. Not to mention a smile that would melt an iceberg, or that she's absolutely GORGEOUS. The Slane Castle DVD came out, and we had a new girl to love, Hayley. Despite A++ performances by her, Mairead, Meav, Chloe and Orla, Lisa's status as my favorite Celtic Woman was solidified and enhanced. By now, I was intent up going to a Celtic Woman concert. When their spring tour for 2007 was announced, I studied it closely but somehow missed the fact that they would be returning to Buffalo. Another missed opportunity. The 2007 fall tour came and went, with no performances in this area. The Christmas Concert DVD came out. Another great performance by everyone involved. But the newly announced 2008 spring tour offered no local opportunities. Another year has come and gone. Finally, on March 11, 2009, I will be going to a concert in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I can hardly wait. But one last thing. Lisa's new Fan Club Newsletter, The Voice, Q & A section confirms that Lisa was with Riverdance when they first came to Elmira. The newly renovated Clemens Center has reopened, better than ever, and would be a great place for a concert with Lisa and Celtic Woman. |
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Interview with Helen Kelly |
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 Helen, the youngest of the Kelly sisters, is a wonderfully talented performer in her own right. She is a veteran of many Celtic Woman concerts and tours, so we asked her if she'd give us her perspective on the show and her life. She graciously accepted our invitation, and our questions and her answers appear below.
On Performing and Touring with Celtic Woman:
We’re glad you’ve returned to the tour. Is it easier this time around?
What is the hardest part about touring?
Why did you decide to become a performer? Did someone or something inspire you?
Can you tell us about a time that something scary or exciting happened while you were performing?
You travel from city to city on a tour bus. What’s that like?
What do you like to do with your limited time off during a tour?
Do you have a favorite city? Venue?
Any chance that you might record a solo album? Personal:
What was it like, growing up with two big sisters?
Is your family supportive of your performing career?
What’s in your DVD collection?
What’s on your iPod?
What shows do you TiVo?
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
What do you drive?
What’s the best book you’ve read in the last year?
Do you have any hobbies?
Who is your favorite actor/actress? Miscellaneous:
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Since this is her newsletter, what’s the ONE THING you want people to know about Lisa?
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Adventures of By Bev Franklin |
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 Lisa's Posse |
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Her name is Lisa Kelly...
And her preciousness touches my soul She helped keep my heart alive through last year When I practically had nowhere to go
I was more thankful than ever
For the gift of her voice in song To help keep my thoughts uplifted When I was told "you don't belong"
I've learned that unexpected things
Sometimes happen in life Even when we aren't aware Or do anything to cause the strife
But thanks be to a thoughtful God
I did make it through last year And what actually helped me to cope the most Was Lisa's sweet music in my ear
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She sent me a song and it called to me
To my heart tenderly I clung within Her voice...oh, how it blessed me To thank her, where would I begin?
So I just do what I can each day
And remember her name in prayer And I ask God to please bless her also And keep her safely in His care
And I thank Him for creating her
And filling her soul with such cheer And I thank Him so much for sharing her With all of the "family" in here
Yes, her name is Lisa And yes, it is very true I proclaim to be a LISAHOLIC! For "I bless you...and you bless me too" |
Thank you for your contribution, Cindy. We invite our readers to contribute original content. |
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The Dancing Kaylie! (Not Dancing at the Ceili!) - by member Kaylie Steel |
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A few years ago I witnessed perfection. A couple of weeks ago I actually met perfection. My Celtic Woman tale begins a few years ago when PBS first aired Celtic Woman. I was at home, robotically moving through my nightly preparations for bed. I flipped on the television and was about to change the channel from PBS to the local news, when lovely strains of Chlo?'s rendition of "Walking In the Air," fell upon my ears. I recognized the song from my orchestra class in middle school and was reminded of our tradition of watching The Snowman (which is where "Walking In the Air" is originally from) during our orchestra Christmas parties. The memories came flooding back to me. I was so impressed by Chlo?'s flawless pitch and pure sound that thoughts of watching the news or going to bed quickly left my mind. Méav then performed "Danny Boy" and again, I was astounded by how easily she hit those high notes and her beautiful tone. As the applause died Máiréad walked on stage with a confidence, charisma, and intensity I had never before seen. As a fellow string player I actually thought to myself, "this will be a bit easier to find some flaw in what has been, so far, a perfect concert." However, I was mistaken. She has a gift to personify music, to make it come to life that I have rarely, if ever seen. Máiréad was followed by the lovely Órlagh whose haunting voice can transport you to some far off place, and whose dimpled smile is completely contagious. I was thoroughly enjoying this amazing experience. But then came something so unexpected yet so awe-inspiring, Lisa Kelly. As the mallets rolled across the bass drum like soft thunder in the opening of "May It Be," Lisa walked purposefully on stage. I was captivated by this woman who possessed both a powerful presence and quiet gracefulness, and the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. I can't explain exactly what it is about Lisa's rich, earthy tone and stage presence that touches me more deeply or makes me more invested in what I am listening to than anything I have heard before. Only that it does. And from that point on I knew there was no going back. I will forever be a Celtic Woman, and more specifically, a Lisa Kelly fan.
All of my friends agree that Celtic Woman has become a big part of my life. They have learned from experience that if you bring up Celtic Woman in conversation you had better prepare for a lengthy chat about this beloved group of women. I have spent the last five years as a forum member, sharing my passion for Celtic Woman with everyone I know, and traipsing around the country attending as many concerts and meet and greets as I am able. It has been an amazing experience. One of the main reasons it has been such a fantastic journey is that I have met so many wonderful people and made some very good friends in my Celtic Woman travels. Thanks to all who have inspired and touched my life, especially Celtic Woman! I have yet to meet all the Celtic Woman members but those who I have met have been so beautiful, genuine, and all around incredible.
Disclaimer: If you continue reading you will find out just how ridiculous I am when it comes to Celtic Woman (although I feel a little bit better knowing that a majority of you reading this are also die-hards and probably just as crazy) and hopefully, get a few good laughs at my ability to make a complete fool of myself.
I was able to meet Méav and Órlagh two years ago in Red Rocks which I am so thankful for as they are no longer with Celtic Woman. The only contact I have had with Máiréad and Chlo? has been from them on stage and waving to me from across a parking lot. But on May 13, 2009 I was able to be a part of what I consider, the ultimate Celtic Woman experience. As I mentioned earlier I share the Celtic Woman love with everyone I come in contact with. Most of my friends have come to appreciate and thoroughly enjoy Celtic Woman and I convinced a few of them to attend the 2009 Boise concert with me. I keep in contact with PBS regularly because they have been so wonderful at providing me with early information about their fund-raiser drives, Celtic Woman ticket sales, shows, meet and greets, etc. I e-mailed them months in advance and received the specifics about the Boise show and ticket sales. The first day of the drive I was so nervous about getting good seats and meet and greets that I actually misplaced PBS's phone number. The tickets were to go on sale at 5:00 p.m. At 4:59, and in quite a panic, I tore my room apart in search of the phone number. With no luck I got online and was able to find a PBS phone number but when I called it, it was not the number for the drive! I remembered I had my monthly PBS magazine somewhere and ransacked my room again to find it. At 5:08 I located the correct number and dialed quickly. I was on hold until about 5:18 and almost had a nervous break down at that point because I was sure there would be no tickets left. The woman who answered my call took my order but her computer would not let her process it. She put me on hold to get help and all of these terrible thoughts came flooding into my mind. What if there were no tickets left?! What if she lost my call while on hold!? What if this just wasn't meant to be and I wouldn't even be able to go to the concert?! She came back on the phone and informed me the tickets weren't actually going on sale until 5:25 and that she was going to transfer me to the woman in charge. Luckily, it was the woman I had been in contact with many times via e-mail. She was so funny on the phone and said, "Ah yes, Kaylie, we have been in contact often. We know you around the office as the 'Celtic Woman fan!' Don't worry, we have your tickets ready and are just waiting for our systems to start working. We have enjoyed your e-mails over the past few years and we love how into Celtic Woman you are and appreciate your support, as I'm sure Celtic Woman does." I was relieved and so thankful for how thoughtful and helpful PBS has been to me! A couple of months later I received my tickets and meet and greet passes.
Usually the month leading up to a Celtic Woman concert is almost unbearable. I lose sleep because I get so excited, I can't concentrate at work for the same reason, my friends want to disown me because I won't shut up about how excited I am. This concert was no different. The six of us went to a nice dinner, had some great laughs as all six of us tried cramming into my car, and then headed over to the venue. As we neared the Morrison Center I saw someone trying to jaywalk across the very busy street. She looked to be in a big hurry so I slowed to a stop to let this person cross. It was Lynn! We waved but don't think she saw us because she was in too much of a rush. I led the way to our seats and everyone was amazed at how perfect our seats were. They had taken out the front-middle of the stage and put about three rows of 20 chairs in the orchestra pit, which was partitioned off from the rest of the seats. It was like our own private concert, row 2, dead center, about six feet from the stage.
The concert was so much fun. I won't go into too much detail, only that we sang and danced along to every song and had a lot of interaction with Celtic Woman because we were making such a big scene. The concert was amazing. I had goosebumps the entire time because I was able to make complete eye contact with all the girls, including Lisa. Her eyes are so bright and sparkly and she has the most sincere, heart-warming smile. Even the audience members around us commented at intermission how we must be big fans because we knew all the songs word for word and all the dance moves. I thought maybe we were being a bit too distracting so I apologized but they quickly responded that they loved it because it made the concert more enjoyable and exciting for them!
After the concert we were asked to wait in the lobby while everyone cleared out. Jill asked the woman taking us to the meet and greet if she knew which of the girls we would be meeting. She said she hadn't checked the rotation list but asked who we wanted it to be. Lisa Kelly was our first choice and she just laughed and teased us saying it may be Lisa, it may not be. We were escorted back to the meet and greet room and waited there while the girls changed. I cannot begin to explain the anxiety I began to feel. I had to keep telling myself it would not be Lisa so I could maintain some composure. I don't know if the woman we talked to earlier pulled some strings but I will be forever grateful if she did. The announcement was made. "Tonight you will be meeting Alex and Lynn...I mean Lisa." I gasped so audibly that everyone in the room turned to me and the announcer said, "I hope that was a good gasp," to which I could only nod yes. I am not an out of control person. I don't get flustered. But I sure was. All of a sudden I began to shake uncontrollably, I was not breathing very well, and was white as a ghost. Jill was such a good support and made me sit down and focus on my breathing. I tried not to make a scene but I could see people turning and giggling, especially my friends. They said they would disown me if I started to cry, which I didn't! That sure didn't phase me though. I was going to meet Lisa Kelly! I had my back to the entryway and my smart-aleck brother kept gasping and saying "there she is!" and I would turn around and of course, no one would be there. Obviously he never read The Boy Who Cried Wolf. I heard footsteps and whirled around but it was just the security guards, who my friends joked, had been brought in for the "crazy fan who was hyper ventilating."
More footsteps and finally Alex and Lisa appeared in beautiful gold gowns and looked absolutely stunning. Actually seeing Lisa in the same room didn't help the ridiculously sad shape I was in. Pathetic, I know. The six of us were at the very end of the line and the closer I came to the table, the more I had to rely on my friends to keep me upright. Even the security guard thoughtfully asked me if I was okay and if I needed anything. I assured her I was fine. Everyone ahead of us went through the line and then left so we were able to stay for about a half hour with just Lisa and Alex. I couldn't hear most of the conversation between Lisa, Alex, and my friends but my brother told her this was his third concert and attributed his love for Celtic Woman to me (which is where he made up for crying wolf). I heard her mention they were watching our little group throughout the concert because we were so enthusiastic and knew all of the words and dance moves, and that we were dancing better than they were, which is of course ridiculous! Then Jill stepped up to Lisa and told her emotional story of how she came to love Celtic Woman. I watched in awe as Lisa listened intently and had such an affectionate and appreciative look in her eyes. As I stood there listening to the interaction between Jill and Lisa, Rachel asked me my name for autographs. She had to repeat herself a few times before I actually understood what she was asking me. It isn't that I forgot my name, I just was so mesmerized by what was taking place in front of me that I was oblivious to anything else. Thank goodness they all have a sense of humor or they would be so annoyed with me.
Then it was my turn. I had been thinking for months of what I would say to Lisa if I ever met her. But when the moment came I couldn't think of a single thing to say to her. I said a little prayer that I would just be able to say what was in my heart and not make a complete fool of myself. I stepped up to Lisa and stood there speechless. Everyone stood around, expectantly, probably waiting for me to hit the floor. Lisa seemed to sense my nervousness and began the conversation. She has such a calming voice and presence which helped me loosen up...probably a little too much. I turned into a babbling idiot. I told her I had been waiting since the beginning of Celtic Woman to meet her and she smiled and in her charming Irish accent, thanked me. She asked how many concerts I had been to and I told her this was my eighth. Both her and Alex's jaws dropped and she said she couldn't believe the kind of support and dedication her fans offered. I was and still am amazed at how down to earth, humble, and pretty much perfect she is in person. And she has the most stunning blue eyes. Anyway, she laughed when I pulled out my FOOLS t-shirt for her to sign and commented that she hadn't seen one of these shirts for quite some time. We continued our conversation and talked about the Red Rocks concert two years ago, how emotional it was for everyone, and how it is such a fantastic venue. We talked about how wonderful the Boise concert was that night and she thanked me for my enthusiasm and how we made the concert so much more enjoyable for them, as performers, because they could feel and feed off our energy. I went into this whole thing expecting to be thanking Lisa for what she has to offer as part of Celtic Woman and the joy she brings so many people. I did not expect her to be thanking me but that just shows how incredible these women are.
Lisa's next statement took me completely by surprise and the events that followed will be forever burned in my mind, and hopefully not the minds of everyone else there. She said, "All of your friends tell me you are quite the dancer and taught them all the Celtic Woman dance moves. Let's see you dance." I was completely taken aback by that request! "What? No!" I said, not believing that she wanted me to dance right there, in front of security guards, Rachel, all of my friends, some of the PBS staff, not to mention Alex and Lisa herself! However, Lisa is very convincing. She laughed and said "yes, let's see your dance moves." Having lost all inhibitions, self-respect, and sense of propriety by that time I said, "What dance moves would you like me to do?" to which she responded, "Orinoco Flow." I was still quite hesitant but everyone else joined in with the prodding. Without further hesitation I became the dancing Kaylie (pronounced just like ceili), waving my arms back and forth and shrugging my shoulders like a lunatic! That got a good laugh out of everyone. It would have at least been less embarrassing if there was music to dance to or if everyone joined me. But no. Thanks loads to my friends who let me make a fool of myself alone! In all honesty, it was so light-hearted and such a fun atmosphere that I probably didn't come off as crazy as I think I did...I hope. Anyway, the evening was about to come to an end and I had one final request for Lisa. Since she made me dance I asked her for a hug. I wanted to show my appreciation for her willingness to share the amazing musical gift she has been blessed with, for taking the time to meet her fans, for being so welcoming, and for humoring fans like myself. I half expected her to say no or for security to rush me and drag me out of the room. But she graciously agreed and gave me a big hug. It was the perfect end to a perfect night.
As I floated out of the room I realized one thing. I had not even acknowledged or said a single word to Alex. I ran back to Alex, apologized, thanked her for a wonderful concert as well, and shook her hand. She looked surprised that I remembered she was even there and then seemed to get a kick out of the fact that I had been so engrossed in my encounter with Lisa. Sorry Alex.
So, that is my Lisa Kelly story. My friends like to constantly tease me about meeting Lisa, but they also agree that it was the most incredible concert they have ever been to. It was certainly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Thank you Celtic Woman for making us fans, friends, and fools! Lisa, if you ever read this I just want you to know that I get extremely embarrassed every time Orinoco Flow comes on because I am reminded of dancing like a fool in front of everyone by myself! So if we ever meet again you have to dance with me!
Thank you, Kaylie, for this delightful article!
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A few items of interest:
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Chuckles
Actual entries in Lisa's Guest Book:
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Have a great summer, y'all!