#BGReviewer: Celtic Woman

Apr 13, 2018

First I would like to thank Budweiser Gardens and Downtown London for the opportunity to see the amazing performance by Celtic Woman and be the #BGReviewer. With the second ticket, I was able to have a night out with my Mom soaking in the sights and sounds.

Earlier in the evening The London Knights had arranged a support rally and picture for the members of the Humboldt Broncos Hockey Team, their family and friends, the first responders and medical professionals and community of Humboldt in the aftermath of the tragic bus accident a week ago.  Whether you play sports yourself or have someone close that does, I’m sure you have travelled to games on a bus.  With my nephews playing minor hockey, the reality of “it could happen anywhere, to anyone” hit particularly close.  As the nation has pulled together in support of Humboldt, Thursday was declared “Wear your jersey in support of Humboldt Day (or Green and Gold if you don’t have a jersey)”.  The energy downtown was of Unity and Positivity.  As I sat in my seat, watching RBC Theater fill and listened to the buzz of excitement for the show, I was impressed by the sea of jerseys and green that filled the seats.  The time quickly passed and the announcement of 5 minutes to show time is made and the last few arrivals scurry to their seats.

The Lights fade out, the beat of a drum like the steady beat of a heart rises out of the darkness.  The sounds of pipes, and the violin add to welcoming sound.  Four beautiful women, glide around the stage in gowns and heels while their Angelic voices welcome you in for an evening of enjoyment.  The way these women glide around the stage is nothing short of amazing, decked out in full gowns and heels, yet they dance and sing effortlessly and Tara is playing the violin as she moves about the stage.

The repertoire of songs in this “Homecoming”  show are a mix of Classic Irish favourites like “Danny Boy”,  popular ballads “My Heart Will Go On”, Inspirational Folk “Walk With Me” and heavenly gospel “Amazing Grace”.  As the stage is arranged for the next set, to the left in walks a gentleman decked out in kilt, playing the bag pipes.  “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes gets me every time and I can feel the tragic events of the last week, the awesome displays of unity and support well to the surface, a few tears escaping.  The show, however, was a combination of the sounds and message through song that start the healing, if that’s what you needed, or an enjoyable evening without.

The show ran pretty close to the pre-announced itinerary and was complete enjoyment for many different types of music lovers.  Amazing dance, a multitude of instruments, great songs list, and voices from heaven (it doesn’t hurt that they look like angels too).  The Budweiser Garden staff was extremely friendly and helpful from the ticket window, to security check, concessions and ushers.  I have to in particularly mention the usher in section 108, he was amazingly patient, kind and helpful .

Although I don’t think I could ever grow tired of hearing Susan, Mairead, Eabha sing, I left the show completely satisfied with the performance.  The Celtic sounds of various drums, bagpipes, pipes and whistles, piano, guitars, are good for the soul.  I have watched their shows on PBS and wondered how much was taped over time, but these women truly have the amazing energy and ability to make a complete show, making it look effortless.  Celtic Woman – Homecoming was an amazing performance that I would take anyone from my Nephews to a Grandparent to and know that they would enjoy the show as much as I did.  Awesome show-complete with wardrobe malfunction! (not noticeable but the ladies’ poked fun at it).