SoundPress.net: Celtic Woman: Third Time's a Charm at the TPAC in Nashville

• All Feature Articles

Celtic Woman: Third Time's a Charm at the TPAC in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

The team at MusicCityNashville.net have now had the pleasure of seeing the charming Celtic Women three times in Nashville, Tennessee. On the heels of the successful release of the Postcards From Ireland CD/DVD, Celtic Woman will be on the road in support of that project while celebrating their 20th anniversary. An all-new live show is part of the festivities. The 2024 tour kicked off at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) on Thursday, February 22nd and they will be in the States through May of this year. With their U.S.A. headquarters in Music City - it makes sense that they would start their travels in town as they often do - and the state capitol was lit up in green in their honor.

Celtic Woman: Third Time's a Charm at the TPAC in Nashville

Twenty years of Celtic Woman were celebrated at the TPAC as the 2024 kicked off in style.

Founded in 2004, Celtic Woman is comprised of four women whose performing skills bring centuries of Irish culture to life. In concert, their angelic voices and instrumental virtuosity are accompanied by an energized ensemble featuring Irish dancers, bagpipers and a full band playing an array of traditional Celtic instruments, including bodhran, tin whistle, bouzouki and Uilleann pipes. The line-up of ladies has changed over the years but their unique fusion of classic and modern Irish music along with covers and originals is a constant that has been dazzling fans for decades now. The current line-up features Emma Warren, Mairead Carlin, Muirgen O'Mahony and Tara McNeill (fiddle).

A little rain on Thursday evening did not dampen anyone's enthusiasm as the ladies enchanted everyone with a blend of contemporary and traditional Irish music. They opened with the dramatic "Dulaman". Their newest member Emma Warren sweetly sang "Rainbow" (Kacey Musgraves) which set the tone for a show that featured more solos from each Celtic Woman. This was a subtle change from what we recall from previous concerts as full ensemble performances were still on display but seemed slightly paired back along with possibly fewer wardrobe changes. However, a polished presentation from the lads and ladies was still compelling, consistent and festive.

Both sets included new numbers that touched upon timeless topics of life, love, nature and traditions. However, for us the highpoints were the songs that Celtic Woman have been performing for years. A bagpiper played the distinctive notes of "Amazing Grace" before the band, the ladies and the trio of male dancers/singers joined in for a heavenly version of the hymn. The classic "Danny Boy" along with a new arrangement of "You Raise Me Up" were memorable as well as moving. They bid us good night by raising a rousing "The Parting Glass" to end the night on a triumphant toast.

Celtic Woman is a celebration Ireland's culture in a captivating live presentation that combines beauty, colorful stage production, and music. Postcards From Ireland is another chapter in their magical journey. Celtic Women are scheduled to be in the States through May of 2024, affording plenty of opportunities to experience this enchanting show for yourself.

Thank you to the TPAC for presenting The Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary Tour. Since 1980, the TPAC has promoted the cultural and performing arts by hosting Broadway productions, concerts, and more. They also support the region with teacher resources, professional development opportunities, classroom residencies, and enrichment programs. Please visit the TPAC's website for a full list of upcoming events.