Mairead Nesbitt Forum

A statement and apology

2011-12-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

The following is a very important statement. Máiréad has exercised her right in editorial control of her forum. We have always told her and all of you that it is her forum even though it is not an official instrument for her. We received an email from her regarding the negative commentary by some of our members off site and also on a post in the messages section of her forum. This needed to be addressed promptly. With regard to comments off site please read the previous blog post here entitled "For The Record". Forum admin Mike Brown has issued an official statement in the messages section of the forum. We deeply regret that Máiréad has been upset by the comments she has read when she has been so supportive for these almost four years of our service to her. We also regret that her charity of choice was brought up in the discussion as well. Finally, we regret that negative comments about her employer have been connected to her forum. To all of the above we offer our sincere apology that the forum and the artist's name have been used in inappropriate ways. We have taken a scan of the forum's off site support arms on Twitter and Facebook and it appears no issues have occurred there. The forum is endeavoring to check itself internally as well. Here is a statement from departing admin Scott Manke:

"It is with humble heart that I offer this apology to Máiréad for what has been said and done in her name or that of her forum. The rhetoric off site and to a lesser degree on site I accept full responsibility for. The forum was built to honor the artist and we took great pride in the community built and the positive things its members have done to build the base of support for Máiréad, and in support of each other and her charity of choice.

My own opinion on the operation of the forum was to be light handed and allow a bit of latitude. This was based upon my experience on other sites that ran a far tighter ship. But with that freedom also comes responsibility and consequences. These things happened on my watch and I am as guilty of the criticism as any. The forum membership and its remaining leadership team should not be tarnished by my mistakes. While I was light handed internally, I was heavy handed externally. No person or operation is without flaw. There is a Christian parable that is worth a paraphrase. Basically, don't criticize for the speck in someone else's eye when you have a plank in your own. This applies to individuals, forums, and companies.

No matter how often it has been stated that comments off site are not statements by the forum, it seems that some will always take it that way especially when uttered by one of its leaders. Knowing that, I attempted to step down earlier this year. The replacement was short lived as she discovered she did not have the time in her busy schedule. I stepped back in but should not have and should have done what I did recently and that was to create more global moderators to assist Mike and Dave.

Leaders are like everyone else and at times have great success and at others great failure. Patton, MacArthur, LBJ, Nixon, etc. all had to accept responsibility for errors in judgement. While I am none of those, they are examples of all too human leaders who had to make statements of apology. At no time have the things I have said off site been official statements by the forum. I apologize for any statements that have given offense to the artist.

I acknowledge the accommodation shown myself and the members over the past three years by the management beginning in Wilkes-Barre for the first MáiréadFest in 2009. The artist herself has been most gracious with her fans and her forum and deserves better than this particularly at a very important time in her life and career. They have granted several requests to the benefit of forum members over the past three years. I apologize that this has been lost in all of my personal commentary off site.

Again, this all has been my responsibility as the former leader of the forum, and I accept that and apologize to Máiréad, the owner and creator of her forum, the membership, the charity, and the artist's employer. Mike and the team will see to it that there are no additional issues internally or on any of the forum sites."

Mr. Manke has stepped aside and we hope that the forum family will once again be a positive place for Máiréad to enjoy in the future. We thank her for her continued indulgence throughout this challenging year and previously. We thank her for taking the time from her busy schedule to contact us so that these matters could be properly addressed. Once again, though, off site comments by people who happen to be members are not supported by or are statements by the forum. We will do our best to keep the in house operations free of controversy. We thank the fans for their support of the artist and for being part of this small segment of her fan base.

Forum leadership team

2011-09-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a long time since we blogged here!

A great deal has happened since the previous blog! Firstly, Máiréad's birthday fest went off wonderfully thanks to the hard working folks at the PBS station in Springfield Illinois and a little added pressure to correct an error. Forum folks were right up front to help make the night special for her and also for her friends on stage. Great fun with interactions made it a wonderful show on top of being a wonderful show!!! Late in the show we unveiled a birthday banner designed by dutchfan Henny. At the after show Máiréad did the first meet & greet on her birthday that we know of. She shared honors with the delightful Lisa Kelly. Lots of photos, gifts, and a lot of smiles and tears. It was a fantastic night from start to finish and we hope great memories for Máiréad.

Forum folks attended quite a few shows on the tour and familiar faces were there up front right until the finale in Austin. Many felt it important to be there as some thought it may be the final SFTH show in the states. It turned to be the case. Celtic Woman is now wrapping up that great show with a few stops in Europe and Japan. But not before a very well received tour of Germany and Austria.

News came earlier that Celtic Woman would do a Christmas symphony tour in December. These artists do a wonderful Christmas show but they have never toured one. So the avid fans out there are very excited about this new twist and have been snapping up good seats as best they can. Celtic Woman will be supported at nearly every show on that tour. It begins in California and goes all over the country and to Canada, wrapping up, hopefully, in Denver. We say hopefully as the ladies are traveling from Atlanta the day of the Denver show.

Perhaps the most exciting news was the recording of a new DVD and PBS special. Not totally unexpected but the location was. Atlanta at the fabulous Fox theater. And fabulous it was throughout the two day event. Notice was fairly short as it tends to be for these things yet the forum rallied the troops and got the word out so that a large number of familiar faces would greet Máiréad and company. Forum admin, Mike, rented a ballroom at the venue the day of the first show. It was billed as multi-forum and it was. It came complete with food and a birthday cake surprise for one of our moderators. This was also the site for recording a new fan documentary about the impact of Celtic Woman on their growing fan base. It was filmed in HD and is now in the editing process. Almost 150 people attended the Tuesday event in the ballroom and of those 135 were forum members or soon would be. The Chloe Agnew fan forum, Lisa Kelly fan forum, Lisa Lambe fan forum, and even a a few CWF folks were there and by all accounts it was a great lead in to that night. We wrapped it up with a group sing of You Raise Me Up by over 50 people plus instrumentalists. The next night we had a forums dinner that had almost 60 in attendance.

The new Celtic Woman show is called, Believe. And by the end of that first night we were all believers as were the artists. The show was beautiful and the usual mix David Downes is known for. Many Believe it is his best work to date. We'll leave that up to you. Máiréad did not have a huge solo role in the recording. She did not at Powerscourt either. Yet she was on stage a lot and again gave us a new fast air in the first act, the Foxhunter, which is a customary showcase piece for her playing and stage craft. It is likely a replacement for Granuaile's Dance on tour. Some were disappointed she did not have a second fast air in the first act. She did not at Powerscourt either. So we hope she will retain Coast of Galicia on the tour. In the second act she did her customary slow/fast combo. The slow air she introduced has an Irish name but translates to Women Of Ireland. It is very pretty and then followed up by a fast air that we are awaiting a title for. It likely is an Irish tune but most of us are not fully acquainted with many of those. In a change up Máiréad did not interact with her drummer friends but instead dueled with a fast footed gent from Riverdance. It was great fun for sure, and brought the audience to their feet as she always seems to do. In fact Celtic Woman got the audience they wanted and then some when after each of the 22 pieces performed they received a standing ovation. It was amazing and those on stage were taken aback by the reception. After the show the first night forum fans shared the neighboring pub with Celtic Woman choir, band, techs, and David Downes. It was a lovely way to wrap it up with a casual mingle. The show the next night was equally good though many of the familiar faces were seated well back. The audience was very good but did not approach the first night.

So, another new Celtic Woman showcase for the incomparable Máiréad Nesbitt will tour next year. Her new attire for the show as always is a perfect fit from Synan O'Mahoney. It has been another banner year for her to be sure. The forum is very grateful to be a small part of her experience. But the forum itself is also growing at now over 470 members. It also continues to grow on Facebook and Twitter. In Atlanta additional funds were raised for Máiréad's Oxfam charity and it is our hope to present the copy of the check to her in person the day of the Christmas show in Pittsburgh. It already far exceeds last year's total. We'll post another blog with a 2011 retrospective at the end of the year. Until then, thank you for supporting Máiréad in all of her musical endeavors.

Forum leadership team

For the record

2011-04-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Máiréad's birthday is in just a few days and all of us on the leadership team hope you'll post a birthday wish for her in the messages section of the forum. We're sure you'll agree that Máiréad just becomes more amazing every year. Please also support her on her blog and on Twitter along with attending shows.

Something we need to clear up as well. The leadership of the forum has the ability to guide and direct the conversations within the forum. We also can edit or delete posts that violate the forum decorum. The forum is there for one purpose only and that is to support and promote Máiréad. Some comments have been received that it has become too much of a social networking site and lost the focus on the artist. The leadership team is working hard to regain the focus and spending time shifting things around.

There are outside sites on line that comment about Celtic Woman and the artists within it. The Máiréad fan forum does not endorse such sites nor does it operate in conjunction with them. The exception to that is Rick's Pixieland site. We have both a Facebook and Twitter site for the forum. What is said on individual member blogs is not a statement by the forum or its leadership. Only this blog speaks for the forum and its members. What members say away from the forum is not within our jurisdiction to police though at times the forum gets mentioned within those blogs. In a free society people have the right to their opinions. Within the forum itself those are tempered to a degree without being overbearing.

Máiréad has been supportive of the forum in the past because it has been a positive place and one focused on her. If at times that has strayed then it is something we in the leadership team are tasked with correcting. We thank Máiréad for her past support, and look forward to spreading the word about her for a long time to come. The charity drive for Oxfam in her name continues and the total so far is very impressive. That is just one of the positive ways the Máiréad fan forum family can help make a difference. Please join us in that annual charity drive. Some great things are lined up with all that as well.

Our thanks to all the members who have made the forum such a special place. We're working on making it even better.

Máiréad Nesbitt Fan Forum leadership team

Happy anniversary enchanted forest!

2011-01-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Well today we celebrated the 3rd anniversary of the Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum. We also celebrated new directions and the start of an amazing new year for her and for us. We just concluded a 10 hour chat! Amazing. We had 22 total participants with as many as 16 at once several times. As usual the chat was all over the map just as it would be in the kitchen. It truly is a family.

Máiréad will be out on spring tour in just a couple weeks. We hope each of you will take the time to go support her along the way. The forum has been great at that this past three years and done so all over the planet! She is an amazing artist and wonderful person and deserves that ongoing support. She sure lights up when she sees a fiddler crossing sign in the audience!

We enter year four with some new leadership. Mike is now joined by Destiny as a dynamic duo (kind of like Máiréad and Ray!) to take us into the future. But we also don't forget the past and the forum origins. Not only do we thank Máiréad for her kind and gracious support but we also thank forum owner Scott Meenen and creator Dave Bussells. It was their vision that brought the forum about and has kept it going. Also there has been Elaina Axelrod who did much of the forum graphics early on and was incredibly active in the initial growth and success of the place. Scott Manke was forum admin from early on but now is emeritus and has a limited internal role.

There is now a forum Facebook page, forum Twitter account, and tomorrow the new Bow Echoes fan newsletter will be out! This is a quarterly online magazine done in cooperation with Rick Shear's Pixieland fan site. That site is packed with great photos and tons of details about Máiréad's incredible career. You can subscribe to the newsletter by going to his site and following the links.

All of this is about Máiréad. It is what she inspires. She also has inspired charity in others and our annual Oxfam charity drive is in full swing. The forum is a fun community and if you are not yet a member please join us. If you are a member and like it please tell others about it and about Máiréad. We thank each and every one of the over 400 members of the forum for being part of such a special place, and we thank Máiréad for her initial indulgence and her ongoing trust and support. You are one of a kind in so many ways, Máiréad, and you've no idea how much you are loved and how many lives you have touched so deeply.

Be looking in the forum for reviews and news and ticket availability during the year. We know of the spring U.S. tour and the German tour but there will likely be a lot more to excite Máiréad fans. Stay tuned! See you at a show or in the enchanted forest! Have a great tour everyone and you too, Máiréad!

Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum leadership team

Another memorable year

2010-12-03T15:15:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone!

Well yet another wonderful year is coming to a close for Máiréad Nesbitt and for the forum in her honor. She began the new year in Switzerland wowing the audience there with the Tinker Bell suite among other lovely tunes. She was joined on stage by talented brother, Karl, which made it all the more special.

A spring tour was next and opening night of Songs From The Heart in Roanoke was a lovely forum event. What a great new creation by David and his stable of fine artists. Throughout the spring tour there were wonderful small gatherings and a special birthday for Máiréad in st. Petersburg. Forum administrator, Mike, passed 80 shows this year on the subsequent summer tour, and administrator emeritus, Scott, celebrated his 50th show in Albuquerque where it started for him in 2007. Máiréad and her forum made that night very special.

Prior to the summer tour Máiréad and her co-stars graced Australia for a promotional swing prior to returning later in the year to perform on tour. That tour was well handled by the people at Ovation channel and the forum was pleased to have folks at some of the shows to represent The Enchanted Forest.

Several of the artists left the group this year, but Máiréad hangs in there and has indicated she will be on stage once again in 2011 which promises to be another amazing year. Once again the Máiréad forum was able to raise a nice amount of money for her charity of choice and surpassed the previous year's amount. A copy of the check was given to Máiréad in Melbourne. Fund raising is already in full swing for 2011. Our thanks to everyone in her forum for their kind donations.

Máiréad now is in yet another recording process but is now home in snowy Ireland. She will be able to relax a bit and spend time with family and friends prior to hitting the road again for the tour opener on February 4th in Lakeland Florida. Have a wonderful holiday season, Máiréad, and all of you as well in her forum. Until then, Happy Christmas and a joyous new year!

The Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum leadership team

Oz and beyond

2010-07-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!!

Well, the spring tour ended with a few stops in the great northwest. Then a brief time for Máiréad at home with family and friends. Far too brief really. Then time again to hit the road and the promotional swing in Australia.

Oz had it's first personal taste of pixie dust and for those at Penrith they won't quite ever be the same. We know that feeling very well here in the states. The girls did a whirlwind tour hitting radio and TV spots as well as the Penrith signing and performance. Máiréad led off the latter with a lovely rendition of Shenandoah followed by a bit of the fast section of The Butterfly. Well known standbys that most everyone knows and appreciates from her. You can catch that Penrith performance on YouTube courtesy of a forum friend Kim Gritten. Kim is the father of talented, young singer-composer Olivia Gritten. Both will be attending the CW performance in Sydney later this year. Kim was kind enough to make his way the 2-3 hour drive to Penrith to record the event and it was wonderful! Máiréad appeared on a radio interview that was also video recorded as well as a couple TV shows. BTW, check out the wonderful new Synan O'Mahoney black dress she is wearing!!! Stunning! Also note in the Penrith video that all the girls are wearing a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon.

Máiréad just put up a new blog as well which is always a great treat for all of us! In it she had lovely words to say about now former Celtic Woman, Alex Sharpe. The group is now proceeding forward as a quartet and so what David does with this will be very interesting. He hasn't let his audiences down yet and so we can count on a fine show when CW returns to North America to begin touring July 12th. They will end at what they have said many times is their favorite venue, Red Rocks outside Denver in Colorado. The tour finale is September 12th.

Then another break until late October when Máiréad and her friends begin the Australia tour. Six stops in five cities. This is the first tour of Oz and so it will be interesting to see how well it does. Most likely quite well. We'll have folks in the field both on the North American and Australian tours so check the forum for the reviews.

Máiréad Nesbitt is an incomparable artist and simply delightful person. You will notice something from her seldom seen in anyone today that holds any celebrity status. That is humility and a genuine care for her audience and supporters. you can hear it or read it in interviews and you can see it in person on stage and off. We wish her safe travels, wonderful performances and audiences each night, and plenty of restful time to recharge those Máiréadium batteries of hers! We'll post again here later in the tour. Until then, keep flashing those fiddler crossing signs, join us at a concert, and keep spreading he pixie dust!

All the best, Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum administration

Another wonderful tour!

2010-05-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!

Well, another wonderful tour has ended for Máiréad and her friends. it began in mid-February with three shows in Roanoke and the premier of Songs From The Heart. It ended last weekend in Salt Lake City. She now takes a hard earned and much deserved break until they return in mid-July with an opening in Canada. That tour will take them into mid-September and the finale at their favorite venue, Red Rocks, outside Denver. They then have another break until October and their first tour in Australia.

Máiréad has a prominent role in this new show with carry-over solos from the previous show of Coast of Galicia, and Granuaile's Dance. She has a new slow/fast combo of her incomparable Last Rose Fantasia and The Mason's Apron. Along the way she joins in the ensemble pieces like Nil Se'n La, Non C'e Piu, You Raise Me Up, and others.

Máiréad on this tour also experienced many high lights such as performing at Radio city with the PS 22 choir, receiving the Irish Music Award in St. Louis as best fiddler for 2009, and a surprise birthday serenade in St. Petersburg. She posted a blog on the tour and was the only one to do so. In it she thanked her forum for the donations on her behalf to Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped and also thanked her fans for the IMA award. She has always been most kind and supportive and is a class act in every way.

So now we wish her a wonderful and restful break, safe travels for the summer tour, and continued inspiration in music and all of life. Thank you, Máiréad, for the sacrifices you make to share your marvelous gifts with all of us. Thanks also to the membership of the Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum for the consistent support of that place and this truly amazing artist and person. Until next time, all the best!

Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum leadership team

New member of the forum family

2010-03-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Please welcome a new member to our family of forums. Today was the launch of the official Siobhan Owen forum at www.siobhanowenforum.com

Siobhan is a wonderfully gifted, young soprano and harpist from Australia. She is very much in demand in her native country and has won national awards. Her latest Cd, Celestial Echoes, is a marvelous blend of Welsh/Gaelic and English, vocals and harp, traditional and contemporary.

Please also check out Siobhan on Myspace, Facebook, and on her official website for the latest in upcoming shows and information.

Forum(s) administration team and members

A new start in Roanoke

2010-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Well, the tour is off and running after three great shows in Roanoke! Trust me when I tell you that you will love this new David Downes creation. The set is lovely, the song set marvelous, and the artists all in top form. That includes new addition solo bagpiper, Anthony Byrne.

We had sixteen Máiréad forum folks for what was billed as MáiréadFest II, though our friend could not be there for the meet & greet. Main reason for that was a very special event in the wedding of Scott and Cindy earlier that day. You can find a bit of that on TV and WDBJ channel 7 who covered the proceedings and did an interview. Our thanks to them for being there and responding to the press release. So, Scott being a Chloe fan, and Cindy being a Lisa fan, it only made sense those were the two at the meet & greet that night.

For the event our new administrator, Mike Brown, had wonderful things to spread about. Brand new fiddler crossing signs cut to shape and on durable material were created. Those were handed out to members and also make great promotional tools since they have Máiréad's official site information and forum information on the back of them. Mike also brought a treat for the artists in the form of the now known to be popular Cadbury flakes. You should have seen the frenzy when Lisa, Chloe, and even Rachel saw the box of them. It really was a cute moment. Another special moment were the interactions both ways between Scott and Cindy and Chloe and Lisa. The newlyweds even received a card signed by the five ladies and with a special note by each. Very nice touch.

MáiréadFest was a three day event and we had great seats at the shows each night. Perfect for those wonderful interactions from the stage and back. Máiréad was her usual fiesty self and vigorous in all three shows. She was delightful with all of us and we can't thank her enough. You'll be happy to know that Granuaile's Dance has been retained for the touring show! That is in addition to that fantastic piece, Coast Of Galicia. Both are in the first act. In the second act she has chosen her amazing rendition of Last Rose of Summer to start her slow/fast air combination. She even gets to take a bow for it at last! The fast air is as the DVD shows it to be and that is The Mason's Apron. Máiréad as always plays an important role in other pieces during the show and we know you'll love her contributions.

Please check the tour schedule and attend a show if you can. This is a wonderful new creation that is well worth seeing in person. Not to mention you'll be supporting your favorite Celtic violinist. Have a great tour in 2010 and all the best to you Máiréad and to you her supporters from all of us in the Máiréad forum leadership team.

Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum leadership team and members

Congratulations Máiréad!

2010-01-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

On behalf of everyone in the Máiréad forum, we congratulate you, Máiréad, on winning the Irish Music Association Award as best fiddler. The awards were given out in Missouri last night.

All of us who nominated and voted for Máiréad are so very proud of her and please at the results. We thank Mr. Bob Reeder and the entire IMA for selecting Máiréad as this year's winner.

Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum leadership team and members

Happy new year from the Mairead forum!!

2010-01-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new year and a new and energized blog!!

2009 was an amazing year for the forum and for many within it. The first major event was in March at Wilkes-Barre with the first annual MáiréadFest. It began with dinner the night before and a catered forum lunch the next day prior to the show. It was a very special night attended by almost thirty forum members, family, and friends. The most important aspect of the event had been in the works for several months. That was the meeting between forum member Kimberley and her favorite artist Chloe. That did happen right away from the stage with some delightful interactions between the two of them. After the show the request to have Máiréad and Chloe at the meet and greet was granted. The meeting between Chloe and Kim was precious and there were many tears and smiles to go around that room. Máiréad received lots of gifts and attention in this celebration of her. She was most kind and gracious in her speech to all of us but cut it short as the emotion of the night overtook her. Chloe stepped right up and finished in a way only Chloe can do. She really is a fine spokeswoman for the ensemble. It was a wonderful couple of days for many forum folks and will never be forgotten. Photos were taken during the event.

The next important event for the forum came with Máiréad's use of the fiddle bow she was given by the forum for her birthday. She was presented that indirectly through Lisa after the show in Dallas on her birthday. It was an emerald green unique bow called an Incredibow. She had indicated later in a blog she might use it for her finale both nights at Red Rocks which wrapped up the spring tour. It was an incredible surprise and great honor to say the least when she brought it out in the first act the first night. She used it periodically throughout the night and did the same thing the next night. Again, another night of smiles and tears for the forum folks who attended. Some of us had the pleasure of seeing her at the meet & greet after the final show. Both night's shows had been preceded by forum gatherings for lunch and dinner with the latter catered at a room at the venue. We again had between 20-30 forum folks in attendance. Celtic Woman graciously had a photo taken of Máiréad with the bow backstage the first night.

The next event for the forum was represented by over a dozen forum members attending the new DVD recording in Ireland at Powerscourt in County Wicklow, Ireland, at the end of July. Most were there only a couple of days but some of us were there for a week. We fought off heavy rain the first night and an overheated generator the second night. But the show went on to a successful conclusion. It has been aired now in part on PBS pledge drives and the CD and DVD will be available soon. Some forum folks made the cut and can be clearly seen on the videos. We were also able to meet the very nice conduit for Celtic Woman, John Flanagan, at the show. Yes, he is real. Some forum folks were able to meet and have photos taken with David Downes, Chloe's mum Twink, Lisa's mum and dad, Helen, Ray, Darren Holden of The High Kings, and others. Some of us were also blessed with viewing the sound check the second day which was basically the entire first act with the artists in casual attire. Later in the week a few of us were in Killarney in the west of Ireland to attend a show by The High Kings. Some touring around Ireland by some made it a very full week plus. Not a whole lot of sleep in all of that either.

The final forum event of the year came in Albuquerque in November. That was a full day as the artists had two shows that day and a long drive to Tucson to make that night. Máiréad was her usual energetic self save for a fall during the afternoon show. She and friend fiddle were fine and she scampered off stage none the worse for it but it did put a scare into us for a bit. After the night show it had been planned to present Máiréad with the check from her forum to her charity of choice, Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped. Again, with the cooperation of Celtic Woman, that event happened. She was given a large, laminated check in the amount of $2000 that had been gathered for about an eight month period in her forum. She again was most gracious in thanking everyone there and as in Wilkes-Barre, Chloe was the other artist in attendance. As with Wilkes-Barre, photos were taken.

The Máiréad forum has grown very nicely since it began in January of 2008. While it is not a large forum yet it is certainly an energetic one. We like to call that pixie dust. Appropriate since Máiréad plays the sound tracks for the Disney Tinker Bell movies! It exists with the support of Máiréad which has been a great honor and blessing from the start. We cannot thank her enough for her kindness and support in person and in writing. Regardless of where she is or what she is doing in her career her forum will endeavor to promote and support her in as many ways as possible. We endeavor to show the proper respect throughout without censoring the passionate writings of some and without taking away the fun we have in the enchanted forest. We do hope it is a source of pride and pleasure for her.

We are now in 2010 and some changes are coming. But in all those changes the continuity of her forum will be maintained. For many this new year presents a series of challenges in this struggling economy. The forum will be well represented at shows around the country. It is also actively promoting fan sites in various vehicles to continue promoting and supporting Máiréad in all she does. She begins the new year in Switzerland with a performance in Berne with their symphony orchestra. Her brother Karl is there too and is a gifted artist in his own right. We thank all of you in her forum for being there and supporting her with your posts, prayers, time, and dollars for her charity. Be looking there and here for news and about the 2010 charity drive for Oxfam in her name and that of her forum. Blessings to each of you and have a wonderful new year.

Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum leadership team and members

New Blog Coming soon!

2009-12-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has had a great year and Happy Holidays to everyone a new updated blog post will be coming soon as Scott will post this one not me!!

Take care

Dave

Baltimore St Patricks Day

2009-04-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

After RCMH the guys returned on Sunday. Some of us decided to go see Riverdance. I've never seen it except on TV neither has Scott aka MP. Even as a life long resident I'd never been to The Hippodrone so this was my first time. It's very pretty like RCMH and a smaller venue too. Dwight was having misgivings about not going to the 2 CW shows with us after that night. Later others would too.

Night one

We were dead center third row and that's really close at this venue. Joining us was Susan Z and her mom. We met her one year ago at the show across the street at First Mariner Arena. Somehow we knew this would be a special show. The stage was smaller and we were really close. But, it was even more special than we thought. The Girls gave us some incredible looks! The events of MaireadFest and Evansville had touch us all and the ladies too!! Helen looked at me at one point and mouthed THANK YOU!! This happened several times from Lisa and Lynn too! The show was wonderful as always. No two are the same. So much for those who think CW cans the show. Let me tell you this is not true!!!

The Meet and Greet

We were led back stage using a long route. Interesting we got to the room and there were five chairs. How could this be? The letter said 2 CW ladies not 5. They switched things up and I was going to get to talk to lisa. I needed to do this so much since when I met her and her boys 2 years ago I was so in shock I never introduced myself to her! I've felt bad about it... so Ok its my turn and I talked to Lynn then Mairead and Chloe. Someone was with Alex so I went streight to Lisa!! To my surprise she said HI Dave!! She not only remembered me and where we met but she knew my name!! How does she do that?!!!! This made my night and tomorrow would be even more special!!!

Dave

Radio City CW in New York

2009-04-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

After Mairead Fest many forum members made the trek to New York. Yours truly short on cash stayed home. They all had a great time in New York and brought back something special for me! A autographed photo that Jim printed from the Christmas show of Lisa,Helen and Amy awwww!!! Lisa and Helen signed it for me but it still needs one more. hint hint!!!!! Here is some of Scott's review:

Dave

OK, so I never had a burning desire to go to New York City, but RCMH+CW+5 girl meet & greet+reasonable price= I'm going! Not just for one night but two!

Night one

We arrived the day of the show by bus from Baltimore. It didn't start out well as there was a major accident that blocked one of the harbor tunnels so we missed the bus. We caught the next one and made it in at about 1:30 and then caught a cab to our hotel. Four of us, Scott-N3sjh, Dwight, Walter, and I met JimM and Sara-07NWgrad. After depositing stuff in the rooms we head over to Applebee's for lunch/dinner. Sara isn't feeling well and goes back to the room to get a nap. Upon my arrival back in the room she seems to be feeling better. Good since this is a special show. Off to the show about 7:15 to the venue about 2 blocks away.

RCMH is all it is billed to be. Large, ornate, great acoustics and comfortable. We take our seats in pit AAA which are about two feet from the stage at stage left. I chat with folks around me and promote CW and Mairead along with a few words abnout Liv.

The show begins with that dream vision and haunting strains we have all come to know and love. The stage is very large and so Mairead will get a workout tonight! I'll not go into song details much as we know them pretty well by now. Some highlights though.

All the artists obviously love this place and were just beaming. They had great fun and had great energy. No snags on any songs save one little almost indetectable stumble by Lynn. David is still at the piano. That always makes it special. The ladies had an early day what with the Today Show appearance so must have been tired by the end of the night. Sure didn't show on stage. I would have great interaction with all of the artists tonight but obviously the most from Mairead. Oh my. Des and the others were getting a kick out of it too! It really was fun to have that with each of them and that makes for a very special experience.

Lisa. Well, I had not really had much chance to interact with you since Red Rocks in '07 the second night. Lisa just nailed it tonight and most of all on her signature piece, The Voice. You ARE the voice Lisa.

Lynn. You just continue to captivate me with Dulaman, Carolina Rua, and that red dress. A few little looks and wow.

Chloe. You just shine every night, but even more so in a venue so special like this one. You were having fun as you always seem to do, and are a lovely spokes person in saying thank you to New York and introducing Oh America. That song just always brings tears and a standing ovation and thank you from me and other forum members.

Alex. That blue just suits you. I find myself more and more enamored with True Colors each time. Gotta love Nick on the Conga drum too.

Mairead. Oh you have no idea how wonderful it feels to have such attention from the one who inspired so much in me. That was so much fun. Your artist friends up there seemed to be getting a kick out of it too! You nailed every air tonight. We both got a little teary eyed on You Raise Me Up. Yes I was singing it to you.

The meet & greet was about 50+ people and as billed had all five girls. PBS took candid shots and will send copies via email. I met a few folks in line, made some Liv connections, and passed out some Mairead forum buttons including to a mom with a daughter named Mairead. I gave Rachel another bundle of things to have signed. She gave me back the ones from WB prior to the show. Thank you so much Rachel. That's the last of them for forum members. All the girls were in their photo dresses which are just lovely. I finally met Lisa and was able to thank her for starting me on the journey. A kiss on Mairead's hand and lovely comments from Chloe about WB were other highlights. Off to the bar and this review and then night two tomorrow.

Mairead Fest!!! Wilkes Barre Pa March 11th!

2009-04-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

OK, It' been awhile. My job has kept me busy.

Many of us made the trek to Wilkes-Barre on March 11th. A whole mini van full of forum members left my house midmorning on the 10th. We picked up JimM in Harrisburg PA as he came in on a train. Glenn and Tony came in to Boston on a plane. Others came by car. About 10 of us were there that night and many more arrived the next day. Here is part of Scott's review. enjoy!

Dave

The night of the 10th we had dinner together. Some at a nice Japanese place and others at the place across the way that had more standard fare. The Japanese place was new and the chef put on a good show cooking it right at our table. Mmmmm, Filet and scallops. Nice onion volcano! It was a great night with wonderful conversation.

Some of these folks I have never met before but only knew through the forum. I have to say I am so impressed with these guys. All have been such great supporters and contributors of the enchanted forest and most especially to Mairead. These guys really are honorable men who have great respect for Mairead and all of the artists.

The day of the show arrives. Breakfast and then time to start getting ready with all the gifts and things to have signed. Organizing the event has been 7 months in the making. Now all the detail work. I had printed several nice Mairead photos out before I left home. Some would be for forum members and others to be signed for forum members who had made requests for their kids as well as overseas members. I brought a copy of the Mairead calendar we had printed up for charity donations to Oxfam and gave it to Scott T since it contained mostly his work. Also were the new DVDs and CDs that PBS sent as gifts. I brought a Christmas CD with ornament for a door prize. Also, Dave burned some copies of the WGBH PBS show last fall where Mairead, Lynn, and Orlagh appeared, and gave them to members. I brought three copies of Mairead CDs to have signed for forum contests. I had 20 fiddler crossing signs made up and laminated to hand out to forum members for the show. I also brought three copies of Tamberia's poetry book to sell, but one as a gift with Card for Mairead. There were 20 copies of Liv's CD to sell, and also an envelope for donations to Mairead's birthday gift. I spent time putting post-it notes on photos so they could be personalized to those they go to.

Folks start to arrive at the hotel while Scott-N3sjh and Dave delivered gifts and things to be signed that night ahead of time to the venue. This is a good time to thank Stephen Poremba from Wachovia arena for asssiting us in getting things in ahead of time. Rachel was so helpful with making it happen too.

Kim/KAJ and her parents arrived at the hotel and we all started to gather at the room I booked for our event about 30 minutes before to set things up. We have a nice cheese platter, vegetable platter and soft drinks to tide us over until dinner at five. Folks shared so much of the memorabilia they had and there was great conversation at the various tables. I popped in the Olivia DVD from her Ourimba concert as background for awhile. Door prizes were drawn. New member and first time concert goer Edtom wound up with Starman's ticket, so his first event is second row with meet and greet. Starman we missed you but thank you so much for your kindness. Dinner was ordered at 4 as pre-arranged and then served around 5. After dinner time to get ready. Oops, MeavMan, sorry it took so long to get you into the room!

Off to the show in three vehicles. We arrive and as pre-arranged drop off cameras for later with Rachel. She was in such a happy mood. The security folks at the arena were very helpful and all went smoothly. Wickie brought some gifts and all were set aside along with our goodies from earlier for the after concert event. We make our way to our seats which are in the first three rows on the floor. I gave some of the better seats to others but row C was still pretty darn good. The lights go down and we know what comes next.

To a person, every member present said this was the most amazing experience and far and away the best meet & greet ever for them.

First, it appears that WVIA sold a few more meet & greets than one was led to expect. Close to 50 I would figure. However, no big deal. It brought a little question in my head about the pre-arranged plans though. Well Ginny did just fine but she sure was finding it a challenge to herd all the cats! We get to the room and they have free refreshments. I wait for that though to chat with PBS and venue people about the course of events. Some are a bit unclear but OK. We look around for our boxes of stuff and they aren't there so I inquire from a venue person and they get the things brought down. Rachel brings the remaining items to us. We've really given her added work throughout all of this and she has been so gracious and accommodating. They keep a large tote of nuts in shell, dried fruit, and specialty chocolate brought to the venue earlier. We have one tote of gifts and items to be signed that we all put items in. Tony brought a huge CW Christmas poster that we all signed either at the hotel or did so here. I grabbed a fiddler crossing sign that we all signed as a thank you to Rachel. Cameras are returned to us and we wait for another group to get through with their part of the meet & greet.

We start as I present Rachel with her signed fiddler crossing sign. Mairead and Chloe as well as Rachel light up on that one. Next three of us unroll the huge poster and I say happy first MaireadFest and merry Christmas to Mairead. They're all a bit shocked by the size and seem very touched. So, now everyone gets in line and starts making their way through. Scott N3sjh and Jim Allen handle the photography but many join in as they get through the line. Candid, but not posed photos are allowed for this special event. No shortage of flashes going off! Each person has a highlight of their own from this. But a few bear a special comment here.

Wickie brought some really sweet stuffed critters for all the ladies to snuggle with in their bunks. I can't wait to see the photos of Mairead snuggling with her critter. Another special one was Glenn/Rotten Rebel who flew, wheelchair and all, from California to give Mairead the most beautiful real rose dipped in porcelain and gilded along with a lovely pendant. He then gave Chloe a very pretty cross pendant and earring set with what appeared to be amethyst stones. Wonderful sentiment! By far the most special though was the meeting of Kim/KAJ and Chloe. So many have had a hand in making this possible, and so many prayers went up. Oh my there were a lot of wet faces in that room. Kim told some sweet stories to Chloe and Mairead and gave them some gifts. A night that not many, least of all Kim, will not soon forget. Scott has his Mairead calendar signed and she was able to connect to the one whose graphics helped create them. She received one from the forum at the signing in Baton Rouge.

Well, my own turn came last. I brought some gifts from forum members and gave them to Mairead. I had a stack of stuff to have signed but just did a few things. The first grasp of hands lasted quite awhile and she was just lit up. She still has quite a grip that I remember from the last meeting. There were close to 20 photos to sign for kids and foreign members, so Rachel took them for her to sign prior to my seeing her again in New York City. Two special pieces to sign though. One was a gift from Scott Taylor of a Skate For The Heart program, and the other an old fiddle missing some pices but with the body still intact. She signed both and I told her they would be put on auction with the proceeds going to her Oxfam charity in her name and that of her forum. I moved over to Chloe and it was my first meeting with her. She is just delightful. How could you not love her?!

During all of this tons of photos were being taken. I saw a few Mr. Peabody took and they are lovely. A couple of really special ones though. I gathered the gang for our group shot. Before that though Mairead and Chloe wanted to say something to us. They both said the most wonderful things about our group there and the Mairead Forum in general. Their graciousness in doing that will rest forever in the hearts of all those present. Thank you so much. Naturally we had Chloe next to Kim, and Wickie was next to Mairead with me in the middle of those pairs and Glenn in his chariot in front of us. I can't wait to see those. The other group of fans was awaiting the girls so Rachel was ready to move on to them. Not before a really amazing hug from Mairead though. Her hug is as strong as her grip. Thank you Mairead so very much for that lovely embrace.

We made our way out and everyone was just beaming, each with their own special momemt from their encounters with these two gifted artists. We had been given a great gift for which we will be forever grateful. One final part to wrap it up.

2009-03-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Evansville review by Scott Manke aka Moscapoet

OK, folks here is part one of the review for the dress rehearsal.

Some of us have been here for a few days to conduct some forum business. The anticipation built. During the three days or so leading up we caught a glimpse of some choir and band members but as per proper decorum did not approach. Eight forum members in all were there including myself, Dave, Scott M, Dwight, Jim Allen, Don/papagood, Starman, and Thomas. All these guys were just great and fine folks to attend a concert with. No shortage of enthusiasm either.

WNIN, the local PBS station set up a dinner prior to the show at RiRa's Irish pub. There were 20 meet & greet people there plus PBS. Thanks so much to Sheryl for arranging it all. She received a gift of an Olivia CD. Prior to that though, Thomas gave me a lovely gift with a Skype video conference with Liv and Kim in Australia. It was so lovely. Thanks Thomas, that meant a lot. We also did a few photos. I spent plenty of time at the pub promoting Celtic Woman and Olivia. I also met a gent named Ken Tucker who gave me some great leads I can use for Liv.

It had been rainy and windy most of the day but just cloudy as we made our way to the venue. We waited in the lobby for about a half hour and I picked up a new program. Very nice! I also picked up three Mairead CDs for future forum contests. Sadly, no individual photos were available of the artists. So, if you want photos of individual artists signed you better print up some of your own. We go in and take our front row center seats and wait. The set has a round disc at the back for projecting videos. There are white curtains and sashes around the edges and above the stage. A purple Mairead silhouette is projected on the side curtains as we wait. The disc says Isle of Hope on it as we wait. The announcement comes and the lights dim. we've seen the set list but be warned it is in alphabetical order and not order of performance. I found that out a bit late and so had to write down the order as best I could. The first act that follows in part two may not be quite in the right order as a result but it's close. The second act in part three of this review is in the right order. So, in part two we'll have act one.

Part two. Act one.

Well, for anyone who might doubt the wisdom of David Downes, don't! David wisely has left The Sky, The Dawn, and The Sun. There she was, standing in mist, bow raised in the air, and yes, again dressed in white. The other ladies come out and are dressed green for Chloe, blue for Alex, orange for Lisa, and red for Lynn. The choir is in black. Very nice. Great start and a relief for many who love that song. Hi to you too Mairead! Sigh.

Next up, Lisa comes out and sings a lovely cover called Fields of Gold. I've never heard this pop piece done better. Lisa looks just lovely. Oh, and David himself is behind the piano.

OK, what's this. There is Mairead. Oh, what is this? It's a bit of a Latin flavor and and very peppy. It's called The Coast of Galicia. At least that's the only title I can figure be process of elimination. She's back running around and just beaming. Oh, Mairead thanks so much for the looks. I love this new air. Very fun and perfect. Mairead forum standing ovation.

Lynn comes out and I really like the red dress with the ruffle wrap around. She performs a song from her album, Carolina Rua. Cool! She has fun with it and is so relaxed and smiling. Oh, Lynn, a piece of your own. I love it! Thanks David!

Ahhhh, Orinoco Flow!!!!! Do I need to say more? Only three guys and three gals in the choir though as Amy and Julian have gone on to solo work. Still so much fun.

Alex comes out and sings a cover called True Colors. She does this very well. Again, she does this better than the pop artist who made it popular.

Chloe comes out now and sings a just beautiful piece called When You Believe. This brought tears to my eyes. It's just beautiful and Chloe again makes some eye contact with me. I've never had her at a meet & greet but she sure seems to know me. Awww, thanks Chloe. Folks, you'll love this song.

Now here comes a group piece. Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. Oh my, this is beautiful and again gets me teary eyed. Throughout this so far we get video images on the round disc behind the stage that fits the piece. Really lovely song. Keeper for sure.

Uh oh, here comes Lisa over to the piano. Yep, The Blessing. Sigh. Afterwards she gets David and gives him a kiss and they take a bow, just like on the Slane DVD. What a pretty song.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! Granuaile's Dance! Here comes that feisty fiddler in white! It's just as it always is with Mairead having so much fun with Eoghan, David, Ray, Nicky, Des, and all of us. Awww, could your smile and expressions be any more sweet! More looks to all of us. Yes, she knows there are Mairead forum folks in front. This air just never gets old. Sigh. Mairead forum standing ovation.

Now we have Lynn, Lisa, and Chloe singing a cover called Goodnight My Angel. My, that's a lovely song and very pretty harmony. It says this is a Billy Joel piece. I sure like these ladies better!

Danny Boy. Um, not your usual Danny Boy. This is four part harmony a capella. Wow, does that bring tears to your eyes! I'm not wild about that song usually, but I am now! WOW!

We wrap up act one with, yes, wait for it, Mo Ghile Mear!!!! BOOM!!!!!! All the elements to fire you up and get you on your feet to leave you pumped and ready for act two. Flying fiddler, dueling drummers, and lovely voices. YES!!!! Standing ovation.

I ask the guys to help me get the set in order, but again, some of the above may not be quite in the right order. Catch our breath and time for act two. Part three next.

Part three. Act two.

All the elements are in play as they start the second act with The Call. This is a great song to lead in the second act. Beautiful. I notice something though. No costume change. Cool, Mairead stays in white.

Oh, out come the drummers. Yep, Dulaman, and Lynn. She now owns this song as the sultry girl next door. This is just perfect for her and she has fun with it.

Next up is Alex and a cover from Phil Collins called You'll Be In My Heart. Very pretty and zippy at times. Nicky comes out and plays Conga drum. Good percussion and Alex has a great time with this.

Here comes Chloe and the strains are familiar. Last Rose of Summer. Lynn comes out and they renew the beautiful rendition from the last tour. They are just a lovely duet.

The answer to both Don's and my prayer is yes. Here comes Mairead and she does her stunningly beautiful and gut wrenching instrumental version of that which they call Last Rose Fantasia. . I am just flowing with tears. Thank you Mairead and CW for hearing our pleas. Now when the new DVD is done this beautiful air will be preserved forever. Praise God!!!!!

We insist on applauding at the above even after Mairead leaves and Chloe takes the stage for Nella Fantasia. This is a signature song for her and she does it beautifully as always.

Out come the other three girls dressed in wraps but frillier than previously for the fun piece At The Ceili! Mairead is still in her white. So much fun and a crowd favorite.

Mairead is back and yes it is Shenandoah. She just feels this piece and we know it is one of her favorites. No better honor could the state of Virginia have than her playing their state song. The guys come out and here we go with The Contradiction. Ray gets hoots and hollers from us and acknowledges it with a smile and a bow while he's playing. This just never gets old! BTW, this is not in the set list. Must be a typo. Standing ovation from the Mairead forum.

Out come the ladies now in a costume change. They are wearing dark, very full dresses with a lot of metallic fabric over parts of it. Stunning! I will say however that those might get very hot at outdoor venues late in the tour. The song is Have I Told You Lately. I think that is a Rod Stewart cover right? Very nice.

Lisa stays and out comes Mairead in her new change of costume similar to the other ladies for The Voice. Yep, Lisa and Mairead back for this powerful piece that brings the house down. Yep, standing ovation.

Here we go with that fun song, Sing Out! We just love this and so do the ladies. Yep clapping along.

All the ladies now do a new song called Oh America. Wow!!!! OK, tears flow again. What a lovely tribute to our country. This is just beautiful. What a great addition.

The ladies then move and go right into You Raise Me up complete with the extra verse and the extra Mairead bit. As usual Chloe says her "Thank you, You've been a lovely audience". The crowd stands and they take some bows.

This goes right into Mairead's smoking Mo Ghile Mear reprise (again not in the set list) and the ladies coming out and taking their bows as well as the other artists. Oh give me Mairead over Jimmy Hendrix any day! Squeallllllll.

The encore is Spanish Lady as before. Fun and the ladies are all smiles and the crowd clapping along. More bows and out then with a wave of her bow Mairead ends the show for another night.

Don't doubt for a minute the genius of Mr. Downes and the professionalism and hard work of all of these artists. This is a show that retains the best of what they've done and adds some really great new pieces. While I'm generally more a fan of original work than covers, the latter is done better than the pop artists who made them popular. Well, maybe I'm just biased about it. Next part, the meet and greet.

2009-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the Blog for the Mairead Nesbitt forum! We will be posting show reviews, tour updates, and a diary of our many trips this spring. Enjoy! Please join us at http://maireadforum.com/forum

Dave

2009-03-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hi!

This is the Blog for the Mairead Nesbitt forum. We will be posting tour updates and show reviews from the many shows that we are going to enjoy

Dave