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
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Congratulations Máiréad!
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
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
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy new year from the Mairead forum!!
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
Friday, December 25, 2009
New Blog Coming soon!
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
Take care
Dave
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Baltimore St Patricks Day
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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