Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Matt Moskal
Pop and folk fused on the Sudbury Arena stage April 21 in the form of touring performance artists Celtic Thunder.
Celtic Thunder consists of five vocalists from Ireland and
Scotland varying in style and performance technique. Those
vocalists are Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, Ryan
Kelly and George Donaldson.
"I suppose the best way to describe it would be an a la carte of music in a way that you're getting five soloists who are singing five distinct styles of music," said Byrom.
"I'm doing more of a classic crossover, George would be more folk, Keith and Damian would be more pop and then you have Ryan who would sing in a more theatrical style."
Before hitting Sudbury, the group had been touring North America extensively.
"This is our second tour. We did a tour just before Christmas of fifty cities in three months," said Harkin. "We've seen more of America than most Americans have."
The quintet's performance featured a number of traditional folk songs, pop-inspired tunes and songs originally performed by The Eagles, Moody Blues and Rita McNeil.
"Because of Rita McNeil and the whole Canadian connection, (audiences) take that much more to their heart and we get standing ovations for that song even on the first bar," said Kelly.
The sizeable Sudbury crowd certainly showed their appreciation for the group and their touring band as they performed a variety of songs both as a group and solo, each touching on a distinct style.
"I like to think I bring a lot of energy to the stage and really get the crowd going," said McGinty.
Celtic Thunder's tour continues with stops in the prairies before the group returns home for a rest.
