Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, December 5, 2008

Celtic Thunder, as seen on TV

After scoring big success on public television, the quintet brings its polished renditions of Irish music to a sold-out show at Comcast Arena.

By Andy Rathbun
Herald Writer

 The quintet that makes up Celtic Thunder is a bit like a boy band for the PBS set.

Just as the Backstreet Boys or 'N Sync were plucked from obscurity by a music producer, so too were these five performers -- who, admittedly, are not all youths.

Producer Sharon Browne and songwriter Phil Coulter auditioned the men, searching for five individuals who could belt out Irish and Celtic folk music, perfect for public television. Granted, the five performers had to do more than just sing solos. They also had to harmonize.

"It was really sink or swim to see if the five of us could get along or not," said singer Ryan Kelly, 30.

The performers swam, in a big way. On Sunday, Celtic Thunder plans to play a sold-out show at Comcast Arena, another stop on a successful tour of the United States.

The show first grabbed the spotlight in March, when a broadcast of Celtic Thunder's Dublin concert started making the rounds on public television. A live album and DVD followed, preceding the group's current tour.

Now, the show features the five singers, who range in age from 16 to 41. Each plays a certain part: the doe-eyed teen, the slick lover boy, the father figure. During some points, all five join together for ensemble pieces. At other times, the men sing solos.

The show is well known for its high-end production. The quintet takes the stage in black trench coats, with strobe lights popping like lightning and the rumble of thunder heralding their arrival.

Moments like that led Kelly, the show's lover boy, to compare the concert to a theatrical performance.

"It's much more than simply the music," Kelly said.

Still, the music is the big draw. The men sing a mix of Irish and Celtic folk songs, such as "Mountains of Mourne" and "Come By the Hills," while also folding in pop hits, such as the Eagles' "Desperado" and Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is."

Oddly, the group forgoes music from some of Ireland's most popular homegrown talent. Songs from U2, Van Morrison and Sinead O'Connor aren't included, while seemingly less appropriate songs such as Paul Anka's "Puppy Love" are performed.

"We went through the songs we felt would work for the show," said Kelly, a native of Northern Ireland. "There's themes going through the show that the songs would have to fit."

Kelly said the group plans to sit down after Christmas to discuss ideas for a second show, and musicians such as Van Morrison might make the cut the next time around.

While the group is already mulling over choices for that sequel, Kelly said he's trying to stay focused on the moment as much as he can.

"We're just looking forward to getting up to Seattle," he said. "We're enjoying the show, to be honest."



Reporter Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455 or arathbun@heraldnet.com.
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