When I left Nashville Friday morning, driving by way of I-24 through Chattanooga and down I-59 to pick up Don (pappagood) at his house, there were severe thunderstorms forecast throughout the area, and I did encounter some heavy rain, but it was gone before I got to Don`s house. I would have made this trip no mater what the weather forecast. Don and I then continued to Birmingham and the closer we got there, the better everything looked and it turned out to be a beautiful day. This may have been a preview of what was to follow that evening.

After arriving it was time to get something to eat, as we did not want anything for lunch, so I remembered a restaurant I had been to a couple of times, but it had been at least fifteen years since I had been there, so we found it and like before, the home cooking was still wonderful.

Now on to the Show: Don and I had already got the lay of where everything was located, as this whole area contains multiple venues for different events, and we arrived at the venue just before 7:00 PM, and the Show was not scheduled to start until 8:00 PM. In just a few minutes they started letting people in, and then on to their seats a good 45 minutes before the Show was to start. We soon found Stan (Artist 1) and his lovely wife and Phillip (PDM1114 ) and his lovely wife and daughter. We talked a while and then it was time for the Show to start. Talked to them some more at intermission.

An introduction is tastily presented, then the fog, the white light, and the raised bow, and there is the beautiful Mairead in her white dress so eloquently poised and ready to play; and this beautiful Show begin. We know about The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun, and this song is so appropriate to begin a Show of such beauty and emotion. We love everything we see and hear and feel, as there is such beauty in everything that is so masterly presented to us here. When Lisa sings “Fields of Gold” the music, and Lisa`s beautiful voice takes a hold of us and we are taken on a journey as this story in song is told. Each time I see and hear Lisa sing this song I feel it cannot be improved upon, but in Lisa`s incomparable way she has a way of doing that. Lisa, this is so beautiful.

I will try and mention only a few songs, as all the songs and their presentation to us just thrills and fills my heart with joy. Chloe singing “When You Believe” and ”Nella Fantasia” among others, and Lynn singing “Carolina Rue” and “Dulaman” and when Chloe and Lynn sings “Last Rose of Summer’ the tears begin; and Mairead then follows the singing of that song by playing “Last Rose of Summer” so perfectly and delicately, and we see the expressions of intimacy no one but Mairead can show as she measures her satisfaction with her performance. Mairead, it can not be played any better. So beautiful. Yes, there are more tears here too.

“Danny Boy” as presented by all these ladies is so different, and so beautiful. Alex sings “True Colors and “You’ll Be in My Heart” with all her heart and Alex sings these songs so beautifully (but I wish they would reverse the order in which they are presented in the Show, as I believe each song then would blend in more appropriately with that part of the Show; if that would not disrupt the overall flow of the songs and the performers at that time). Just my opinion.

We all love “At the Celli” and “Sing Out” is a must song and at the appropriate place in the Show. I will tell you, I just love “Have I Told You Lately?” and all of these ladies really put there hearts into singing this song, and what a joy to watch and listen as you are taken in with the words and sounds of this song as it is sang so beautifully. “Spanish Lady” is such a treat to watch and listen as all our ladies are involved in singing this.

“The Blessing” and “The Voice” belong to Lisa, as there is no one that can sing these songs as Lisa does. “Mo Ghile Mear” has to be an all time favorite, and even though Lisa was across the stage from me we did still get to sing some of this song together. I always look forward to doing that with you Lisa.

“The Call”, “Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears”, “Oh America” and “You Raise Me Up” is sang by all the ladies, and Mairead is such a big part of these songs, and the emotions that are brought to the surface while listening to these beautiful voices and music is just so fulfilling and my heart is overjoyed, and yes there are more tears, but all these tears are tears of joy. So beautiful and so inspirational.

As this Show draws to and end there are some encores; and this audience that was so reluctant early in the Show to get involved was now on their feet wanting more and more, and these ladies, choir, and musicians were now standing on the stage applauding the audience. What a way to wind up this beautiful Show. All these ladies were now beginning to leave, and as Lisa was leaving, she blew me a kiss. Thank you Lisa. I hope this continues.

I will say that during the Show, I did receive many looks from all of these ladies, but from three of these beautiful ladies in particular there was much eye contact and smiles and acknowledgement, and this was so outstanding. You ladies know who you are, and my heart is so touched when you do this for me. You know I love all of you, but you are so special. No, I did not miss one of you saying “Hi” to me from the stage. Thank you.

We now move on to the Meet and Greet. It was announced that Alex and Lisa would be the two ladies chosen, and a prayer had now been answered. One such prayer was answered on June 4th, 2007 in Chattanooga and this same prayer was answered this night. This was my 2nd time to meet Alex at a Meet and Greet, and it was also my 2nd time to meet Lisa at a Meet and Greet. The lady in charge told me there were 50 people invited for this event and I tried to be last in line to meet these ladies. I did get to talk with each of these ladies, but briefly, and got some questions answered, but it was getting very late and Rachel had to get these ladies out of there, for they had to be in Tallahassee, Florida for a Show on Saturday night.

Ladies, Choir, and Musicians, all of you performed so outstanding here tonight. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you at Wolf Trapp June 8th, and in Nashville for the two Shows June 17th and 18th.

Rachel Davis, thank you for everything you do for this Show; and in seeing that everything is functioning properly for this Show to be enjoyed by so many fans. You go beyond the call of duty, and thank you.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the great review.