The
trio of Irish singers wowed a packed Arena, earning two standing ovations and
loud applause for every song. They sang traditional Christmas carols such as Hark
the Herald Angels Sing and Irish favorites such as Danny Boy mixed
in with patriotic songs such as America the Beautiful. Their voices never
wavered. They blend their voices so well that it was sometimes hard to distinguish
who sang what part. All three have clear, strong voices and got their chance to
sing solos. They spoke with thick Irish brogues that sometimes came through in
their singing. Anthony Kearns sang a little deeper than the other two men. Finbar
Wright held notes for several beats, such as drawing out the last "art" in How
Great Thou Art.
Ronan Tynan appeared to have the most fun on stage. He
joked about going skiing while in Binghamton and even danced during some songs.
"I think God in his infinite wisdom wanted music for Christmas to be lively
and fun so you can shake your booty," he said as the crowd laughed. Then, his
hips swayed and hands waved as he sang Mary's Boy Child.
Toes
tapped silently, and hands clapped loudly for every song. Audience members sometimes
applauded at the start of songs they liked such as Danny Boy and You'll
Never Walk Alone. Splashes of green decorated the stands from the many people
who wore green.
They hit all the high notes in O Holy Night to
the delight of the crowd. Some people's eyes teared for Danny Boy.
They
were backed by a full orchestra that never overpowered the singers or drowned
them out.
The lighting crew helped set the mood by flashing images on a screen
behind the singers. A gaelic cross appeared on screen during the Irish songs such
as A Song For Ireland while the lights turned green. Red and white
lights flashed for patriotic songs. White clouds swirled on screen for several
songs. Two bells and a Christmas tree helped illustrate the Christmas carols.
They brought the crowd to their feet with a stirring rendition of Mine Eyes
Have Seen the Glory to end the second set. The audience stood and cheered
until they came back out. They sang a medley of Christmas songs, including Winter
Wonderland and White Christmas. Then they disappeared backstage, only
to come back after another standing ovation.
They ended with America the
Beautiful. Then they bowed and left the stage for good. The crowd walked
out into the snow, still humming Danny Boy.
