Celtic Thunder tour rolls across North America

The hit Irish quintet Celtic Thunder has announced plans for its first national tour of the U.S. this fall. The extensive 51-date trek begins October 3 at the Broome County Arena in Binghamton, NY, and continues through December 17 at the Rosemont Theatre in Chicago, IL.

Highlights for the Celtic Thunder trek include an October 7-8 run at Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY, and two separate shows at Agganis Arena in Boston, MA, on October 6 and October 28. A single Canadian engagement is scheduled for October 23 at the Air Canada Centre Theatre in Toronto, ON.

Produced by Sharon Browne and Phil Coulter, the all-male ensemble formed in 2007 and performed its debut in Dublin, IRE, later that same year. Shortly thereafter Celtic Thunder released its eponymous debut record and companion live DVD, “Celtic Thunder: The Show,” but did not gain mainstream attention in the U.S. until PBS stations across the country began featuring the group. The follow-up “Celtic Thunder: Act Two” is slated for release on September 16.

Ensemble tours featuring traditional Irish song and dance mixed with contemporary overtones have become increasingly popular in the last decade, beginning with the emergence of Riverdance in the mid-1990s. Irish step dancer Michael Flatley’s offshoot Lord of the Dance, and female vocal group Celtic Woman have been the latest addition to the craze, selling out numerous shows around the world.

Celtic Thunder is comprised of Damien McGinty, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Paul Byrom and George Donaldson. The members bring a variety of vocal ranges to the group — and a variety of ages. Just 16 years old, McGinty is the youngest member, while Donaldson, the most established performer, is the oldest at 40.

The quintet performs traditional Irish songs, as well as contemporary covers, such as “Nights in White Satin” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Celtic Thunder’s recordings and live shows feature a blend of solo and ensemble performances by Celtic Thunder members, backed with a full back-up band.

“We had so much fun making the show, and it is very exciting to think about bringing it to U.S. audiences,” Byrom is quoted on the group’s Web site.

(Photo courtesy of Celtic Thunder.)

Celtic Thunder itinerary:
(Dates subject to change.)