I had another thrilling experience last night courtesy of Loreena and the band. It helped that I had nearly the best seats in the house---2nd row, direct center. I was probably closer to Loreena than any of her band members, save Brian Hughes. The setting was the grand Fox Theatre, a cultural jewel from the 1920s, the interior a madman's vision of an ostentatious eastern palace. Loreena's name was in BIG letters on the marquee out front, a beautiful sight in itself for a fan. Loreena would later comment how the band got a tour of the place and she was quite impressed with the aesthetics. Alas, the place is huge, with well over 5,000 seats, probably twice as big as some of her venues on the spring tour, so it was difficult to achieve a sell-out, especially when considering she'd already played the area (Ann Arbor) less than 6 months earlier. Still, a respectable crowd of around I would say 3,000 came out on a mildly cool and damp evening. The enthusiasm of the faithful certainly didn't seem dampened, though. Fans ranged in age from those old enough to be Loreena's mother to a 7 year old girl, also sitting in the 2nd row. Most were dressed with care (I hate to say it, but I wasn't one of them, I had on my autographed spring tour shirt).

The set was the same as in the spring, a metallic Middle Eastern archway framing the drum kit, and five suspended lanterns, whose faux candles would glow during specific pieces. Six of her backing musicians populated the risers behind her, while 3 of her more prominent accompanists shared the forestage--Brian Hughes, with his arsenal of stringed instruments to our left, the lovely Caroline Lavelle (it's funny how her face is covered half the time by her flowing mane) and Hugh Marsh, the wild man violinist, to the right.

Loreena herself wore a long brownish traveling coat, the same as seen on the Alhambra DVD, hiding a leopard print skirt underneath. This was the same as what I saw on the spring tour. The only difference is that this time Loreena made a dressing change during the intermission and came back with a black lacy outfit. Also, her hair looks to have gone blonde. She was definitely a redhead in the spring.

The setlist was similar to previous shows:

She Moved Through the Fair
The Gates of Istanbul
The Mummer's Dance
Bonny Portmore
Marco Polo
The Highwayman
Dante's Prayer
The Bonny Swans
Caravanserai

break

Raglan Road
The Mystic's Dream
Santiago
The Lady of Shallot
The Old Ways
Never Ending Road

encores:
Huron Beltane Firedance
Penelope's Song

Needless to say the musicianship was superb and it's really great when everyone in the band gets rocking on pieces like The Mummer's Dance, The Bonny Swans, Santiago, and The Old Ways.

Loreena spoke at length a few times. The first was before Bonny Portmore and she discussed how how this has been a journey of self-discovery, exploring her Celtic roots and this led to the importance of trees in certain cultures, which is reflected in Bonny Portmore, as it relates to the clearing of forests in northern Ireland for shipbuilding. She also introduced the band after The Bonny Swans and then went into some musings on history and her stay with Mongolian nomads and then the origins of the song Caravanserai. Finally, before Penelope's Song, she mentioned that she was now an honorary colonel and the song was dedicated to the memory of a Snowbirds pilot as well as others that have lost their lives.

One last note, Loreena did hint at the possibility of touring next year, but perhaps in other parts of the world.

Thanks, Chuck. This was my 2nd time to the Fox. I saw Celtic Woman there earlier this year. I believe it was renovated with the money of Mike Ilitch, the Little Caesar's pizza chain founder, who also owns the Red Wings and Tigers (Comerica Park is right across the street). He's really done a lot to try to revitalize the city.

Barb, it would be nice to see Loreena in some far flung place. Maybe she's going back to Europe or perhaps Australia. I was thinking of going to Europe next summer. Who knows, maybe the opportunity might arise to see her. It'd be funny to see her at a meet and greet in London or Rome and say "Loreena, do you remember me from Kalamazoo?"

I don't remember anything said about a powerpoint presentation. Loreena did pull out a small piece of paper to quote some words by Arthur Schlesinger from a Harper's Magazine article about the importance of history. Loreena said something about having a Woody Allen moment which drew a laugh. But I don't know Woody Allen well enough to understand the reference.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dan,

So I guess the question is, how much money can we mid-westerners save up before next year in order to buy tickets, planefare and hotel rooms to other parts of the world ?

Did Loreena talk about the band telling her she needed a powerpoint presentation ? That brought a huge laugh in Cleveland -- along with assurances that we LOVED the history lessons interwoven in the music!

-- barb

Nice review, Dan.

I'm envious of you seeing Loreena at the Fox. I've been there several times - it's a great venue.