Bringing the heart of Ireland to the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, The Irish Tenors performed a medley of traditional Celtic songs and American classics on Thursday, March 7, while on their “Let’s Celebrate Ireland” tour.

The evening began with the full orchestra welcoming the audience with a slow, peaceful melody.
They played until the song built into a crescendo, quickly becoming a cinematic symphony much like the soundtrack to an epic movie.

As the song finished and the applause died down, they drifted into their next song as the Irish Tenors – Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan — entered the stage. Setting the tone song “Only Our Rivers Run Free,” the tenors showcased their individual talents through solo performances for the next few songs.

Each tenor gave a quick introduction and kept the mood light and playful as they spoke to the audience.

Wright began the solo pieces with his version of Johnny Cash’s “Forty Shades of Green,” joking that “it’s gone up to ‘Fifty Shades,’” which the audience laughed and cheered to in response.

Kearns followed up with his song, “Off to Philadelphia,” and Tynan finished with the upbeat tune, “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen.”

Only pausing briefly to tell stories, they trotted along through each song and covered a variety from their discography including “Old Man” and “Bridget Flynn.”

They dedicated their rendition of “Scorn Not His Simplicity” to any parents in the audience who may have a disabled child.

“For any of you blessed with a physically or mentally ill child, I dedicate this song to you,” Tynan said as he began the soulful ballad.

The tenors wrapped up the first half of the show by paying homage to a few American classics with their version of Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender,” and straight into the chart topping “Titanic” theme song, “My Heart Will Go On.”

Demonstrating their talents, The Irish Tenors gave a stirring performance of the song that was just as powerful as the timeless original.

The orchestra began the second half of the show with another climactic instrumental melody that demonstrated their ability to be as skillfully talented as the three leading gentlemen they accompany.

Shortly after, The Tenors returned to the stage and continued with their selection of Irish tunes like “Red Is the Rose” and “Grace,” while covering Frank Sinatra’s “South of the Border,” which was originally written by Irishman Jimmy Kennedy more than 60 years ago.

Finishing up with a few traditional Irish songs “Hail Glorious St. Patrick” and “Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go” they ended the evening with their hit “Danny Boy,” which earned them applause within the first notes at the beginning and a standing ovation by the end.

The Irish Tenors entertained the Luhrs Center audience with their traditional Celtic songs, tributes to American legends, flawless vocals and humorous monologues.

With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations right around the corner, it was great timing for an Irish celebration.

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