Altan

Altan was magical and inspiring. The music was lovely, uplifting and varied; the musicians are literally world-class; the atmosphere was fun and even at times whimsical; and Mairead's voice is so strong and pure that it reminds us of why we need to preserve the world's music and culture and inspires us to do so.

For about 30 years Altan has delivered consistent quality in person - we've seen them at least five times over the years and they never fail to impress. This night was no exception. One secret is personnel consistency - four of their five touring members have been together pretty much the entire time. The fifth, the young accordion player, is a dynamite player and tune composer. We try to catch them whenever we can, and if you like music in the traditional Irish vein (including some ventures beyond the traditional), you'll be pleased with them.

Altan was spectacular, as always. Great songs, powerful tunes, witty reparte. Everything you could want in a show.

We'd not heard of this group until a few weeks before the concert and weren't sure what to expect. However, they were all excellent musicians and the music was great. Will go see them again if they come to this area.

Have been a long time Altan fan. My wife and I flew up to Columbus Oh from Atlanta for the concert. Airline tickets, taxi's, hotel, meals, you get the picture. Altan played two, 45 minute sets? They seemed perturbed the audience was not more enthusiastic, they actually mentioned the fact that there was no one dancing. People here came to listen! I'm 52 and was among the youngest at the show, what did they expect? They played a good many jigs, which were great, but were a little shy on the great ballads that I love and I think would have gone over well with this crowd. All said I was disappointed, not a good show.

My husband has followed Altan from the start. We love them. Just a great group of musicians. Both of us are direct Ireland descendants. Their humor is a bit dry at times but very humorous.

I've listened to Altan and have anticipated attending a live concert for years; they certainly did not disappoint. They took me from wistful to rousing-the-dead-dancing-in-my-head joyful. They left me selfishly wanting so much more than their energy had to give. A generous and amazingly talented group.

We have been fans of Altan for years and just saw them live for the first time. They are every bit as good live as they are on their recordings. Will definitely be seeing them next time they are in town (or close to it!)

This was a very unforgettable experience for me, I would recommend this show to anybody that likes good music.

Altan has always taken Irish Traditional music - and especially Donegal tunes - to new heights, while retaining it's authenticity. This concert was no exception. The small-to-medium sized venue worked perfectly for their straightforward presentation: Just five musicians onstage in front of a simple lighted backdrop. No lasers, no smoke, no overproduction, just "the pure drop." Wonderful! Actually, the evening began with only four of the five on stage. Ciaran Curran's bouzouki had not arrived at the airport in time, along with Daithai Sproule's guitar and much of the band's equipment! Ciaran's seat was empty for most of the first half, until a bouzouki could be borrowed! (Guitars are easier to find.) Fortunately, at half time the genuine articles arrived, and all five were at home on familiar instruments. But for the empty seat, you'd never know there was a problem. As Mairead said, when they started their career, the crisis would have stressed them terribly; but after 25 years, they take everything in stride. Nothing kept them from amazing the crowd with ripping high-energy reels and jigs, alternating with Mairead's sweet soprano. By the end, all the audience members were on their feet, clapping and stomping, perfectly in tune with the band.

It's been about ten years since Altan played the Columbus area. Much too long a wait for arguably one of the best Celtic vocalist and players touring today. Altan, come back soon!

I had purchased the tickets for my boyfriends birthday (in December) and was afraid the tickets wouldn't arrive in time so I also bought their Local Ground cd. Both ended up coming on the same day! Yesterday was the concert and I have to say it was WELL worth the wait! My boyfriend really needed the escape from what life's throwing at him right now. Altan's music brought him to tears! Thank you for making it such a special night for us.

Great concert!!!!! Losing their baggage and equipment didn't seem to faze them. The audience would not have realized it, if we weren't told. They did an amazing job!!!