Clannad

Clannad is still going strong after forming in the 70's. Moya Brennan, lead vocalist and harp player sounded amazing. Her voice is so pure and at times haunting. Her brother Pol Brennan harmonized beautifully. Clannad played songs from their newest album Nadur released in 2013. New songs included Vellum, Rhapsody na gCrann, and Brave Enough. The oldies but goodies included I will Find You, Theme From Harry's Game, In a Lifetime, and a medley of the Robin Hood songs. The concert was just shy of two hours. It was a wonderful music experience.

Clannad, once again, put on a fantastic show in a beautiful provincial theatre in Napa, CA. Although the venue was only about half full, the audience enjoyed an intimate show, packed full of well know tracks all performed with intensity and outstanding musicianship.

Only one negative: Just a little short. Clannad and Moya Brennan specifically are the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life musically & music is nearly my sole source of entertainment. As is usual with Irish traditional music percussion is a BIG part of the music and THIS percussionist was exemplary. He could have used a slightly more elaborate drumset though (compare Celtic Woman) The band as a whole, musically was a true and perfect professional production in every way. Aside from the signature vocals, this is a TOP studio band. Altho I think for traditional Irish music there was a bit too much electronic music but the actual sound heard was truely authentic-the keyboard sounded like a REAL piano. If you can, please thank Clannad and Moya for personally meeeting me after the show. It'was a God-given high I'll never recover from. After buying the DVD I realize now what this concert was-an authentic reproduction of their show at Christ Church in Dublin but I wss pining for more of Moya's single efforts. Great Show and Unlike a Celtic Woman concert (which I REALLY did enjoy) if Clannad comes back, I wil come back ALSO! the price was right!

A beautiful show, great voices and a nice venue. This band is as good as ever.

The band, the music, the voices; SUPERB!!! I have been following this group for many years and possibly have all of their CDs. I WANT MORE! Don't stay away so long!

After years of enjoying their recorded work, I loved seeing them up close--especually Maire whose voice I love even more.

Great musical talent here. The vocal harmonies were exceptional and not something one usually hear. The fact that at least four if the band members are related may explain that magic.

They were wonderful. I never thought I'd get to see them live. After the event they set up at a table to sign autographs. When I got to Marie Brennan I told her it was my birthday. She gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek. I love them. They're so accessible. Their music reflects who they are as people.

Incredible musicianship, gorgeous sound quality, memorable songs.....can't say enough good things about this show! I hope they come back soon...

I waited 25 years to see this band perform live and they lived up to all my expectations. They are amazing singers and musicians. It was a magical night!:)

Twenty-seven years after first hearing the haunting sounds of Clannad, which was also the first time I knew what Celtic music was and found that the soul of Irish music did indeed live in my heart, my husband and I were fortunate enough to see them in the intimate setting of the Carolina Theatre in Durham, NC. From the first moment to the last there was never a disappointing note, from the old to the new Clannad brought forth all that was expected (Newgrange, I Will Find You, Theme from Harry's Game) as well as their trademark new age sound of synthesized melodies, straight intrumentation, harp and flute, electronic base and of course the never to be forgotten solo voice of Moya\u2014which has not changed, or if it has, has only bettered after forty years of heart rending offerings and preservation of Irish music. We were taken out of our element and gratefully so. Our only hope is that they will keep their promise to "not be so long" in returning for their next visit to the USA. We have been waiting a very long time to see them and to welcome them home for a visit. It was hard to let them go. Slán abhaile, Clannad. We expect to see you again soon!!

The vocal range and harmonies are still amazing, and loved the jazz styled arrangements on some of the songs. The venue was also accoustically wonderful.

Beautiful music, gorgeous ballads. Extremely smooth concert...clearly these people (the core 5) have been together many years and have finely honed their presentation. They engaged the audience and were very genuine....people, not stars.

Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime event, Clannad did not disappoint. They totally rocked the house--no easy feat in a room full of Southern geriatrics ;) Their sound and artistry was nothing short of pure genius! If you ever get the chance to see them live, run, do not walk, to the box office to snag these tickets. I guarantee you a tremendous return for your investment!

Everything I expected from Clannad. Just don't wait another 17 years to come back. First time in Carolina Theater, what a wonderful small theater!

I simply loved the show, it was very entertaining, the music fantastic and the venue was warm and comfortable. I would go again in a heart beat!

The show was amazing. Their talent and the number of instruments they have mastered is amazing. The sound in the Carolina Theater was very well done, credit to Clannad's sound engineer. We weren't blasted out of our seats by the percussion instruments and the harp and acoustic instruments were well balanced. My guests and I enjoyed the traditional and the newer song set-list very much. There was a point when Moya asked the audience (in reference to a song they were about to sing), "It's better to marry for love and not money. Do you agree?" But the audience didn't answer her back. The irony wasn't lost on Moya. She replied, "Hmmm, I don't know (what to say ) about that." I don't know if the audience understood her at first. It took a while to get used to how they pronounced words before what they were saying registered as this was my first time hearing an authentic Irish broghe. It may have also been the same for other members in the audience. This was especially the case for Ciarán and Pól because they didn't speak as much as Moya. But as the evening progressed it became easier to understand them all -- I think it was just a matter of getting used to hearing Irish and especially Irish Gaelic being spoken and sung. It's completely removed from what we as "Southerners" are accustomed to hearing. :)

I came with two friends and we were deeply disappointed by the concert. There was no energy onstage and as a result, no energy from the audience. It felt like the musicians were there because they had to be; not because they wanted to be. The music itself was good -- close harmonies, excellent playing -- but there was nothing to bring it alive. We left at intermission.

Lackluster performance. The band seemed very tired and exhibited little energy. Acoustics were muddy, and female lead was often hard to hear. Don't know if it was the venue or the mix. Instrumentals lacked precision and tightness. Very disappointing overall.

The bottom line - first and foremost - THIS PERFORMANCE SPOKE TO MY CELTIC HEART!!! I never thought I'd live to see the day where I could actually say that I have seen Clannad perform live, but now I can ... and what a show it was!! They played for almost two and half hours and it was honestly the FASTEST two and a half hours I've ever experienced. The sound reaching us in the first balcony area was just perfect, to say the least. The band divided the show into two halves with a 20-minute break in the middle. The first half was devoted to the more traditional Irish/Celtic tunes that Clannad are noted for while the second half was devoted to the more modern-sounding compositions featuring electronic keyboards, effects, drums, and a somewhat more "rock and roll" feel to the songs. I loved it all!! Moya sounds as strong as ever in her beautiful Gaelic singing while her brothers Kieran and Pol added wonderful harmonies and top-of-the-line instrumentation as well as much levity in their banter with the audience between songs ... I also wanted to mention the wonderful vocal contributions provided by the Drennan brothers, too. All in all, simply wonderful and sweet. I left the show that evening with a big smile on my face and a warmth inside as if I'd just sipped some of the finest irish whiskey around. Thank you Clannad for gracing North Carolina with your presence and spreading some Irish "hospitality" to those of us anxious to experience it with you!! :-) Come back soon!

Music for my soul is the best way to describe my experience at this show. My toes tapped and hands were tired from being moved by the music. If you are a Clannad fan then this show is for you.

We riverdanced all the way home with a spring in our steps and the spirit of the Irish in our hearts. They needed to turn Maire's mic up, but she effortlessly showed us the power of her voice in spite of this production glitch.

Clannad does not "rock." Rather, it delivers what one expects and in fact hears on their recordings, well crafted songs,playing and vocals. Almost hushed, always respectful of the quality of their material. I was struck, however, by how different the material sounds when it's done "just" by Moya Brennan and her own band. I've seen her twice on my own, and with her band it just all sounds very different. Equally dreamy, but, yes, different.

Great interplay of old favorites with newer material. Amazing musicianship and singing. It's been a long wait to see Clannad in person...well worth it. Let's not make it so long in the future!

It was great to have them back in Philadelphia. I totally enjoyed the performance as they were just amazing. They played 2 sets and an encore. But do say I'd rather see them at any other venue as the Keswick has woefully inadequate parking and services. But their performance made up for the venue.

We have attended any concerts,But it is very rare when a band can perform a live concert with The sound qualityOf an album. This was onr such performance!

A great blend of traditional Irish music with some contemporary music. It was a pleasure to hear them live after seeing them on PBS!

Moya's voice is still haunting! It was great to put a face to the names of the other extended family members. Please don't wait so long to come back. Music was great! I would have loved to hear "Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn)", "I See Red", "The Other Side", "Skellig", and "The Poison Glen." Next time, perhaps!

Great combination of sweet and forceful music and a worthy combination of Gaelic and English.

History. Clannad has a long one, stretching back nearly 40 years, and has an immense catalog of material to choose from for a setlist. Their choice this outing was overwhelmingly culled from their first 5 albums, which for founding fans like myself was not far removed from a miracle. Although their RCA catalog was not ignored, the mainstay of their set was the wonderful traditional music that began their careers. Time and again, I found myself shaking my head in wonder at the songs they had dredged out of their excellent early releases - songs that I had resigned myself to never hearing live - twenty years ago. The popular highlights of their more mainstream RCA releases were well represented, but also a few of the more beloved mid-career songs, like "Newgrange" from Magical Ring. If you missed this tour, you missed something special - something I believe will never be repeated. On the bright side, the band assures me that they will be returning next year, promoting their new release tentatively expected in March of 2013.

I was first introduced to the music of Clannad while watching the movie "Last of the Mohicans", and became an instant fan. After listening to more of their albums, my love for their melodies and harmonies grew stronger. This was the first time that I've seen them in person, and will be one of the first people to buy my tickets the next time they return. Hopefully, it will not be in another 20 years.

Terrific live show. Clannad had a real rich stage presence.

Simply Magical!!! It was an evening quite special transporting the audience back to other times and places. Even though some songs were sung the Irish language, the tunes were timeless.

Just a great show with a lot of musicality. Hard to imagine anyone not liking this!!

The show was wonderful. It amazes me when every member of one family has so much talent....what a gene pool! The show was warm and wonderful. Getting the audience to participate was the cherry on top!

What a wonderful experience! I've been dying to see Clannad for decades and they didn't disappoint! Clannad played for about 2 hours at the Historic 6th & I Street Synagogue (who knew you could go there for concerts! what a wonderful place#. Moya Brennan, the lead vocalist and harp player, was truly spectacular to hear...Her voice is so pure, it sounds very ethereal, like an angel. Her brothers harmonized beautifully and 2 uncles were great too. Clannad played songs from their newest album Nadur and they sang some of their oldies like "I will Find You" #my favorite part of the concert), "Theme From Harry's Game" , and a medley of songs from the Robin Hood tv series. Clannad is a definite must see!

THey played a few of their news songs from Nadur album. Highlight was all the songs that are my favorites.

I am so glad I finally got to see Clannad in person. They sounded as wonderful in person as on their CDs. Maintained that ethereal quality in the vocal harmonies as well as instrumental accompaniment. Moya's voice stops me in my tracks whenever I hear it. She is instantly recognizable when Clannad's songs are used in commercials. The deep male voices give her voice a foundation from which she soars. The vocal and instrumental gifts of this group take them from the complexity of individual contributions to a masterfully blended whole that evokes the listener's affective response, and draws listeners in regardless of the language used in the song. Nice blend of old favorites and new numbers from their corpus of works.

I love the Irish variety, from traditional to alternative sounds.

Clannad have an amazing stage presence. You can almost feel the energy between them, focused and intense. You get the sense that this is about more than the music; and it is. It's about life, it's about culture, it's about...Nàdùr. No matter how many generations removed from your Celtic roots, you will feel a stirring in your soul when Clannad begin to play. The experience is almost cathartic. The harmonies soothe and heal the spirit, the melodies are comforting. Unbelievably, the band takes the time to meet their fans; patiently signing autographs and mugging for pictures after working so hard to make sure your show experience was top-notch. They'll even humor you when you attempt to use your very limited Gaelic conversational skills.

My expectations were high and were met. They sounded as good as any of their cds. Th

I thought Clannad was better than the first time I saw them 25 years ago. Their music is timeless and the most powerful vocals I've heard in years. I found the acoustics at the Scottish Rite Auditorium perfect for them.

What a magical evening! I'm so glad Clannad went on tour! Their music transported me back to County Donegal, Ireland. Thank you so much!!!

This was the first time I saw Clannad as a band live. I have everyone of their albums. I've Moya Brennan twice before. They are just great. I blend of tradional Irish and New Age. Best concert I ever went to. I hope I can see them again someday.

Great concert. Band was tight and Moiya's voice was spot on. Hope they return in the future. 1st time at Scottish Rite Auditorium - great place to watch a concert. Attendants were helpful and friendly. Will definitely go back.

They played both old and new songs, and they were all fun.

Clannad was absolutely amazing! They did a fabulous mixture of old favorites and new music from the new album. Their interaction with the audience was incredible and the meet and greet afterwards was awesome. Their music remains strong and clear and you can see they are enjoying themselves as much as the audience. Thank you Clannad for a night I will never forget

Great concert - wonderful venue! Clannad was on my bucket list and I wasn't disappointed. The historic synagogue was a great venue for the concert. Recommend entering thru the bar area to enjoy a drink a half hour before doors open for concert seating. Otherwise, you'll stand in line an additional half hour out on the sidewalk.

Over 40 years of making music and they still sound amazing. Rare to see a band that still have the vocal and instrumental range and sound at this point in their careers. First time in DC area since the late 80's. Highly recommend if you get a chance to see them.

Clannad has a long history of making great music, and their latest recording, Nadur, is no exception. Its really a shame that so much time passed between the latest and previous recordings. Its also a shame that so much time has passed since they've toured the US. To finally have had a chance to see this fantastic group live was a dream come true! They did not disappoint with an excellent mix of old and new hits. This is a band who does live shows very well. I hope they will treat us with another visit very soon. The folks who managed the sound system did a great job as well. They kept everything mixed well and at levels ideal for the venue.

I have wanted to watch Clannad live for, literally, decades. Finally having the opportunity in such a small, almost intimate, setting was beyond exceptional. Typically when a group plays in a smaller setting it is a bar/nightclub type of venue. Instead, this show was in an historic building which seemed to fit the group's performance quite well. The group engaged the audience on several occasions, making it a fun experience as well.

I just had the privilege of attending a Clannad Christmas concert, and could not believe how lovely an evening it was. Moya Brennan has the voice of an angel, and her harpist, Cormac de Barra, is world class at his instrument - I'm really hoping he's going to be traveling with the group this time around! Moya's daughter Aisling Jarvis blended in perfectly with the band, as did the fiddle and keyboard players. All in all it was truly the best concert I've ever been to, and I've been to more than I can remember. I highly recommend seeing this group perform live, but fair warning - their music will haunt you until the end of your days!

After 20 years we finally got to see Clannad. I was well worth the wait. A wonderful show at a great theater. If you get a chance to see them - do it. Let's hope they come back to the US in 2013.

I enjoyed every aspect of this concert. The staff at the Uptown Theater in Napa were so friendly. Clannad's performance was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. I have been to many concerts in my day. The bonus was actually meeting them!!

I have never seen Clannad live; although I always have had the wish. When I heard that they were coming to Napa,I was thrilled. They totally surpassed my expectations. Their vocals and instrumentation were excellent. Marie's lead vocals were superb. Their songs are well crafted, some hauntingly atmospheric, some upbeatedly in that wonderful Celtic way.....If you are have a chance to see them live, go for it!!

This was my second concert at the Napa theater, and I love it. The music was great, and we met the band afterwards which put the icing on the cake! We will be back for more concerts and/or events

Hi, Clannad are amazing, and please, please, please do more shows like these. Bring them back for a 3-night run---I'd go to all 3. 10-star rating! Thanks again, Uptown! Matina

An absolutely outstanding show in a great venue. There is not a bad seat at Northern Lights. Very odd -- they did not sell out. Clannad is an international Irish band with many successful CDs. Milwaukee holds the largest Irish music festival in the world every summer. Tens and Tens of thousands of people come to the four-day event, many from around the world. Where were all of those people for Clannad? These was Clannad's first visit to Milwaukee, and although they said that they would be back, that is highly unlikely.

Clannad's concert at the Capitol Theatre was incredible. Their music is amazing as always, and the band stayed after to talk and sign CD's. Got to take a pic with Maire, and sounds like they're releasing a new CD next year, with another tour to follow! The Capitol Theatre was a great setting - small enough to feel intimate for us and a few hundred of our closest friends!

Great musicianship and beautiful harmony, plus a lovely lead singer - what more could you ask for? Wonderful show. caveat: too many people using cameras - distracting. Plenty of empty seats on the ground floor in the front rows, but these weren't available when purchasing tickets. What's up with that?

I've been waiting for Clannad to tour the US for over 20 years, and when it finally happened, it was wonderful. The set list was a fan's dream, and the performance was tremendous. Their signature vocal harmonies are as great as ever. And as if a wonderful show wasn't enough, they did a meet-&-greet with the audience afterward, shaking hands, signing autographs, and chatting. I drove 4.5 hours to get to this show, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

It was unbelievable to finally see Clannad in person. I've been following them since the days of "Robin Hood". Heard all the best of songs...venue is not as mystical as their Christ Church concert in Dublin...but still a great show. Concert started on time. Can't wait to hear their new CD

Wonderful concert. Moya has the most hauntingly beautiful voice, and the harmony of the group was excellent!

The show contained great music. But was way to forlorn. Was hoping the show would build to a more of a happier note, which it did only to have them come back on stage and bring us down again.

I relaxed, enjoyed, soaked up the mystical ethereal sounds of a unique sextet. Strings, woodwinds, subbass, antiphonal overtones, gregorian chanting, rock, jass, all wrapped me in a blanket of ancient sounds and stories. A wonderful evening in a wonderful place with a simply amazing band. What a treat for my birthday. Plus I won on the slots!