John McDermott

Again, John McDermott gave a fantastic show. The man, in addition to being a terrific talent, is a humble person. He has such a rich sense of humor and loves to tell stories about his family and friends as introduction to the songs he sings. He's backed by 4 very talented musicians, and he gives them a chance to show off. John performed for about 75-90 minutes without an intermission. Some old songs, some new. Not as many old Irish songs as he has done in the past, but his newer material is great. The venue was small and intimate with not a bad seat in the house. A perfect setting for this type of show.

This is the 4th concert of John's that I have attended, and this was the best. It was just John and 4 great musicians - a very intimate setting. Festival Hall is small, holding approximately 400 people. John sang some old and new songs, talked and joked with the audience, and also talked about the charities he is involved with, including the Palliative Care Center for veterans and first responders. John is very appreciative of the people that support him, and he shows his appreciation by making himself available in the lobby at intermission and after the show for autographs, pictures and just a general chat. He has the most beautiful voice, full of emotion and clear as a bell. His a capella encore of Danny Boy had the audience mesmerized. After the song ended, there was complete silence until the spell was finally broken and the applause started and continued. He held the entire audience in the palm of his hand. A lovely setting and a fantastic show - what more could anyone want? I hope John will return to this little Georgia town someday.

I have never felt that any performer had a link to the common man with the exception of Bruce Springsteen. Until I had the pleasure to witness John McDermott perform on 12/6/13.His ability to make my wife Anne and I feel the emotions he conveyed thru song was very real and touched us to the bone. We shall never forget his show.. Pick the song. It worked. Thank you and God Bless to John!!1

Very disappointing! The venue at the UIC Forum was awful. I did not know there were no theatre seats. The opening act was too long and what I paid for was too short. John McDermott is a favorite of ours. We saw him 12 years ago at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora and loved his show. He would have a far larger audience there than the small attendance he had at the Forum. Perhaps he was disappointed in his audience as he never had an encore. I will never attend the Forum again.

John McDermott greeted you at the door and you felt like an invited guest. The musicians accompanying John were as amazing as his voice. The venue created an intimate feel with lighting and a minimal set. Truly you felt like you were in John's living room. One of the best musical events all around I've attended. Hope he returns next year!

The last time I saw John McDermott was at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis accompanied by the Minnesota Orchestra. I know its hard to believe but at the Harbor Conference Center the guitar and string bass accompaniment was their equal in effectiveness. These world class musicians enhanced McDermott's emotion laden balladry eliciting a standing ovation response from the audience.

The surprise began with him greeting us at the main entrance and proceeded again and again with the song selections and his heartfelt stories. The stories gave clarity to much he sang even if they were "evergreen" and well known.

We have to say as Canadian we are so proud of John McDermott. We saw his show on March 5th at the Event Center in Punta Gorda, FL and would hope that he will come back again. We know many more friends who didn't know about his show that will certainly attend the next one. He not only sings well, but was so down to earth greeting everyone at the door. He was unbelievable and reachable. We certainly hope that the Punta Gorda Event and Convention Center will have John back again to perform for all of us here in Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte, FL area.

John was out front personally greeting patrons as they entered the venue, not just here, he does this whenever the circumstances allow. He is by far the most genuinely sincere singer/entertainer/performer you'll meet in a lifetime. Great to see him after too many years absence.

First time at The Bear's Den. Sound was incredible. Seating intimate almost like a nightclub. Enjoyable evening.

John McDermott is our favorite and the venue was great.

An absolutely wonderful time, intimate show. The facilities were great. The music was wonderful and John and his band were their usual funny, playful selves.

Great performance with many old favorites and some new! Great fun for around St. Patty's day too. Brought my parents who loved it and left with a CD! Stories of his homeland are great and very funny!