On a recent trip to the Twin Cities area, I had the opportunity to see the Chieftains in a sellout concert at the beautifully restored historic State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.

The Chieftains were in a merry mood and the evening started out with a lively number and the ubiquitous greetings in Gaelic by Paddy Moloney including some comments about Martin Fay, who got even later in the show. The Chieftains performed several old numbers including a medley from The Long Black Veil and new material which included parts of the famine symphony composed by Paddy Moloney. The piece was beautifully interpreted and performed with the traditonal instruments. I am really looking forward to hearing the completed symphony. The piece was incredibly poignant.

Each of the Chieftains did a small medley of solo pieces in the first half with Matt Molloy nearly bringing the house down with his playing which included a fiery interpretation of Mason's Apron. The crowd rewarded Molloy's efforts with cheers and clapping leaving the rest of the group in complete surprise. The other Chieftains performed pieces that reflect thier talents and Kevin Conneff performed the song associated with unrequited love and emigration, North Americay. The heat from the stage really got turned up after Paddy Moloney introduced Carlos Núñez onstage. Carlos and the Chieftains then performed Dueling Chanters from the album Santiago, which really fired up the crowd. The performances throughout the evening were complimented from time to time by dancers Cara Butler and Donny Golden, world champion dancers from Long Island, New York.

The second half opened up with selections from the album, Santiago which also featured Pancho Alvarez on bouzouki and Diego Bouzon on Spanish guitar, members of Carlos Núñez band, were on stage to play with the Chieftains and Carlos Núñez. They also contributed vocals on Guadelupe. The numbers were brilliantly performed by the musicians.

The band wrapped up the night with a solo salutes in which Martin Fay got even for Moloney's earlier remarks. Núñez along with Bouzon and Alvarez joined The Chieftains in a solo salutes in between the chorus of Ever Go A-Courtin', Uncle Joe. The solo salutes really heated up the audience with a lot of clapping and cheering. Derek Bell played a wicked jazz piece as the others on stage tried in vain to rein him in. Alvarez and Bouzon joined in the fun by doing a bit of a chorus line. The show ended with cheers and a standing ovation. They returned on stage to do an encore and invited a local musician to join them on stage.

All in all it was a magical evening and a night to remember. It was indeed a great concert. Thanks for the wonderful journey Chieftains and Carlos Núñez!