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Arts & Culture

Celtic Thunder: Take Me Home

(left to right) Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, George Donaldson, and Ryan Kelly perform at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada in "Celtic Thunder — Take Me Home," premiering nationwide on public television in 2009.
Jack Hartin, Hartin Photography
(left to right) Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, George Donaldson, and Ryan Kelly perform at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada in "Celtic Thunder — Take Me Home," premiering nationwide on public television in 2009.

Airs Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

The new Celtic Thunder special features new songs and audience favorites, and showcases a more mature, dynamic group. Damian McGinty, the youngest member - now in deeper voice and standing one foot-and-a-half taller - performs "Happy Birthday Sweet 16" and "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" like a young Neil Sedaka or Frankie Valli. Ryan Kelly's dark destroyer persona emerges during his rendition of The Police's "Every Breath You Take." George Donaldson's charisma and humor shines through during his energetic delivery of The Proclaimers' hit "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," and Paul Byrom reaches new vocal heights with "You Raise Me Up." Blonde surfer hunk Keith Harkin is set to steal more hearts singing Don McLean's "Castles in the Air," during which he also plays guitar.

Powerful ensemble numbers include "Working Man," "Take Me Home" and an a cappella rendition of "Danny Boy." The Irish classic was added to Celtic Thunder's concert repertoire after their hugely successful 2009 St. Patrick's Day performances along Manhattan's Fifth Avenue during the parade and later that evening at the White House for President Obama's family and guests - the highlight of the whirlwind first year of their U.S. career.

Since their U.S. debut in March 2008 on public television, Celtic Thunder has spent over 45 weeks at the top of the Billboard World Music Charts and played in front of over 200,000 people on their North American tours. Their fans, known as "Thunderheads," just can't get enough. To sate fans' desire until the next tour, producer Sharon Browne filmed Celtic Thunder's April 21, 2009 performance at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada to create "Celtic Thunder: Take Me Home."

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Visit the official Celtic Thunder website to learn more about the musicians, read their blog and view photos.

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Music Clips: Celtic Thunder: Take Me Home