When Celtic Woman performs at State Theatre New Jersey at 15 Livingston Ave. in New Brunswick, NJ, on March 16, there will certainly be a lot of St. Patrick's Day energy in the building. The show, which is happening the day before the global celebration of Irish heritage, will mark the latest stop on the group's 20th-anniversary tour across the United States. And it has been entertaining audiences throughout the country through the power of Irish music.
Audiences in New Jersey are excited to see the return of this group, which has become a cultural phenomenon over its 20-year history. By blending a mix of traditional and contemporary Irish sounds, Celtic Woman creates a style of music unknown to many but inspiring for those who do. It is a unique sound that has kept people wanting more for the last two decades.
“The group's repertoire encompasses Irish classics, contemporary songs, classical favorites and stirring originals,” a press release said. “The lineup of performers has evolved in the years since the group's inception but the signature sound of Celtic Woman has remained consistent, showcasing the members' individual and collaborative talents.”
That lineup of performers currently includes Tara McNeill, Murigen O’Mahony, Emma Warren and Mairéad Carlin, who returns to the group after being away for several years. Carlin is a Grammy-nominated singer originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, but shared she spent many summers of her childhood in the Hunterdon County town of Clinton, where she had relatives she often stayed with. Although she has had many different ventures in her singing career, Carlin shared how being back in New Jersey is exciting for her at this stage of her career.
“I just love the New Jersey audience because they're very likely Irish, because I suppose there's a lot of Irish people living in New Jersey, and so there's just a real sense of home,” Carlin said. “I feel like the New Jersey audience, they really listen. But they can also get quite into the music and you know, they're not afraid to get a bit raucous, which is always fun.”
As the tour crisscrosses the country, entertaining hundreds of people each night, it is important to remember the roots of Celtic Woman as it started in 2005. From starting with humble beginnings as a way to spread the joy of Irish to the world to selling multiple multi-platinum records, it is clear that the group is doing something right. Recently, they released their latest album, “Postcards from Ireland,” and some of those compositions will be shared on this latest tour. What is even more special, however, is that the group released a special on PBS late 2023 and is now available in more than 60 markets. A press release provided some information on its release.
“Filmed in The Helix Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, it takes fans on a journey back to where it all began 20 years ago (and in the very same theatre),” it said. “The TV special features appearances from four very special guests including original members Lisa Kelly, Máiréad Nesbitt, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha and Chloë Agnew – who join Celtic Woman for this wonderful TV special packed with emotional and heart stirring performances.”
Carlin also expressed her excitement for the special, saying she had a great time filming it and cannot wait for United States audiences who have not seen or are unable to see their performances in-person to connect with the group and hopefully increase an already robust fanbase.
“So obviously with the 20th anniversary, we really wanted it to be a celebration,” Carlin said. “So, it's very much I would say it's a nod to the past and a wave to the future and we wanted to bring back the original members because they were the they were the wonderful women that started this whole crazy journey of 20 years.”
One thing that is striking about this tour is that it is a 20th anniversary tour under the same name and branding as the original group. Members have come and gone, but not many groups can say that they have stuck together with the same mission statement for two whole decades. Even though Carlin has only been a part of the group for a portion of those 20 years, she still expressed how monumental of a number 20 can be in the music industry where things are constantly changing.
“The whole idea [of Celtic Woman] was meant to just last one night,” Carlin said. “So to be standing here 20 years later, and, you know, performing is just an absolute honor. And again, we just would not be here without our funds. So, yeah, we're just very grateful.”
Over these 20 years, the group has achieved a variety of accomplishments, including being named Billboard’s top world music artist six times, 12 CDs debuting at number one on the Billboard World Album Chart, two top-10 debuts on Billboard’s influential album chart, five Top Five DVDs on Billboard’s Top Video chart, and achieving platinum-level sales in nine countries. Their 2016 album “Destiny” was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best World Music Album category, marking the group’s first nomination. It’s a thrill for people like Carlin, who have made singing a crucial part of their lives, to be a part of such a decorated group.
“Ever since ever since I was four years of age, if anyone had ever asked me what I wanted to be, I always said that I wanted to be a singer,” Carlin said. “I knew from that really, really young age that that was my calling. But that was what made me happiest. It was the place that I felt most at home, though, yeah, it's always been my happy place.”
With people as genuine as Carlin involved in Celtic Woman, the group’s future is limitless. Tickets for the March 16, 2024 show in New Brunswick, NJ, are still available on STNJ.org.
State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ | March 16, 2024 @ 8pm.
