Flying in from across the pond, the internationally recognized Irish music group, the Celtic Tenors are set to perform two nights, March 15 and 16 at the Plant Riverside’s music venue, District Live.
The Celtic Tenors began their music careers in more traditional styles, as the “Tenors” in their name might indicate. Meeting during their time performing in an Opera, Daryl Simpson, James Nelson, and Matthew Gilsenan took their skills and rerouted their careers to something all their own.
Today, the group specializes in performing music in a traditional Celtic style, paying homage to the history of Ireland and its surrounding lands. While the style may be familiar to fans of Irish music, the set list may surprise. The group specializes in playing music from a wide variety of artists and genres with a traditional Celtic twist. Daryl Simpson stated that the only guiding motto that the group uses to select songs to recreate is that “the suit has to fit.” In other words, if the song seems to fit naturally into their act, nothing is off the table.
“We usually focus on songs that tell a story. Naturally, that makes a lot of folk music, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, stuff like that, a great fit, but we also will play our versions of pop songs and other genres,” Simpson said.
He explained different songs require different approaches. Some songs lend themselves to acapella renditions, while for others, the group incorporates instruments like guitar. Similarly, the vocals differ from song to song. The group flexes their traditional music upbringing with powerful vocals when needed, but will take a more modest approach to some of the pop and folk songs they recreate. Even though the group specializes in Celtic style music, Simpson said he is confident that the group will play a setlist filled with songs recognizable to almost any music fan. “No matter what you like, it’s all good.”
Simpson himself, can’t wait to touch down and experience the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day experience.
“It is a beautiful city, for sure. It has a unique laissez-faire personality. I’ve never been there for St. Patrick’s Day, but many say that the U.S. does St. Patrick’s Day better than Ireland and Savannah is known to be one of the best.”
Fans can celebrate alongside Sipson and the rest of the Celtic Tenors. The band’s performances at District Live will be on March 15 and 16 at 8 PM and tickets are on sale now. Savannahians who fall in love with the Celtic sound can get the group’s albums online as well as other band related information on their website (celtic-tenors.com). The group has also moved into the music streaming space with some of their music, including their newest album, An Irish Songbook, available on Spotify and Itunes.
For more information visit plantriverside.com
