Hi and welcome to the February 2009 E-Newsletter from www.TheConcertStage.com. As we start the new year we will take a few minutes to look back at 2008.

2008 In Review

The year 2008 will be remembered by seeing even more fantastic Celtic bands while also seeing a couple classic rock acts. I was able to add galleries of some of the artists I had the opportunity to see for the first time including April Verch, Jenna Reed, The Kane Sisters and the Anna Massie Band. I also added a new gallery of Eileen Ivers - one of my favorite fiddle players. I saw Eileen perform four times this year including a couple sets at Milwaukee Irish Fest and on her Christmas tour in early December.

I had the chance to see some rock bands including former Styx front man Dennis DeYoung and Jim Peterik and World Stage. The Jim Peterik and World Stage show was a taping of Soundstage and included many special guests including members of .38 Special, the Ides of March, Survivor and Lynyrd Skynyrd. I look forward to seeing the concert video.

Solas

Solas is a band I have wanted to see for a couple years after I heard their Reunion CD. This band excels in intertwining the sounds of flutes, whistles, fiddle, guitars, accordions and vocals. Each musician is internationally recognized for their excellence and when you blend them together you get true Celtic music experience. I had the opportunity to see them in a festival setting at Chicago Irish Fest and Milwaukee Irish Fest. I was able to really appreciate their musicianship seeing them in October at the Abby Pub in Chicago. You can not beat the acoustics of an intimate venue for a band like Solas.

2009 Looks To Be Another Great Year

The 2009 Concert Year is already beginning to shape up. I have plans to see the Elders and Solas again real soon and the Milwaukee Irish Fest lineup is already looking inviting. For the first time in over twenty years I will be seeing Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and am really looking forward to the show. If the show is half as good as the shows I attended in the 1980s it will be awesome.

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