< START >

Joe W: Hi Deirdre

con336: Hi Deirdre we love you

Rianne:  Hi Deirdre

Bill:  Hi Deirdre

Cheeky: Hiiiiii Deirdre 

Eithne:  Hi Deirdre!

Michael: Hello Deirdre :)

Marianne Lothiancelt:  My nickname at the Celtic tenor’s fan club is Lothiancelt 'cause I love Scotland

Irish Heart: Hi Deirdre

Richard: Hi Deirdre

LePenguin: Hi Deirdre!

Don: Good Evening Deirdre!

Dianne: Nice to chat with you, Deirdre

 Don Leavitt: Deirdre, hi from Alpine. 

Lester:  Hi Deirdre

Joe W: I’m from clan Armstrong and quite active w/ it

Don Leavitt: Hi Deirdre, Greetings from Canada!!

Joe W: Love the borders

Brad: Hi Deirdre thanks for chatting with us.

Deirdre: Hi all sorry I’m late, though I wouldn't be Irish if I wasn't!

Joe W: Hi Deirdre

 Coleen: lol 

Joe W: Among other things

con336: Thats okay Deirdre we still love you

Deirdre:  Didn't Jenny and Brian do a great job on the website! I’m very proud of them!

Eithne:  Yes! three cheers for them

Rianne: Yes they did!

Don: Yes they sure have Deirdre!

Lester: Great job

Joe W: Love the Irish; sorry we stunk up the country last week w/ our Ryder cup performance

Richard: Yes great job thanks much

Marianne Lothiancelt:  Hi Joe - love the borders too. was twice in Peebles on vacation.

Deirdre:  Thank you all for staying up so late (Europeans)!

Brad: Yes...I met them and they're terrific!

Rianne: 0:39..... I can live with that.....

Michael: Sorry, my browser died....but the site really fits Jenny and Brian. When I met them in Toronto they

were seriously two of the kindest loving people I have met

Stu: Love and regards to Deirdre, but this isn’t working for me. so long.

 
Michael: So it really suits that they would do something so kind and caring for you Deirdre

Marianne Lothiancelt:  Deirdre, I shall send you greetings from Cassie, she's not able to chat tonight

Don Leavitt: The sun is still pretty high in the sky over here (western USA)

Eithne:  Same here, don

Brad: Just setting here in New York

LePenguin: It's going down here in Maine.

Dianne: Deirdre, can I order your cd now?

Deirdre:  To all the Americans online! Thank you so much for joining me to celebrate the launch of my new cd!

Joe W: Beautiful day in D.C.

LePenguin: You're welcome!

Rianne:  You can, Dianne, on the homepage

Coleen: You're welcome.  We wouldn't miss it

Richard: That right Joe w

Mark:  Our pleasure Deirdre

Bill:  Pleasure to be with you here Boston

Oliveoyl: My pleasure from the great state of Texas

Eithne:  I’ve ordered it!!

ALCAN1: Greeting from Alaska Deirdre 

Deirdre:  Of course you can order my cd - just go online to

Eithne:  I’m so excited

Faith: I heard the clips today and I have to say you did an amazing job! It sounds wonderful.

Joe W: Hey Rich

Michael: Couldn’t miss it :-) ordered it as soon as I heard, can’t wait to hear it!

Guest: And California

Brad: Plus...looks like several members of the forum have already ordered it!

Rianne:  It is gorgeous!

Richard: Het Joe

Deirdre:  Thank you faith, it’s been a joy

con336: Is your cd only available from your site???

Bill: Mine already ordered!!!

Irish Heart: I just bought 4 of them while waiting for the chat

Deirdre:  I’m glad you like the cd, it was a work of love

Dianne: I’m going to order the cd right now! Bye.

Joe W: Deirdre will you have all your work available when you tour the us this fall?

Don Leavitt:  No I don’t know

Marianne Lothiancelt:  yes - love the cd too - can't stop hearing it

Cheeky: I like it too

Don Leavitt: you're all in for a tremendous treat!!

Maggie: Hello Deirdre - Maggie here - just listened to clips from your CD - it's beautiful!

ADMINISTRATION:  Good evening everyone!!!

Deirdre:  Jenny is working behind the scenes as we speak getting questionnaires ready of pre-submitted questions and answers

Deirdre:  will be with us soon

Michael: great

MaggyMay: back

Deirdre:  A genuine heartfelt thank you all for your support, for buying the cd and for your kind words.

Cheeky: Especial   “Apron Of Flowers "and of course  too “The Prayer” to

Rianne:  I can't stop playing "One More Day" in particular.

Bill:  You deserve them, Deirdre

Brad: I’m anxious to see what everyone has to say

Faith: You deserve it. It's a great cd. I can't wait to get mine.

ALCAN1: I ordered 2 cds an hour ago

ALCAN1:  cant wait to get them

Rianne:  I have already given the cd to 6 people (bought them after the recent concerts) and told 5 or 6 more to order it ASAP

Marianne Lothiancelt:  I would like to know when your German tour will start

Eithne:  Me too! It will be amazing to finally get the cd we've all been waiting so long for

Maggie: There's a good variety of songs on the CD, shows your versatility.

Rianne: You could come to the Netherlands in February next year, Marianne

Don: Deirdre, please tell Markos thank you for finally getting it up on your site!

Marianne Lothiancelt:  thanks Rianne, hope I can manage it

Deirdre: Much thanks to mark, my web administrator for meeting my deadline today! 

Bill:  Thank you, mark

Maggie: Looking forward to seeing you in FL in February - the weather's great here that time of year 

ALCAN1:  Deirdre..Ive got a ticket to see Celtic Tenors on March 6, 2007...#rd row in Albany New York....cant wait to see the show

ALCAN1:  3rd row

Faith: I wish you lots of luck with the launching of your CD and the tour with the Celtic Tenors. I can't wait to see the show. I have to go on and study. Have a wonderful night.

ADMINISTRATION: We will begin the evening by answering the questions that were sent via email first, then time permitting; open the room for further conversation.  Please hold your questions until then.  Thank you.

Deirdre: Looking forward to coming to America with the Tenors, see you then! 

Joe W: I plan on going to the two WV shows in April.

Eithne:  I’m psyched for the Utah concerts! I’m desperately trying to get to go

Richard: Jer what’s going on? 

ADMINISTRATION: Ready Deirdre? 

ADMINISTRATION: Here we go!!!!!

con336: Deirdre which one of the tenors is your brother????

ADMINISTRATION:  Question 1: I just wanted to say hi and congratulate you on the new cd. I plan to buy it upon the release. Are you planning any appearances either this year or next in the Los Angeles area? I would welcome the chance to see you perform live again. Maybe this time I can meet you in person! (From Kevin Fitzpatrick)

Deirdre: Matthew is my brother and a member of the Celtic Tenors.

con336: Matthew it’s a good name.

Deirdre:   Hi Kevin! Thanks for your good wishes about my new album. I am very excited to finally release it! It’s been a long time coming and I thank you all for your patience. To answer your question about the upcoming American tour with the Celtic Ttenors and David Munro. We plan to be around the west coast of America through March.  California during the period around St. Patrick’s Day. So keep your eye on my website. The Celtic Ttenors show can be described as an intimate experience with signings and meet and greets after each show. We like to say hi to our fans if this is possible with the manageable numbers of folk who attend the concerts. A simple queuing system and your there.

Deirdre: Anyone who comes to the concert will have the chance to meet and greet myself and the Tenors after each show

ADMINISTRATION: Question 2: I’ve noticed that there seems to be a lot of family involvement in the Irish music scene. Take for example Mairead's cd Raining Up; she had 4 siblings work on the cd with her two brothers and two sisters. One of the Celtic Tenors is a brother of yours. Does this family involvement make the Irish music scene less stressful and more laid back? (From Constantine)

Deirdre:   Hi Constantine. With reference to family in music.  Myself and my brother Matthew have always enjoyed singing together. Indeed, from a young age all the family sang in the local church choir, so when it came to recording my solo album, I wanted to share that experience with the world. Our voices naturally blend together. The prayer was a song that meant a lot to both of us. I had a beautiful orchestral arrangement made by David Munro and thus it was pure luxury to sing. (Really, it's just an expensive version of what we used to do in church!) I’m proud to come from a country where family values are still so highly rated. That means an awful lot to me. 

Dianne: Deidre, I looked on the "listening" page but I didn't see anything about ordering your cd. I really want it! Thanks

ADMINISTRATION: Question 3: Will there be a USA tour in the near future? Will you be coming to Florida? (From Jim Williams)

Deirdre: Dianne, log off and log on again and you will see it

Albertan [0]: Actually I'm still here, just with a different browser. Any tours planned for western Canada?

Deirdre:  Hello Jim. I will be touring with the Celtic Tenors, as you may know by now, as their special guest and I will be coming to Florida with them. We will be there in mid December and February.  Please log onto my appearance page on my website, and check out exact dates! I hope to come to America again on a solo tour, so it is important that the promoter of this next run of tours knows that I can draw my own crowd. Please get your friends to come along and see a wonderful, entertaining show filled with variety, humor and good music!! 

Joe W: is David Munro any relation to Donnie Munro from Runrig?

Deirdre: Keep checking the website and the diary! All will be revealed.

ADMINISTRATION: Question 4 & 5: Since you were a member of Anuna, I thought I would ask you about a special love of mine, Medieval and Renaissance music.  Did you perform much of that kind of music, and how do you feel about groups like Chanticleer, The Tallis Singers, The King's Singers, and The Swingle Singers? I was a music performance major in college and I specialized in Renaissance music.  I did a very small amount of vocal work, but most of my experience was instrumental. I played the Sackbut. (An old fashioned trombone) I know that Anuna has done some music from that time, so I was wondering if you liked it? (From Stu Mostinsky)

ADMINISTRATION: Please hold your questions for the moment.  We will be opening the chat room for further discussion once Deirdre has been given the opportunity to address questions submitted via email earlier this week. Thank you for your patience.

Deirdre:  Hi Stu. It’s no wonder that such an experienced musician like yourself likes Medieval music!!  I think it is one of the purest forms of music. There is so much to be learned from it. Medieval music touches on something very deep in me. It’s that honest tone and accurate pitching that gets me every time. Performing in Anuna for some years taught me so much about clarity, tuning, tone, blend and vocal agility. Personally speaking at least, self awareness and the ability to listen were both qualities that were heightened, which of course are necessary for a polished performance. The groups you mention I admire greatly, and I would dearly like to spend more time listening to this type of music but I have to say that any singer who works hard at their craft grabs my attention. In fact recently I had the great pleasure of seeing one of the worlds greatest a cappella group Take Six. Truly amazing! 

Deirdre: Munro is a very popular name in Scotland; I don't believe he is related.

ADMINISTRATION: Question 6: Who are your music inspirations? (From Don Leavitt)

Deirdre:  Musical inspirations include Linda Ronstadt, Joan Baez, Mary black, Eva Cassidy, Tracy Chapman, Take Six, Fleetwood Mac. 

ADMINISTRATION: Question 7: Who do you like to listen to (when you have time)? (From Don Leavitt)

Joe W: Gotta love Stevie Nickes

Deirdre: Depending on what mood I’m in, I like to listen to both instrumental classical or contemporary vocal (mainly female) soloists perhaps like Nora Jones or Dianne krall! I also love listening to creative folk music like Judy Collins and good country music by say, Johnny Cash or Lucinda Williams. I have to say at this stage though I have mixed tastes and depending on my mood I draw on any number of these

ADMINISTRATION: Question 8: any plans to make a DVD of you performing some of your songs, either solo, or with the Celtic Tenors? (From Don Leavitt)

Deirdre: As regards making my own DVD/video, I would love to. If someone is willing to put up the money, that is! 

 
ADMINISTRATION: Question 9: your voice has been compared to Eva Cassidy, what do you think about that? (From Don Leavitt)
 

Deirdre: It is very flattering indeed to be compared to one of the most musical singers I have ever heard, Eva Cassidy. I would hope that I do my material even a fraction of the justice that Eva Cassidy does to hers! 

ALCAN1:  sorry have to go. Got to deal with my broken truck

ALCAN1:  take care everyone

Don Leavitt: I’ve got a lot of Eva Cassidy cds, and you do!
 
Deirdre: Alcan 1 thanks for joining us, talk soon.

Deirdre:  Eva Cassidy is a major inspiration.

ADMINISTRATION: Question 10: when might you tour the western USA (and not just the very west coast), either with the Celtic Tenors, or solo? (From Don Leavitt)

Marianne Lothiancelt:  Deirdre, Cassie and I would like to know if there is a German solo tour planned, perhaps together with three wonderful guest-singers ;-))

Deirdre:  Don, hopefully I will return to the west coast very soon. It will definitely be there in the New Year though. Please keep tuned to my website to check this out. I can't say just yet but there may be a very exciting solo project in California early 2007. As soon as I have details I will inform all! 

Michael: ((woo hoo for California!!))

ADMINISTRATION:  Question 11: I guess there are two questions I would like to ask.  The first is who you would most like to sing a duet with?  It could be male or female. (From Bill Godfrey)

Deirdre: Bill, I love the questions you have asked! Regarding the person I would most like to duet with.... This would have to be my all time heroine Joan Baez. She has been a constant inspiration to me since I was little. I think her longevity as a practicing artist in the music business is testament to what a serious musician she is. Over the years she has had so much to say on many levels on a humanitarian level alone, she has made a difference. For me she is the all encompassing artist who has always embraced her political views, her femininity, her artistry and her talent in one fell swoop through her music and writing!

Maggie: It's easier to read in black - the blue is difficult or maybe I'm colorblind

ADMINISTRATION:  Question #12 friends and family living in harmony is what makes me happy. Curling up on a cold night in front of an open fire is only a bonus, when you know that you are surrounded by loved ones living in harmony!  

ADMINISTRATION: oops

 
ADMINISTRATION:  lol

ADMINISTRATION:  I messed up!!! Sorry

ADMINISTRATION:  now for the question!!!!

ADMINISTRATION:  Question 12: the other question is do you hope to do a solo tour sometime?  I still want to know what makes you happy! (From Bill Godfrey)  

Deirdre: Friends and family living in harmony is what makes me happy. Curling up on a cold night in front of an open fire is only a bonus, when you know that you are surrounded by loved ones living in harmony!  

Joe W: Looks like admin is stuck on Saturday night lol

Mark:  This must be the jeopardy chat... 

Maggie: Deirdre, you and the Tenors are going to perform in many Colleges...is music education important to you? 

ADMINISTRATION: good beer!!!

Joe W: Only a Guinness’ll do

 
ADMINISTRATION:  Question 13: You perform at allot of colleges.  Is the "education" aspect important to you? (From Maggie)

Deirdre: Maggie, education is a very important area of life for me. I have always wanted to teach. My dad was a teacher and so it seems to come quite naturally to me! If I can teach young people something about music, then that fulfills me! A full schedule does not bother me! I love working in fact I’m more comfortable working hard than not!! 

Marianne Lothiancelt:  Please don't write in red - it's no pleasure for my eyes

Joe W: Ditto on the red

MaggyMay:  The red is much worse than the blue was – sorry

Deirdre: Okay, let’s stick with black

Brad: I agree...black is best considering the background

ADMINISTRATION: Question 14: you have a very hectic schedule for the autumn, winter us tour.  You will return home for Christmas, then back here for one week in February, before leaving for two busy weeks in the Netherlands.  Doesn’t such a full schedule wear you out? (From Maggie)

Deirdre: Yes, indeed, it is very grueling, but I prefer to be busy, and I enjoy the work so much

con336:  How is Celtic music received in Europe??

Deirdre:  It’s taken very seriously. Celts are all over Europe so they relate to the music well

ADMINISTRATION: A special thanks to everyone who took the time to write in. The chat is now open for additional comments and questions for Deirdre

Rianne: My question didn't come up

Marianne Lothiancelt:  Agree

Coleen: Ay question didn’t come up either 

Joe W: Ask it now

Deirdre:  Great Maggie, that’s the only color I haven't tried, looks like administrator has nicked it on me!

Bill: Thank you for talking to us, Deirdre!!

ADMINISTRATION: hmmmmm... I didn't get your question Rianne!!  why don't you ask it now?

Mark: Deirdre, how did you choose the songs on the album?  Are they simply songs you love to sing, or do they have a "story" behind them?

ADMINISTRATION:  Administrator now returns yellow to Deirdre

 
Cheeky: Oh I looking forward to see you again on the December 20th

Bill:  Can you tell us your favorite song to sing?

  
Joe W: My comment to Deidre is you are such a class act, esp. the way things were back last winter.  Kudos to you

Deirdre:  The songs on the album are songs that I have always wanted to sing. I have researched the album material for about a year and came up with this

Rianne:  How do you come by/where do you find all those fabulous dresses you always wear on stage for the Celtic Tenors concerts, like the dark blue/silver one, the black one with the red flowers and the gold one you're wearing now? And did you get to keep that stunning CW gown you (and everyone) liked so much?

Deirdre:  Canada - check website!

Don: Jenny, I sent you a question for Deirdre that you must not have received.  Here is mine:  Who would you say is the most influential teacher you have had in your life and how have they influenced you?

con336: Ye the Celtic peoples were all over Europe and in many ways far more civilized then the Romans

Deirdre:  Fav song – “A Fond Kiss!”

Deirdre:  Teacher? My art teacher in school taught me how to look closely and learn from simple things in life

Eithne:  Deirdre--the CT are scheduled to perform in ST.George, Utah (my state!) in April. Will you be performing with them then?

Deirdre:  I studied art for many years and I love the play of fabric and colors together - thanks for the compliment Rianne

Michael: Hello Deirdre, I must leave as I have ballet, but before I go I was wondering, as it is connected with me going to ballet, have you yourself ever taken any dance classes at all in your life? Anything, ballet, jazz, tap,etc...?

 
Deirdre:  Enjoy your ballet! Thanks for joining us

Deirdre: I hope to perform in Utah Eithne!

Eithne:  I hope you do! I would give anything to see that performance

Joe W: You will be in West Virginia next April, right?

Deirdre:  I expect to be Joe

Don Leavitt: People in Utah would love a concert by you!!

MaggyMay: Deirdre, greetings from the Toronto area.  I see the Celtic Tenors are booked for April. 26 in Brampton Ontario.  You aren't mentioned, are we to ''assume'' you'll be performing too?  

Oliveoyl: Do you think you will ever come to Texas with the tenors

Eithne:  Yes we would!!!!!

Dianne: When you were with LOTD, did you perform w/ troupe 2 or 3?

Joe W: Make sure you get that special passport when you leave the USA and enter W.V. lol

Rianne: The Dutch concerts in February are selling like crazy.....

Deirdre: I think it’s correct to assume I’ll be in Ontario then too

Maggie: All little girls in Ireland learned step dancing, Michael, even me!

Deirdre:  LOTD Troupe 2

 
Deirdre:  That’s great about the Dutch concerts, I love performing there

Cheeky: And what is with Germany???? 

Coleen: Deirdre, do you still keep in touch with the Celtic Woman ladies?

Don: I have been collecting Riverdance/LOTD DVDs, but haven't found one with you in it yet?  We're any of your performances ever released on DVD?

Rianne: And the Dutch people love having you here

MaggyMay: Thanks, Deirdre :-)

 
Deirdre:  Coleen, yes we do stay in touch, thanks to the internet even if we are in different countries we can stay in touch

Marianne Lothiancelt:  Well, Cassie and I would like to know if there is a solo tour planned for Germany?? Perhaps together with three wonderful guest-singers?

Coleen: That's nice to hear.  Thank you, Deirdre

Deirdre:  My performances weren’t recorded with LOTD, they were live. Only 1st casts were recorded

Bill: I am grateful for "Celtic Woman" because I met your voice!! 

Rianne:  it's good to know that, even if things ended so horribly, you still had a good time with the other girls.

Deirdre:  Marianne - we'll tell that to the boys!

Deirdre:  Dianne - indeed I did, but I had left by 2003

Coleen:  Deirdre, I heard you perform live for the first time last year in Cleveland with the Celtic Woman tour.  You have an amazing voice.

Marianne Lothiancelt:  No, we would like to see you performing at a solo concert
 
Deirdre:  I hope to have a solo tour sometime next year with my band

Bill:  I dream of a solo concert, too!!

Deirdre:  Thank you colleen

Rianne: whoohooo!!! Don’t forget the Netherlands, then!!

Coleen: You're welcome

Joe W: Caitlin will gladly join your band if you need a drummer!!!!!

Bill:  I dream of a solo concert, too!!

Deirdre:  Rianne, I’ll be right there, Bill are you planning on a solo tour?!

Rianne: you know the fans will be in front row!

Deirdre:  Always need drummers!

Mark: How many musicians will be on tour with you and the tenors this fall?

Dianne: I well remember you at the Thousand Oaks Civic Theatre. Everything about you was beautiful.
 
Bill:  Deirdre, I want to see you on a solo tour!!

Joe W: She thinks the world of Ray and Nicky

Deirdre:  Ray and Nicky are great drummers, aren't they?

con336: Deirdre you have been describes as a power soprano what is a power soprano???

Rianne: Is that the pianist the Celtic Tenor’s fans know and love?

 
Marianne Lothiancelt:  Who is the pianist - David?

Deirdre:  Good question!

Deirdre:  David Munro is the pianist

Joe W: if you've heard her sing live, you'd know what they mean by power!

Rianne: one with a fabulous voice that doesn't hurt your ears

Marianne Lothiancelt:  great - !!!

 
Deirdre:  Like these definitions of a power singer. Let me try David Munro’s name again - sorry, fingers getting sore typing!
 
Christopher: Deirdre, I was privileged to see you perform with Celtic Woman. I wish you all the best with the Celtic Tenors! :)

Marianne Lothiancelt:  doesn't matter, we understand

Rianne: aka the great scot of Scottish national treasure 

 
Rianne:  *or

Guest [0]: This chat room doesn't work for me, but I wanted to say hello Deirdre

con336: Besides singing do you play any other instrumentents like the Harp????

Joe W: That must be Stu

Deirdre:  After you've checked where I am performing with the Celtic Tenors I need the bush telegraph to work! I need as many supporters in the hall as I can get. This will help my chances of the promoters bringing me back

Deirdre:  guest 0 - sorry it’s not working for you. Email me through my site

Deirdre:  I play the piano too!

Suzanne: I know that Public Television is a good way to promote your concerts!

Deirdre:  That’s great Maggie, that’s exactly what we need!

Bill:  I know they will bring you back.  Their ears will force them to!!

Deirdre:  Send me any contact details you have Suzanne

LePenguin: I'll do what I can do up here in Maine

Coleen: I saw Celtic Tenors this summer here in Ohio, but you weren’t there.   It was a great concert.  I brought my dad with me and he loved it too.  We ran out and bought the cd afterwards.

Rianne:  Any of the people that are going to the C.T. concert in February will return for "just you", Deirdre. Trust me on that one

Deirdre:  Coleen, send me an email if you need a press kit to forward onto anyone

Mark:  Don't worry, we'll recruit lots of people to hoot and holler at the shows!

Deirdre:  Thanks Rianne

Coleen: Will do.  Thanks.

con336:  Is Danny boy on your cd??? Its one of my favorites

Maggie: We need to flood the TV Networks with requests for appearances of Deirdre & the CT

Deirdre:  If you have contacts of people in Maine or anywhere please just let me know through the site

Rianne: I would love to send a copy of your cd to the local radio station. so I could use one of those press kits as well

Deirdre:  Absolutely Maggie

LePenguin: I work for a community station here in Portland that does a Celtic music program every Sunday

Deirdre:  Rianne, please send me an email through the site and I will get it off to you right away

LePenguin: *community

Deirdre:  LePenguin, send me the details of your contacts - the producer; of have him/ her make contact with me. It’s probably easier for me to make contact with them directly

Rianne:  and I have contacts with the English churches in Rotterdam, so I can have posters put up there. Lots of Irish and British people there

 LePenguin: OK.

Don: I would think that the popularity of the CW CDs worldwide will help you get more attention and help your solo career.

Bill:  This has been so wonderful tonight.  Thank you so much, Deirdre

 Christopher:  Yes, thanks for your time tonight Deirdre

Mark:  Deirdre, there's a pretty big Irish festival near me every July -- would you be interested in appearing at something like that?  If so I can send you a link to their website.

Suzanne: Thanks for taking the time to 'chat' with us

Lester:  We'll certainly do anything we can to promote you. An earlier question, any plans on Texas for solo tour next year?

Marianne Lothiancelt:  I think it was the first concert with you and the C.T.'s where you sang together with Matt "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" - I would love to hear it on a cd - can you keep this in background? Many people will love this wonderful song

LePenguin: I have to sign off. I'll send the contact information to you via e-mail

Joe W: will you be in the USA in May of 2007?  I may know of an event in Maryland for you

Don Leavitt: Deirdre, it's really late for you, but thanks for putting together this chat - it's been really fun and informative!!

Coleen: I know its 12:30 am there in Ireland.  Thanks for staying up late for us.

Deirdre: I appreciate everybody's support that logged on tonight, particularly those who stayed up late. Thank you to Mark, my web administrator, Jenny and Brian for putting this together, Susan for typing for me, and I hope you all enjoy the cd. Keep your feedback coming!

MaggyMay:  We look forward to the arrival of your cd and thank you for your time tonight.
 
ADMINISTRATION: We have just a few minutes left.... thanks again to everyone who attended this evening.  We hope you found your visit to be enjoyable! Please take a moment to say your good byes to Deirdre.  Thanks Deidre for taking time from your busy schedule to drop in for a chat.  We all enjoyed having you here!

XM: more power to your career Deirdre and blessings to you!!!

Deirdre:  Joe, Maryland would be great

Joe W: thanks much Deirdre, slainte

Richard: I am going to say bye and thanks for everything and good night Deirdre Richard

Christopher: best wishes with the tour, Deirdre!

Don: See you in Memphis on 21 Oct.

Maggie: that was supposed to be slan with a fada

con336: good night Deirdre

Albertan [0]: Thank you Deirdre, we are all behind you!

Mark: thank you for taking time to chat with us Deirdre

Bill:  I can only barely wait to see you perform!!  Thank you, again!! I look forward to receiving my cd!!

Marianne Lothiancelt:  many greetings from good ol' Germany - thank you for the time you shared with us.
 
Coleen: good night, Deirdre.  Thanks again.

Rianne:  it was wonderful talking to you again, Deirdre. I hope the butterfly made it to Ireland in one piece

Erick: thanks so much for doing this Deirdre

Deirdre:  Good night all, thanks for your support

Rianne: good night!

Deirdre:  Not just yet Rianne, but it will!

Cheeky: waving bye to you Deirdre

Marianne Lothiancelt:  good night
Lester: thanks Deirdre for the time. Have fun on the upcoming tour.

Irish Heart: Deirdre, one of the things I love the most about you is your wicked sense of humor.  Which part of your album do you think the cows will like best (lol) thanks so much for chatting with us. I really appreciate it!

con336: we love you

XM: have a wonderful night

Bill:  pleasant dreams!
 
KewlTalk: Deirdre Left Room

< END OF CHAT >

There were some of you who sent in questions that were never posted!  This was the fault of the "administrator".  I sent Deirdre the questions that were missed after the chat, and she very graciously took the time to answer them anyway!   I'm attaching them below along with her answers.  Thank you Deirdre!!  My apologies again to folks who were missed!   - Love, Jenny

And now the questions:

We (the CW forum) are thinking of doing a Christmas tribute and making charitable donations in the names of our favorite performers.  We would, of course, want to include you in this.  Would you let us make donations in your name and, if so, what is your favorite charity (or charities, as the case may be)?

- Rich Ropes

Hi Rich,

Thank you for considering me for the project. I would be very privileged to be part of this planned Christmas tribute. Can I ask at this point what the nature of the tribute will be? I am not sure if you have heard of ActionAid. I have sponsored a child in Uganda through this charity for the last number of years and I would love to do more. Please let me know if I can contribute anything eg: a few CDs and photos could be auctioned etc.. Let me know your thoughts. Thank you for inviting me to be part of this kind gesture and I look forward to hearing more about the project. 

Best Wishes,

Deirdre

How do you come by/where do you find all those fabulous dresses you always wear on stage for the Celtic Tenors concerts, like the dark blue/silver one, the black one with the red flowers and the gold one you're wearing now?  And did you get to keep that stunning CW gown you (and everyone) liked so much?

- Luv, Rianne

Dear Rianne,

Thank you for your compliments on my wardrobe.  My dresses... well to be all together truthful, I don't like to shop very much. I detest shopping malls. If you were to say to me that I had to spend a week trapped there, that would be one of the worst forms of torture I could think of! However, I do have to get stuff from time to time, so shopping I'm afraid, is inevitable. Let me just remind you that I started out as an artist and my degree is in textile design, so I like to be creative. When I can, I make my own clothing accessories or even clothes! Most of the dresses I wear however, I stumbled on by accident in interesting vintage stores or boutiques around the world. I do not have conventional tastes so I tend to find style I like off the beaten path – one thing I definitely inherited from my mother was an eye for a bargain! As for my CW dress I'm afraid I did not get to keep it! Ah well...

Deirdre.

Hi Deirdre,

I have 2 questions (the first of which may not pertain to the chat discussion):

Do you know yet if you will be touring with the Tenors for the March 2007 shows? How did you select the songs / sequence for your album?  Are they just tunes that you like to sing?  Or do they have some significance (is there a "story" behind each song)?  Is the sequence intended to guide the listener down a predetermined emotional path?  Perhaps you can give an insight into your creative process. Looking forward to the chat.

- Mark

Hi Mark,

Until the itinerary is fully confirmed, I cannot commit to anything. This is a complicated procedure carried out between artists, management and agents. However, I should be able to post up definite dates very soon. I love touring with the boys. We laugh so much!! I would like to think I will be touring with them for a while yet.

Song selection for the album was pretty simple really. Coupled with the fact that I love to sing these songs, is the fact that I wanted to present a diverse range of sounds. You'll notice that some pieces on the album have a 'live' spontaneous feel while others are more orchestrated and structured. David Munro and his boundless talent as musical director, has influenced me greatly over the years. I've been so lucky to perform live with him for many years now, so our repertoire is varied and extensive. As producer he knew no limits! I'm very lucky. When it came to placing the songs in sequence on the album - well this took a little time and experimentation. I wanted the album to start off with a lively 'Irish' kick, go to somewhere special and build to an intense climax. I love live performance, so I really wanted to capture the essence of a show. The final track 'Newborn' was always going to be placed as a bonus track. It is short but brimming over with the intensity of emotion that I like to think sums up the album. A little encore, if you like.

Deirdre

Hello Deirdre,

Everybody here on the CW Forum is getting very excited at the prospect of your Tour.  Could you please tell me what is the venue in Winter Haven Florida on Feb 4th? That is quite near where I live and I will be there! I will also put the word out locally. We are also looking forward to the chat on October 1st. Will you be in the USA or Ireland at that time? Thank you very much.  I remember you and your family in my Rosary.

slán go foill,

- Maggie Ryan, Orlando FL

Hi Maggie,

I do believe Winterhaven has been booked. By my itinerary, here are the following details... 

February 4 - Winterhaven, FL -  Polk Community College, Cntr Lake Elbert Drive & 11th Street NE -  2:00PM

That's all the information I have at the moment. Thanks for spreading the word.

Deirdre

I have read that you will be touring with the Celtic Tenors but I noticed that the tour dates on your website and the Tenors website don't exactly match. My question is "Will you be with the Tenors at all of their shows? My interest is the show(s) in Cincinatti, Ohio in March of 2007 as they will be the closest to my location which is Louisville, Kentucky. That is unless you are going to be in Louisville (PLEASE)

- Fredzilla

Hi Fedzilla,

I do not intentionally have different dates on my website than the Celtic Tenors' site. I don't believe that I have any dates up on my site for 2007 yet. I will be posting these soon – just waiting until everything is confirmed.

Deirdre 

I have a question for Deirdre:  Do you still keep in contact with the Celtic Woman ladies?  Thanks!

- Coleen Newkirk

Hi Coleen,

I try to… the internet is a great thing, so it is really very easy to keep in touch. Meav and Mairead were old friends of mine, even before the days of Celtic Woman! Lisa, Chloe and Orlagh all keep in touch when they're back in Ireland.

Deirdre 

Throughout your life thus far, who has been your most influential teacher and how have they influenced your life? 

- Don Pettigrew

Hi Don,

That's a deep one!  Well that would have to be my mum and dad. Both of these people taught me everything I know. They taught me how to love and to work hard. From these gifts came an endless amount of food for life. Being lucky enough to have had their constant reassurance has had a great bearing on me and my music career. I have always felt extremely comfortable about who I am and what I have to offer. Unlike a lot of other professionals I meet on my travels, my voice is not the only thing in my life. Whenever I perform, I want to make a difference to whoever is listening and if I were to lose my voice tomorrow, I would simply go back to my first love - art and design. So for me 'music teachers' are less important than the people who have had real influence in my life.

Deirdre 

 Deirdre, I keep playing your video clips on your website over and over. Love watching you sing. Is it possible to have a clip or two we could download to our desktop? Any future plans or thoughts of a tour with you alone or perhaps with one other singer? I believe your CD will be available from your website by the time we have this online chat.  Have you given any thought of perhaps eventually offering a signed CD from your website? Mairead offers a signed CD from her website, as an example.  Thanks,

- Lester.

I have always been conscious to have small clips on there for easy viewing. Not having broadband has taught me to be super-sensitive to folk with slow speed internet connection. I know we're in the minority, but alas I don't like to exclude ANYONE. On your recommendation though Lester, I will consider putting a full downloadable video clip either on the official or fan website. I am working on plans to do solo tour. I will inform you of how they're coming along at a later date.

Deirdre  

Where you with Meav when she was with Anuna from 95-98?? If so did you do any songs together? 

- Constantine

Dear Constantine,

Indeed I did sing with Meav in Anuna. In fact that's where we met. She and I were on the same soprano line. We stood beside each other. She was always a rock solid singer and we got on very well. A lovely girl.

You are described as a power soprano. What is a power soprano? Do you have the song Danny Boy on your new CD? It’s one of my favorites. My favourite versions of it are done by the Irish Tenors and Meav. So I'm eager to hear your rendition of it. - Constantine  

I'm not sure what a 'power' soprano is either!  I have never been a pure operatic singer. I studied classical singing and though I am a light soprano, I've always had the flexibility to sing a wide variety of music genres. Folk singing has always held a special place in my heart. For instance, 'Danny Boy' is on my new album Deirdre Shannon and instead of giving it the usual classical feel, myself and David gave it the full on 'folk treatment'. This felt like the most honest way to communicate the deep sentiment of such a special song. I'm always being teased by the Celtic Tenors for not singing upbeat songs, but the truth is, I prefer singing sad songs! I hope you like it.

Deirdre