The Thunder Returns to CH 9 Studios

The excited chatter of 50 Ch 9 members echoed down the halls of the KETC studio this past Sunday as Ryan Kelly and Keith Harkin of Celtic Thunder made a special stop in St Louis as part of a brief and unexpected promo tour for their upcoming fall tour of "It's Entertainment". The atmosphere was tense as the members, mostly women, eagerly awaited the entrance of these two talented young men. So what was the occasion? A special opportunity for current and new members to support Ch 9, and in return spend an evening participating in recording pledge drive breaks promoting the upcoming Celtic Thunder live concert at the Fox theater this October. A fantastic mix and mingle with these well loved Irishmen followed. The breaks will be aired at the end of this month and into September.

Rather than members answering phones while staff members interviewed Ryan and Keith, a cafe style set up was in order for this special event. The enthusiastic Ch 9 members gathered in small groups around each table with Jay "Thunder" Perry centrally located with our two very special guests. Behind the cheers and applause when Ryan and Keith entered the recording studio you could hear several hearts briefly stop beating. To say Celtic Thunder is well loved would be an understatement of the severest sort. And yet, no one would guess at the age range this talented and varied group of singers attracts. Celtic Thunder fans range in age from 3 to 93. Men and women nation wide have found their energy, enthusiasm, love of performance, good looks, and of course, well trained talent create a mesmerizing show.

A small handful of these dedicated fans listened intently as Keith and Ryan answered questions about their own interests, life on the road, performances, and the upcoming show and also reflected on the last few years and the journey that has brought them to where they are now as a group. Then Ch 9 staff and members got a glimpse at the good nature and humor of both Ryan and Keith, when Jay "Thunder" took a page from a local sports caster and played "Rapid Fire". (As the name would suggest a series of rapidly asked and answered questions geared toward gaining a little insight into the life of the answerer.) Ryan Kelly went first and responded to who his greatest influence was, his father; his favorite band, Stereophonics; what he liked best about being on tour and what he liked least among many others. Encouraging several giggles was Keith as he dropped a few non-too-subtle hints for Ryan's choice of greatest influence and who should be playing on Ryan's Ipod, rather than Damien Rice. The laughter continued to roll when Jay got back to Keith during the following break. Keith managed to keep a strait face as he replied that Ryan Kelly was not only his greatest influence, but the best and worst part of touring, who he had playing on his Ipod, his favorite band and not to be out done, made sure to mention that his favorite movie was "Saving Private Ryan" just as Ryan had answered Jay only moments before. Significant efforts were made to quiet the burst of laughter after that final remark. Even Ryan joined in the welcome outburst. (To see the full interview stay tuned to Ch 9 later this month!) Ch 9's on-air presenter, Kate Durban, once again kept the evening moving in a fun and upbeat manner while delivering all the essential information necessary and forgotten in the cafe corner. Kate's cool on air presence is contagious and she has a way of not only engaging her audience but working with everyone else in the studio even when she's the only one on screen.

Once recording wrapped up Ryan and Keith were escorted upstairs to set up and prepare for the Ch 9 members to join them. During the next 45 minutes, autographs were signed, pictures taken, and many smiles created. The chance to meet fellow Celtic Thunder fans and members, while reconnecting with familiar faces made for a very enjoyable evening. Most found the time passed all too quickly and before long best wishes were being sent and "thank you's" given to all. The staff were grateful for the continued support and participation of these enthusiastic members and to Ryan Kelly and Keith Harkin for taking the time to stop by and share their love of music and support of PBS. Everyone enjoyed the evenings festivities and became even more excited for the performance this October at the Fox Theater.

Pictures will be forthcoming so check back soon. Sorry they aren't included yet. Stay tuned for more fun CH 9 event updates. And some of the summer trouble I've been getting into with the kids.