The Chieftains Play Carnegie Hall

The Chieftains started out small, but they would grow quite big before the night was over.

A view of the performance

A view of the performance hall from the top row of Carnegie Hall.

Before too long they were

Before too long they were joined by The Cottars, a group from our native Nova Scotia that many ‘Capers’ flew down to enjoy.

After the intermission, an orchestra

After the intermission, an orchestra joined The Chieftains for some stirring work.

Video: See the live performance

Elvis Costello later teamed up

Elvis Costello later teamed up for "Long Journey Home." A grand, sweeping production, the tune required full use of the entire orchestra and a small accompanying choir.
 But as you ascend the ladder,
Look out below where you tread.
For the colors bled as they overflowed,
Red, White and Blue,
Green, White and Gold!
 This commanding piece rocked every fiber of my being – it took great presence not to leap to my feet with pride for something, anything, as they soared to greater and greater melodic heights.
What an incredibly patriotic St. Paddy’s Day song!
 Video:  See the live performance

Their Grand Finale was replete

Their Grand Finale was replete with bagpipers…

…and Irish step dancers that

…and Irish step dancers that grabbed audience members out of their seats to form a long, dancing line that weaved up and down each and every aisle…

…and lead our fellow Cape

…and lead our fellow Cape Bretoners Jerome, Brenda, Neil and others up onto the stage.

Video: See The Chieftains during the grand finale
Video: See The Cottars continue the grand finale

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The Chieftains and Cottars and

The Chieftains and Cottars and step dancers and bagpipers all lined up…

…for a grand, final group

…for a grand, final group farewell!