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FanMail
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I downloaded "The Best Crowd We've Ever Had" from iTunes one day after hearing "1849" on a friend's iPod. I love live albums of all kinds, and this one is a jewel with a quiverling side order of MIND BLOWING AWESOMENESS. That album / playlist has gotten me through a divorce and a semi-serious bout of illness. Thanks for creating positive, optimistic tunage that makes me feel GOOD! Please add to me your mailing list. If ever I find myself in the KC area and you're gigging, I'll be there. One last thing I'be got to tell ya: I've listened to a lot of bands from all over the world, from different areas and in different rooms . . . and without a doubt you guys are simply the BEST BAND I'VE EVER HEARD! I have spent the last few weeks traveling to Europe, China and parts of the US. Instead of watching movies on the long haul flights I continued to listen to the Elders works. I really feel the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts. It is a fantastic combination of soul lifting music but also works that remind one of the extensive sacrifices of those that came to the US and used their hands and backs, working long hours under difficult conditions, to allow the ensuing generations of their families to have much better lives. Again, thank you to all of you for making the music you do.
You have no idea how wonderful it was to wake up this morning and realize that I was no longer an "Elders Virgin"! Almost as wonderful as being referred to, at my age, as any type of virgin last night. Seriously, I was introduced to your music by KCUV radio and, being a lover of all things Irish, jumped at the chance to see you live. And what a treat that was. Your live show is amazing, the energy level unbelievable and your musical timing is flawless. You are an incredibly tight group. I've looked at your discography and recognized the titles to many of the songs and would like your opinion of which CD most closely resembles last night's performance. Or should I just buy them all? Kidding, I can't do that, I'll have to collect them one at a time. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening. It transported me back to the trips I've made to the Fair Isle. You've just acquired a new fan and I, for one, am delighted.
Thank you!!! What a fantastic show you put on at the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon, MI this past weekend. My wife and I loved your show, bought a CD and you were all kind enough to autograph it for us. We are your new biggest fans!!! Come back to West Michigan again soon. We will be there!! Keep up the great work! Just wanted to take a minute to thank you for answering my email last Friday and enabling my husband and I to see your WONDERFUL performance at Zona Rosa outdoor concert. You are an amazing group and we have seen you in years past. It was so good to see that you are still the same talented and yet humble group that you have always been. We are hoping to see you again when you come back this way. Thank you and God Bless, I am sure you get these emails all the time, but I just wanted to tell you how much your performance meant to me in Estes Park. My family and I go to the festival every year and this year was the first time my grandma, who was the glue of or family, was not
there because she passed away last Christmas. Your performance did not just mean the world to me, but my whole family. We came together and it was such a spiritual experience for all of us. We have gone through some tough things since my grandma's passing, but I know she was there that night watching us all dance around together, so I want to thank you for her as well. Your stage presence took us all to a new level. It was a feeling I have never felt before and I just can not express it in words. I just
wanted to run up there and give you all a hug. So once again, thank you so much and I can not wait to see you again! My name is John Chatburn and I am a minister for the Community of Christ in the Kansas City Area. Myself along with many of our members find your music deeply meaningful and increasingly relevant. We love your live shows and the energy you breathe into your music. A group of young adults I work with as a part of my ministry produces a monthly pod-cast focusing on different subjects related to spirituality, theology, social justice, etc. Our upcoming episode will focus on the current crisis and genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. We were wondering if we could us your song "Right with the World" to close the this pod-cast focusing on Darfur. The last weekend in July is always special in the Mohawk Valley (Frankfort,NY)@ The Great American Irish Festival.However this year it was even better because I was able to see you for the first time.........and you ROCKED!!! It was the first festival my parents had ever been to and all of you made them hooked for life. When you played Men of Erin, I couldn't help but cry because it was so beautiful and I thought not only of the loved ones we have lost but also of how much I love the ones I still have. I was able to speak with Ian later on after you preformed for our volunteer party and tell him how much the song meant to me. It was like I was talking to someone I had known forever. You all are the most humble,kind, and friendly group and it was a pleasure to spend the weekend with you. I hope we will see you again next year.For now I'm going to be very busy buying cd's (because you sold out at the festival) and practicing for next year.
hi!,Im 17 and I saw you guys for the first time at the Great American Irish Festival and I just wanted to say thank you. I was originally there to see Enter The Haggis and since you guys were on right before them I figured that I would just wait and listen to your music until Haggis came on. When one of the songs was finished Ian (I think) started the introduction to "Men Of Erin" and talking about when something tragic happens in your life with your parents or people you're close with that you should always stay by their side and help them as much as you can. As soon as he started talking about this I could immediately relate this to my life and tragic things that have happened. The first time I heard "Men OF Erin" I was standing right in front of Ian (the person with the bodrahn) and as soon as the song started I had tears streaming down my face for the entire song. The next day when you were on right before Haggis again I made sure to get there early so I could be in the same spot, right up in front! Out of all of the music I have heard.....for all 17 years of my life.....I have never heard such an amazing song as "Men Of Erin". I can't even begin to describe how important and amazing the song is to me. I would just like you guys to know how important and touching "Men Of Erin" is to some people and I hope that you never get sick of playing it....you should be absolutely proud of yourselves for it. It was a shame the Elders were such a secret to us here in the Northeast, the show Saturday night at the GAIF in Frankfort, NY had 8 thousand fans on their feet going nuts, what great entertainment, you truly rocked the joint. There is probably not a more enegenic, talented lead as Ian. The supporting band makes up a great team. You guys could have played all night!!! keep up the great work and it will not be too soon before we hopefully bring you back to NY What a great show! You made the Great American Irish Festival truly wonderful. I love everybit of your music and antics. I can't wait to see you guys again Sincerly, Geri (Rocking Mom) We saw you today and actually all weekend at the Great
>> American Irish Festival in Frankfort, NY. I will have to say that you guys were our favorite. The energy and music were compelling and it was just a brilliant performance. Looking foward to buying your cd and hearing more. Our hats are tipped in your honor. Thank you for a truly sensational performance. All the best. The McElroys. Elders, O.K. What is the secret? I discovered your music about 3 months ago and this evening was my first oportunity to see you live. The Sion benifit at the Beumont Club. The music was just as expected. Ian, your daughter! What a treat. Thank You for sharing. She floats around seemingly never touching the ground. I know you are very proud.My question is how in the hell am I supposed to get this smile off of my face. Thanks to you all
Just wanted to say thanks for the wonderful, fun and-exhausting-show at the Euclid Irish American club! I was with the Kelley clan that you sang Men of Erin for, you autographed my daughters’ (my youngest named Erin) shirts and took your pic with them too, they were thrilled (they had the Ireland hats on). I haven’t danced that much and had that much fun in a long time. My sister saw you at the irish festival last year, just wondered if you will be back in Cleveland at all this year. LOVED the drumming, both of you! Anyways you all were fantastic, very talented with lots of energy! Loved the stories, especially the “true story” part. Have fun back in the native land!
I had no idea what to expect when my friend Shannon told me that she had an extra ticket to go see the Elders play the Mar Theater in Wilmington, but the least I can say is that I had an *amazing* time and loved the music!!!! One of the best concerts I've ever seen ... and I must say that the energy in the theater was positively electric! Please come back to Illinois again!!! I bought 'Racing The Tide' and have been listening non-stop. I'd love to see you all perform again, and have been telling everyone I know about the show.
My two favorite songs are Moore Street Girls, and The Story of a Fish.
I love your music, and I am 7 years old. I got a guitar for my birthday, and I am taking Scottish dancing.
Merry Christmas!
Your music makes me smile ... at my age (70) that's sometimes hard to achieve. Keep on doin' what you're doin'.
I have been listening to your live cd and it brings back wonderful memories of this year. The last time I saw The Elders was in Pittsburgh for my birthday weekend. My twin sister and I were celebrating our 30+ birthday by seeing you live in concert on Friday. The show was wonderful and the band was so sweet to take pictures with us. Thank you. We stayed to see your show on Saturday. Wow. Your concert was soooooo much fun. I have not dance so much in a long time. When Peter (Gaelic Storm) played the Men of Erin on the bagpipe for the mayor, it was very beautiful memorial. The concert was spectacular. It must have been a rush to have the crowd chanting More ,More as you left the stage. We never went over to tell how much we enjoyed it. You were awesome. I wanted to tell you that your music can make me laugh or cry. It is truly beautiful. May the joy of Christmas be with you and blessings for you and your families in the New Year. Stay safe on your travels and peace be with you. God Bless,
I have just seen the Elders on KET, the PBS for Kentucky and just twice at that! fell in love immediately. Where can I find this "must have" music? thanks or all
Saw the band at the Art Incubator Saturday night for the first time... been listening to your music for some time, but was the first opportunity I had to see you live... Absolutely best concert I have ever been to... great guys, great music, awesome time... thanks for a memorable evening.
Once again my husband Art and myself want to say thank you to the Elders for a great time in Downers Grove Friday and Saturday. It was the first time seeing you in a small venue and we enjoyed it alot. I purchased the new cd in Dayton when we saw you their and I want to tell you it is a excellent piece of work. Art and I are glad you enjoy playing to a older audiance as well as a young one. You are all so friendly and thanks for taking the time to talk with us at the resturant. If you are keeing track we are 65years of age and love the Elders.
Saw you guys at kids camp benefit on the 30th of September, and was blown away. I was amazed at the depth of musical talent. I also thought, "what a sad statement about our culture that Brittany Spears and Jessica Simpson are famous and fabulously wealthy and I had never even heard of this band before." I bought a CD and can't stop listening to it. In fact it's kind of keeping me from sleeping.... Keep it up and I will tell all my friends.
Thanks for a great show Sat. evening in Downers Grove IL. at the BallydoYle. My wife and I had a great time. She was so excited to be introduced to all of you personally. She got each of your autograghs that night. Her name is Renae. In the back I pulled out a pair of spoons and played along some. We drove down from Sheboygan WI. only 3 hr. and well worth it. I guess there were some as far as Kentucky. Hope to see you again and pick up the latest CD. Thanks again
Gentlemen, I caught your show down at the River Market last Saturday. I must say I was highly impressed and am more then happy to find some Great irish music in KC and the heartland, I feel a real sense of strength and honor within your group. Thank you for the free concert, I cannot wait to see you again, and your CD's I purchased were amaazing! Favorite song so far "Men of Erin" lovely music, powerful, soulful, fun, and strong. Thank you for your talents, love of music, and willingness to share!
Mark the chart, laddies! Another checkmark under "Our Music Inspires Fans to Action".... I joined my teachers union in a strike 2 weeks ago and your songs about political and social resistance for a "cause" were true inspiration! I was energized and invigorated every morning for spending the day on the picket line by the message in your music. Not that a 5-day teachers strike is on the same level as decades of political and social oppression, but joining a cause to stand up for yourself is never small. Oh, the wisdom in the voices of the elders!!
I saw the Saturday night show in Pittsburgh. It was absolutely ARSE-KICKIN! I'd say Pittsburgh has been royally initiated into the way of The Elders!
And Norm, I love my Fidel hat!
I was just ready to leave the Irish Festival in Eastlake, OH, when some guys called the "Elders" were just getting on stage. They started playing and I couldn't leave. I was mesmerized!!! You guys are great. I purchased a CD and have joyfully blasted it thru the house. I shared the CD w/my daughter, who loves anything Irish/Celtic -- I haven't seen it since. She is hooked and your music is on her "my space" sight. Hope you gents will make your way back up to Northern Ohio again! Your heart, your energy, your music -- contagious! An absolute joy -- you ROCK. Can't wait to bring my 23 yr old Becky to one of your shows. She's an Irish dancer and I know her feet would be electrified from the first note played! Bless you all in your travels throughout the year!
Hello Elders! My name is Sarah Prewitt, and I am part of the Shawnee Mission East Choraliers. Last year on October 14 you hosted a concert at our school. Last night, September 2, I saw you at the KC IrishFest. You guys were amazing as usual! I tried to get you attention with a "2006 Lancer Ireland" Tour Shirt, but you guys were to bust rocking the house to notice. You guys were amazing and rocked the concert!
Heard you at the KC Irish Fest and thought it was great.Have been to Ireland 3 times and really enjoyed the music and the people there.Also have heard the Tenors and have seen the young dancers and even in my small town have heard some groups play and hope to catch one of your concerts.Thanks again for the great performance at KC.
Still buzzing from your performance at the KC Irish fest on Sunday! We headed to the stage around 4:oo to beat the crowd, but still couldn't find seats. We stood in the back and enjoyed Black 47 and Gaelic Storm but you guys were why we came down, and it was definitely worth the wait. Your performance was nothing less than electric, and I loved the songs off the new CD which I immeadiatly bought after your show. I don't know what the exact count was but I don't think there was any extra places to stand on the terrace when you guys were playing. I had been talking to my girlfriend about possibly traveling to Ireland with the band and she thought I was crazy until she saw you last night. Today it's all she's talking about! So see you guys in Westin and hopefully Ireland and again thanks to you and the KC Irish fest for an incredible weekend.
Well, wow. Every time I see you play, I am grateful that I got to see you one more time before you all light the world on fire. To see you guys up there, playing not only this phenomenol music, but to watch a group of true PERFORMERS (not all musicians are in my mind) that love what they are doing. I leave your performances so happy...it's as if whatever is going in this insane world is a little better. I can't wait until the day when you all are the kings of the world (just kidding), but I'll be sad because I imagine tickets will be more expensive. You all bring happiness and your talent just amazes me. Thank you for a wonderful concert, thank you for the enthusiasm and love for your music and for all of us with bumper stickers...You'd be amazed at the honks, thumbs up, and "whoa elders" that has become a daily little event at stoplights all over KC. Enjoy your Labor Day and thanks from all of us whose days is brighter because of music. I have lived in Kansas City my entire life and I have to say that I can't believe that I had never heard of you before this year. I recently "discovered" you at the KC Irish Fest 2006 and I have to admit that your music is some of the best I've EVER heard. You are simply amazing. The vocals are spot on and stunning. And the instrumentals are breath-taking. As a musician, I can appreciate good music when I hear it and I have to say that, although my taste is quite eclectic, The Elders has to be my favorite music so far. I've grown up on wonderful music, lucky for me that my family has good taste, but I was introduced to you by my best friend...and for that I will always be thankful. Thank you for producing great music and for giving of yourselves like you do. You guys certainly have class...that is something I can respect. Thanks again for all that you do,
Was listening to KDHX, the community radio station in St. Louis yesterday morning and they played your song: "Dear God, Turn Your Radio On". I had never heard of you guys before but I was immediately captivated by your sound. When they announced that it was by The Elders, I wrote it down immediately, came home, and looked you up on the web. Listening to more of the sound samples on the web site convinced me to order two of your cd's today.
My husband and I spent this past weekend at the Kansas City Irish Festival. Went to your Saturday night concert - what a totally grand evening that was! Thanks many times over.
Your beautiful daughter and precious little niece were fantastic.
Hey guys.
Haven't had a chance to say hi yet since Irish Fest. Just wanted to say that you ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! I had a blast. I don't think there was one song that I didn't sing along with. Right With the World is one of my new favorites. I play that sucker back to back, over and over. Sitting Fourth row-center was awesome, however, sitting right in front of the band at the smaller clubs like the 321 Club in Lee's Summit isn't bad either. Irish Fest lets you be as loud as you want. More stage to roam around on. It's good to hear that you are becoming bigger, and better well known.
Just purchased your latest CD. From the looks of your schedule, I guess I will not see you at the 25th NTIF. In the meantime, my absolute best wishes to ALL of you. I hope and pray that you continue to enjoy giving as much musical pleasure to others as I have have experienced the two weekends I saw and heard some of the greatest entertainment in my 59 years!!!
I was on the committee this year for the Dayton Celtic Festival and you guys "ROCKED". Everybody that I knew who was there said you guys are the best. By the way, my Grandson, who is two years old loves your music. Last year I bought the "American Wake" CD becuse I love the song Men Of Erin. But he loves, the title song and all the rest. I will make sure Bill gets you back next year.
I'm still basking in the glow of the Dayton Celtic Festival last weekend...and I'm not talkin sweat here! I can only describe your shows as pure and absolute joy!! That's the most fun I've had all summer. Your amazing mix of music and heart and soul is infectious and your music is still blaring out my car windows whenever I'm on the road. Social and political commentary, poetic tales of Ireland and her people and history, powerful vocals, the passion in Ian's voice and the driving instrumentals....what an incredible gift you give to your fans!! I'm tempted to become one of those saucy little groupies up by the stage, but that would not be a pretty sight at my age!! Thought I might send the NEXT speeding ticket along to you when I'm caught racing down the interstate, lost in wailing my own version of Moore Street Girls or Gonna Take A Miracle..... |
- Rich Ostorero