The Irish Tenors

Tonight I had the privilege of seeing The Irish Tenors in concert at Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, NJ. And what a show it was! I've been a fan of theirs for almost 11 years now and have closely followed them as a group and each of the tenors individually. I've seen many concerts over the years and have seen a lot of changes in the group. Although I was always sad to see the changes when they happened and in many ways miss the old days, the group as it stands today is simply outstanding.

Anthony Kearns, the only original Irish Tenor still with the group, performed a gorgeous version of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". I've always thought he had a voice that was clear as a bell and he's only improved with time. This song is on their new Christmas album and for me was one of the highlights of the show.

Finbar Wright, who replaced John McDermott many years ago, sang "When You Were Sweet Sixteen". I've always loved Ronan Tynan's version of the song, but Finbar's version tonight was amazing. He made it sound so romantic. Finbar has a truly wonderful stage presence and he made this song his own tonight.

Karl Scully is the newest member of The Irish Tenors (he replaced John McDermott, who came back to the group after being replaced by Finbar Wright to replace Ronan Tynan....it's a long story!) Anyway, Karl is a wonderful part of the group and has a voice like an angel. With only harp accompaniment, he sang a lovely, moving version of "My Lagan Love".

The boyos had a great time singing Irish medleys and fun Christmas songs. They really got into "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and we all had fun along with them. They received a rousing reception at Count Basie and I wouldn't be surprised if they were asked to come back again next year. I certainly hope so. This was the first show of their Christmas tour so check out their schedule at The Irish Tenors website and if they're anywhere near you this Christmas, you owe it to yourself to catch their show. The Irish Tenors, both past and present tenors, never cease to amaze me with their talent and will always have a place in my heart.

Ronan Tynan not anti-semitic but hero to many

I have never discussed politics or religion on this blog and have hesitated in saying anything about the recent incident involving Ronan Tynan. But I also believe in standing up for what you believe in and am personally heartbroken at this turn of events. The media is trashing Ronan, people are tearing him apart on Twitter and blogs and I'd like to take a moment to give my take on the situation.

For those of you who are not familiar with what happened, Ronan Tynan has been accused of making an anti-Semitic remark and the New York Yankees have fired him from singing God Bless America at their games, which he has been doing for the last seven years. The media reported that he made a comment to a real estate agent who was showing an apartment in the building where he lives. The real estate agent said to Ronan something to the effect of "Don't worry, I won't rent it to a Red Sox fan" and the media incorrectly quoted Ronan as saying "I don't care about that as long as they aren't Jewish".

The truth of the matter has been correctly reported in the Irish Times. Three weeks prior to this incident, another real estate agent was showing the apartment to a couple of Jewish women and told Ronan that they were "particular". Ronan said that might be "scary" because he tends to practice singing in his apartment and can be quite loud and they might not like that. When Ronan ran into the second real estate agent the other day, he was thinking of that incident and actually said "At least they're not the Jewish ladies", referring back to the two women who might not have appreciated his loud singing.

It was a chance remark made in the hall of his apartment and has been completely blown out of proportion. Ronan has since apologized to the tenant who was looking at the apartment and she has accepted his apology. He has apologized to all those people this has upset and offended. However, the Yankees jumped the gun and fired him and the media took off with it. Now many people think Ronan is anti-Semitic.

I have met Ronan on numerous occasions and know friends of his and have closely followed his career since 1998. What I have seen of the man is a loving, caring, generous man. You meet the guy and his arms immediately go out to you for a huge hug. When you talk to him, he holds your hands, looks you directly in the eyes and gives you his undivided attention.

Ronan is a true inspiration to many. He had both legs amputated when he was very young. Most people would be sitting in a wheelchair feeling sorry for themselves. But not Ronan. He went on to become a medical doctor and then a renown singer who has sung for presidents. Immediately following 911, when New York was in a turmoil, Ronan was there, right at Ground Zero, despite the hazardous fumes, handing out food to the rescue crews and firemen and singing to give them encouragement. He sang at many of the memorial services following 911 and gave courage to all who heard him. Ronan is also known for his motivational speeches where he urges people to strive for their dreams and not to let any disability or disadvantage hold them back. Are these the acts of a bigot?

To have this man torn apart because of a chance comment which has been taken out of context is a real sin. He was so proud of being the Yankees' tenor. He's a good man who must be horribly crushed by things that are being said about him. He has worked so hard and done so well in his life and now his career is being harmed by the media. He's a man who knows what pain is and knows what it is to be ridiculed and discriminated against because of his own handicap. All I ask is that, before jumping to conclusions about Ronan, please read all of the facts. He's a man to respect and admire.

Thanks for your time.