In one of the most heartfelt nights of their career, Celtic Thunder stepped onto the cozy stage at Sullivan Hall in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, turning an ordinary evening into a moving act of solidarity for Hurricane Sandy survivors.
The intimate benefit, aptly named Live & Unplugged, saw the Irish vocal powerhouse—Ryan Kelly, Keith Harkin, George Donaldson, Colm Keegan, Neil Byrne, and Emmet Cahill—trade arenas for a room of just over 300 devoted fans, performing acoustic renditions of cherished songs.
“This might be the smallest venue we’ve ever performed in, but it’s one of the most important shows we’ll ever play,” Ryan Kelly shared with the audience, his words met with warm applause.
Throughout the night, the group’s stripped-back setlist wove together tender ballads, Irish folk favorites, and timeless classics, from Mountains of Mourne and Steal Away to Brown Eyed Girl and Ireland’s Call. The energy soared during their lively Clancy Brothers Medley, transforming the hall into a chorus of clapping and singing voices that echoed the resilience of the community they came to support.
Earlier that day, the group visited neighborhoods still reeling from the hurricane’s aftermath, handing out blankets and essential supplies while spending time with families affected by the storm. “Seeing the damage up close gave tonight a deeper meaning for all of us,” Emmet Cahill reflected.
All proceeds from the concert were directed to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, helping families rebuild their lives in the wake of the storm.
Those lucky enough to attend described the evening as “magical,” “deeply personal,” and “a side of Celtic Thunder we’ve never seen before.” The entire performance was filmed for a Live & Unplugged DVD, ensuring that fans around the world can witness this rare moment when music became not just entertainment, but a bridge of hope and healing in a time of need.
