So

So the end of 2009 has come. I am so excited about 2010 and next month will be announcing details of my new very exciting project. I am eager for 2010 to start but need to acknowledge 2009 first.

I have one date left here in lovely Spokane, WA this afternoon. Looks like it is sold out so that is a nice way to end the Christmas tour and frankly it reflects just how successful the tour and the Christmas album went.

I thought about how I felt about it all this morning and I realised just how happy I have been over the past 10 weeks or so. I realised how proud I am of this Christmas album and how happy I was that reviewers and fans loved it so much. I never quite take my music seriously enough and never quite realise the effect it has on people. This year, I realised. I feel humbled and proud at the same time.

To have Sharon Weisz and Jon Konjoyan work with me on Beyond was a huge help. Hearing your music on Sirius, reading reviews across the US and getting airplay across the country is all down to you guys.

Thank you to everyone for spreading the word. It is tough being an independent artist so you need a team of people around you to act as advocates. I certainly have that. You are all brilliant.

The year started off badly for me. I was in a stressful situation that I had to get out of. I forgot i was a singer and wasted a long time working for other people. Talk about a waste!!!! Walking away was the best decision I ever made in my life. I guess I returned to what I do best...being a singer.

It is funny that I am a middle aged man who feels like he has just started, but that is what the situation is. I have many things ahead of me and frankly I feel like I am just getting going.

To my band I say thanks so much for your dedication, your love and respect. To Mellad I cannot tell you how much I admire you. I appreciate all your hard work. To Steve Skinner, you are family and always will be . Thanking you in a blog is not enough. TO Patty, I appreciate those words that make me stronger. Maybe you dont realise it, but i am listening.

To everyone in Wexford. Love yas and am a singer because of ye.

To Mam and Dad for always believing in me

Thanks Mark for being Brilliant(not to mention handling all the distribution and management of the campaign).

A Big Thank You to all those fans for their lovely letters and gifts. Your words of encouragement make a huge difference to me.

To everyone .....thanks a thousand.

OK, off to the last gig and then I plan on a very nice cabernet!

Apologies

So I guess I have totally neglected my blog. I apologise wholeheartedly. I had no idea how this whole campaign would go and frankly I am swamped. The album is doing extremely well on Amazon causing them to run out of stock over the weekend and sending the sales rank down bigtime. Problem solved now.
All Access Radio the go to radio site for AC radio have recommended Beyond the Star on their Cool New music section which is hilarious as I am neither cool nor new. What the hell. I am delighted with it.
The next 6 weeks will be hectic with interviews, touring , appearances and general Christmas stuff. I am excited about it really. Feels good to be out there doing my thing.
Thank you to everyone to wrote asking for Beyond the Star sheet music. We are trying to solve that right now.
Thank you also to the people who sent in their recordings of the song. I am delighted that people will have it as part of their Christmas repertoire in and outside of church.
Planning for shows next year and it promises to be great. Details to follow in January.
We plan on doing a few video updates from our tour so look out for those in the coming weeks.
First stop ARIZONA for some sun and fun at the DELL E WEBB CENTER in Arizona which I believe is just about sold out aside from the odd ticket.
OK back to work on the tour and planning on a New York Christmas!!!!

Broadway World Article

http://broadwayworld.com/article/Irish_Tenor_Michael_Londra_Releases_New_Christmas_Album_Called_BEYOND_THE_STAR_113_20091006

Message to Koreans

제 사이트를 방문해주시는 모든 한국 팬 여러분들께



한국업체 "미디어153"은 본인의 곡 "가보지 않은길(Road Not Taken)"을 사전 동의없이 임의로 사용하여 불법적인 앨범을 한국내에서 유통하고 있습니다.

여러분이 본 앨범의 수록된 곡들에 관심이 있으신 경우, 저의 음악 페이지를 방문하시면 기꺼이 제 음악을 보내드리도록 하겠습니다.

그리고 "미디어153" 의 대표인 "주요성"에게(gospelchart@hanmail.net) 다음과 같은 이메일을 보내주시면 대단히 감사하겠습니다.

"귀사의 행위에 저는 불쾌함을 느낍니다."



저는 한국을 사랑합니다 그리고 조만간 다시 방문하고 싶습니다.



감사합니다.



"마이클 론드라"

Michael's holiday album and dvd Beyond The Star will be released in stores across the US on November 10.

Track Listing

Winter, Fire and Snow
Beyond the Star
In the Bleak Mid Winter
Magia Sara
The Wexford Carol
Ave Maria
Silent Night
With Strings of Lights
Don Oíche Úd I mBeithil
O Come, O Come Emanuel
Emanuel Interlude

Little Donkey

The album is being made exclusively available to NACTA traders from September 20 at the annual NACTA trade fair. Michael will perform at that launch with an amazing array of musicians like Liz Knowles, Kieran O Hare, Pat Broaders and Peter Storms.

Online orders can be placed from October 1 on our website.

Downloads will be available from Amazon and Itunes from Mid October.

More details to follow

Danny Boy Stats

Facts About Michaels version of Danny Boy:

1. When you Google Danny Boy, Michael's video is the No 1 result
2. Approx 2-5000 people watch Danny Boy video every day
3. As of today approx. 1 and a 1/2 million people have viewed the video

Below are some statistics taken from Youtube

#1 - Top Rated (All Time) - Travel & Events - Ireland

#1 - Most Viewed (All Time) - Travel & Events - Ireland

#1 - Top Favorited (All Time) - Travel & Events - Ireland

BEYOND THE STAR

So, the name of the Christmas album is

BEYOND THE STAR. The title track has been so good to me. People connect with the song.
I've gotten to hear choirs perform it in Ireland and the US. One of my personal favourites.

We are essentially done with the recording. Now it is all the design and marketing stuff...ugh!

In a week or so I will post the design for the cover. The photoshoot was an event in itself and I will tell all next week.

Come to Wexford

SO I want to tell everyone about my home town. I am lucky enough to be from Wexford, the singing capital of Ireland. Home to Wexford Festival Opera, one of the most magical festivals in the world. Every October , the Opera world comes to my little town to perform rare Operas, recitals, choral masses and best of all to sing in on of our many musical pubs. For information on the festival go to http://www.wexfordopera.com/
Nothing better than a night in Wexford Opera House followed by pints of Guinness in my local, Simon Lamberts. In one night you can hear magnificent arias, traditional Irish music and showtunes....this is in the pub!!!!
I just realised that this year I get to be there for the whole thing. First time in a long while. wahoooooooooooo!

Check out http://www.wexfordopera.com/ and think about paying a visit.

Name the Christmas Album

I am trying to decide the name of the upcoming Christmas album so I thought I would throw it out there for your thoughts.

The album will contain an updated version of the Concern Worldwide Documentary and the following songs

Beyond the Star
Winter, Fire and Snow
Wexford Carol
Ave Maria
O Come , O Come Emanuel
In the Bleak Mid Winter
With Strings of Lights
Silent Night
Don Oiche Ud i mBeitheal
The Winter Maiden

One other surprise hidden track......

So here are some suggestions.

Winter, Fire and Snow

Beyond the Star

Celtic Christmas


Let's hear your thoughts. Try to be somewhat appropriate. No...really!

Christmas Tour

Date Change

Christmas Dates have been coming in fast and furious and so there is a slight change. The San Bernadino date originally scheduled for Dec 4 will now go ahead on Dec 5.

We added 2 more dates, hitting Colville, WA on Dec 19 and Spokane, WA on Dec 20. I always love heading up to Washington State. It is great to sing with the band on their home territory.

This year we are mixing up the sound somewhat so the show will be different. Great....but different.

We have some new dancers on board from the US cast of Celtic Legends.

*So I thought I would give you a clue of the tracks on the upcoming Christmas album
I have been having a great time recording this week BIG TIME.

New Songs include

Ave Maria
Winter, Fire and Snow
In the Bleak Mid Winter
Beyond the Star
With Strings of Lights (a great Steve Skinner original)

We launch the album with a performance at the National Association of Celtic Buyers Association annual trade fair on September 20. The album will include a cd of great Christmas songs and an updated version of my documentary on Concern's work in Haiti.

plus many more

*See new dates added on front page of the website.
This week we added 2 more dates in the North West,

*I have been recording this week in New York and having the best time. I am so lucky to be paid to do this. I am blessed. I get to work with top songwriters on their compositions including an Oscar winner, who shall remain nameless.

* I want to send a shout out to hte people of Ponca City , OK who have responded in a huge way to the call for action on water issues in Haiti. I am inspired by your drive and warmth. I hope my concert down there will give a little back to you guys.

Till the next post.

Bye
M

Found a few old RIverdance pics through my friend Vinny Osborne so I thought I would post them.
10 years. Where did they go eh?

LOVE IT LOVE IT

Hello from St Pete Beach, FL after a few days in Orlando which was FUN. I am now at my friends beach house working on songs I am recording next week in NYC, I have to say that I LOVE MY LIFE. Working in the morning / swimming in the afternoon.
New Dates Announced
March 17, 2010 Largo Cultural Center, FL

See below info on new release and tour from Celtic Thunder

CELTIC THUNDER - TAKE ME HOME

Hot on the heels of their hit North American tour that dazzled audiences from coast to coast, pop vocal sensation Celtic Thunder has announced that their new CD and DVD, Take Me Home, will be released on Decca Records on July 14. Recently recorded live at Toronto’s Casino Rama, the set features stunning versions of brand new songs for the delight of “Thunderheads” everywhere, who will be able to experience Take Me Home when the program debuts nationwide on public television beginning this month. Check local listings for broadcast dates and times.

Scheduled for broadcast on local public television affiliates in top markets across North America, Take Me Home includes Celtic Thunder’s signature takes on songs including “Every Breath You Take” by The Police, the Josh Groban classic “You Raise Me Up,” Top 5 hit “500 Miles” by The Proclaimers, and many more. As the group’s third album for the Decca/Universal label, Take Me Home follows previous albums Celtic Thunder and Act Two, both of which reached #1 on the Billboard World Music chart.

The new CD and DVD will prepare the group’s legions of fans for an extensive Celtic Thunder - Take Me Home Fall 2009 Tour beginning in the Tilles Center, NY on October 8th, the follow-up to Celtic Thunder’s highly successful 30-date spring trek which just finished May 7th in Vancouver, BC. In their review of Celtic Thunder’s concert at the legendary Beacon Theatre during that tour, The New York Times described the group as “a Fab Five peddling Celtic stylings…steadfast George, sensitive Keith, bruising Paul, caddish Ryan and angelic Damian.”

The group kicked off that same tour with a whirlwind St. Patrick’s Day that found them opening New York City’s famed parade with a stirring performance, televised on NBC, after which they were immediately rushed off on a train to the nation’s capital. Just hours later, they performed at the official White House St. Patrick’s Day Party for President Obama, Irish Taoiseach (or Prime Minister) Brian Cowen, and a host of dignitaries and other distinguished guests.

Celtic Thunder first entered mainstream consciousness with their smash public television debut special in 2008, released on DVD as Celtic Thunder: The Show. They subsequently toured 48 cities across North America last fall to earn the #20 spot on Pollstar’s top tours of 2008. For more information, including tour updates, log on to www.celticthunder.com.

So...........

i am typing with one finger on my left hand as i dislocated my right shoulder this morning. thanks to everyone in north western who took care of and who pumped me with happy pills i am home in a contented stupor with a sling to get sympathy.
Apologies to people who are waiting hear from me, i will be back in business in a few days.

Celtic Thunder

Click the link below for details of the fall tour of Celtic Thunder.The creator of Celtic Thunder (not to mention Celtic Woman )has long been a supporter of mine and I am delighted for her success.

Celtic Thunder Tickets

I am always asked about Wexford, it's Opera Festival and the reason for WExford being such an artistic hub. Below is the link to a TV show which will give you an idea of where I come from. Once you get to the page, click on the Friday 12 link



http://www.tv3.ie/shows.php?request=somethingfortheweekend

The perfect Chicago weekend.....
New wing of the Art Institute http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/exhibitions/modernwing
Tapas, Gorgeous wine and port at Mercat A La Planxa
Pint of Guinness listening to Pat Broaders.
a movie and milkduds
I love my life
m

I did an interview a few weeks back in Asia and I thoguht I would post my answers


Favourite place?

Wexford / Nice / Seoul / Tahiti / Shanghai / Manhattan / South Loop

Favourite venue you performed in?

Radio City Music Hall

Favourite musicians?

Way too many but the following are a few

Moving Hearts, John Addams ,Sondheim, John Rutter, Flook, Bela Fleck, Beoga, Celtic Legends band,

Any ambitions left?

To do a movie soundtrack

Favourite Voices?

Michael Mc Donald, Vittorio Grigolo, Kelly Clarkson, Mary Black, Dolly Parton, Adam Guettel, Brian Dunphy (Irish singer in High Kings),Siobhan Meyler(singer from my home town), Billy Porter, Renee Fleming, Maura O Connell, the list is endless.

Secret Crush?

It wouldn't be a secret if I told you

Last Big Project?

Celtic Legends tour in China April 2009 - exhausting!

Next Big Project?

Solo Concert tour in China 2010

What do you do other than singing?

Work and more work. I like producing as much as singing so I always have a project. I can lie down when I am dead.

Fame or Riches?

Respect

Favourite People?

Concern Worldwide (www.concernusa.org)

Least favourite people ?

Begrudgers / Bigots

Heroes?

Eoin Colfer, my best friend Paul Mahood, Larry Fuller(Director / Choreographer), Siobhan Walsh / Dominic McSorley(Concern),

Biggest Thrill?

Being on an album with Bocelli, Pavarotti and Vittorio Grigolo, performing on opening night of Wexford Opera House, working in a studio with Bill Whelan,
singing the role of Jesus in Passion of the Christ Symphony. Many thrills I guess

Idea of heaven?

I have two;

An amazing meal in posh restaurant with fantastic red wine and my closest friends.
An amazing pint of Guinness in my favourite pub Simon Lamberts in Wexford with my closest friends.

Idea of hell?

Not being able to get home to Ireland often.

Tony Awards

In general it was a load of old tripe this year.
Still, I liked Billy Elliot(did you know one of the Billys is a champion Irish dancer?)
Want to go see West Side Story and Next to Normal.
Highlight of the night was seeing Brett Michael's getting knocked over by the set drop. FUNNY!

Updates for you

Thank you to TL in Oklahoma for sending the lovely gift. I look forward to my concert in your neck of the woods in December.

Thank you to all the lovely people in China who wrote to say they enjoyed our shows. We have plans for my own concert tour next year and of course a return trip by Celtic Legends.

We are adding more and more dates to the Holiday tour which is my favourite tour of year. Keep an eye on the calender page. Just added New Jersey and Arizona to the mix. I am lucky be heading back to Wickenburg, AZ after an amazing time there in the spring.

This week I am adding a web store to buy the CELT album online and we are adding a link to buy the Asian imports here in the US as I am sick of the complaints from US buyers looking for copies.

Last night I headed out to the pledge on WTTW with some of the lads from Celtic Thunder. The pledge was off the charts and I couldn't be happier for Sharon the creator and the lads. They have worked every hour over the past 2 years and it is paying off handsomely. If you have been living under a rock for a few years go to www.celticthunder.ie for more information.

Bye for now

So, this is my first blog. First of many I guess. I seems my whole life involves, facebook, twitter, blogging, Youtube blah blah but I guess it is the nature of my business and it is not going away.

I decided to start writing this week because of what happened last week. Since coming back from China I have had too much time on my hands to moan and to complain. Needless to say, I dont do vacations, I dont like to be bored and I will never be unemployed by choice. I returned from China and felt the need to stay at home for a few weeks before climbing back on board my horse and riding on to the next adventure. I havent done it in a while and it will be a long time before I stop and think again.

My misery was cut chort by the horrible news that Eithne Walls, a young doctor and indeed Irish dancer from Riverdance on Broadway, was one of the passengers lost on the Air France flight that went down in the Atlantic last week. At first the news seemed like every other piece of daily bad news one sees on TV until a few hours later when someone from the show announced to all Riverdance cast members, that Eithne was indeed on board.

Eithne was a bright spark, an injection of warmth, a ray of light and a breath of fresh air in Riverdance. I remember loving our chats about her future, hearing how afraid she was of starting to study medicine and of walking away from Riverdance. However underneath all of that was an assured intelligence and a confidence in her future. I was very proud of her heading off to school.

Her life was in Ireland, mine in the US so our paths didnt cross since the end of the run in 2001. I saw pics of her occasionally and remember getting messages through mutual friends. I heard about her getting her degree and smiled remembering her fear before she started.

Her life as I knew it, has danced before me since hearing the bad news. It has had a huge effect on me, taking me by surprise. I have relooked at everything over the past week. It helped me make enormous decisions, it refocused me, it made me grateful. The sadness I feel for her loss and for her family who cannot be consoled, is eased by the light that Eithne, without knowing, passed on to me this week.

I am grateful to have met, worked, shared and laughed with Eithne and hope she is dancing with the angels now.