They’ve never had a radio hit. Never been a YouTube phenomenon.
Yet in six years, Celtic Woman has sold more than 6 million CDs and DVDs worldwide and performed for more than 1.2 million people.
The success of the Irish all-female ensemble can be attributed to two things: PBS and word-of-mouth from its live shows.
Earlier this month, the now-quartet of Lisa Kelly, Chloë Agnew, Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt and newest member Lisa Lambe embarked on a three-month, 70-city tour that pulls into the Fox Theatre on Wednesday for a two-night stint.
Since its inception, the group, which refers to itself in the singular tense because the girls feel each of them represents the quintessential Celtic Woman, has experienced a handful of lineup changes.
But the core trio of Kelly, Nesbitt and Agnew, recruited with two additional members in 2004 by David Downes, former musical director of “Riverdance,” continues to churn out albums full of layered vocals coating traditional Irish songs and contemporary covers.
On Feb. 15, Celtic Woman released “Lullaby,” a collection of past favorites (Billy Joel’s “Goodnight My Angel”) and newly recorded classics (“When You Wish Upon a Star”).
Agnew, the baby of the women at 21, said it would be “lovely” to soon record an all-new album now that Lambe is aboard, but first, there is a tour to be tackled.
Agnew checked in last week before Celtic Woman’s show in Clearwater, Fla., to discuss the group's new live production and why she’s thrilled to return to the Fox.
Q: How are you adjusting to Lisa [Lambe] joining Celtic Woman?
A: She's just, just incredible. I'm lucky enough to have known her since I was a kid. We were in a couple of shows together growing up and I absolutely idolized her, so I knew when she was coming in [to Celtic Woman] that she was amazing. We've only been on the road two weeks, but it feels like she's been here forever.
Q: What does she bring to the group?
A: Apart from looking more Irish than the whole lot of us combined, she has a very unique tone of voice, a bit more folky. We've never had that kind of sound before and it's quite distinctive. Even though she's performing songs that the [former girls] sang, she's put her own stamp on the show.
Q: If people saw you on tour two years ago, what would be a reason for them to go this time?
A: Even since the beginning of the tour two weeks ago, the show has changed. It's literally a different show every night. We have very loyal fans who follow us from city to city and they'll always say the show is different. Now, with the lineup change, that's brought new life to the show. People will notice the change in me, the performer I've become now, growing on and off stage. I learn so much from the people around me and the older I've gotten, the more comfortable I feel in my skin and in my voice.
Q: It’s early in the tour, but you’ll play 70 dates by May. How do you stay sane being away from home for so long?
A: This is actually a short tour for us. We're usually out for five or six months, so we're used to it. It's difficult. I won't lie, but once you get into to a routine, it comes very naturally to you. Those two hours on stage are the best two of the day. It doesn't matter what kind of day you had. When you see a little girl in the second row beaming, you forget everything and that's what makes our job a little easier. We have a great friendship and family setup. Everyone looks after each other because everyone knows how hard it is.
Q: This is one of a handful of cities where you’re playing multiple nights.
A. We are so looking forward to heading back to the Fox. We love it, love it, love it. I really don't say that about every venue, but it's incredible. We play so many plain sports arenas now, so it's so nice to get back to a good old theater.
Concert preview
Celtic Woman
7:30 p.m. tonight and Thursday. $37-$72. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
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