February 27, 2008: Leahy - Copious Skills

Rosebud Theater, Effingham, Illinois
I don't know if there are any vacancies, but if you can't be born into it, this is the kind of family you would want to marry into. 7 of the 11 siblings of the Canadian musical ensemble Leahy performed at the recently opened Rosebud Theatre. Believe me folks, it's worth the trip to the intersection of Highways 70 and 57. This new space has all the bells and whistles and if the entertainment is as good as it was last night, you will enjoy yourself immensely.
Kudos to the parents who raise such an array of multi-talented children - and each one more attractive than the next. Their performance was energetic if occasionally a little more layed back than expected - but that was more an issue in the first half. Performing music with a wide range of cultural influences, the ensemble was always entertaining but never more so than when they soared with one of the Celtic-influenced fiddle based tunes, especially when all three of the fiddling brothers joined in. Don't take anything away from the sisters though. Shifting through a series of instruments each, they also kicked up their heels in impressive style with the French-Canadian step dance. For the finale, "Call to Dance," the entire family joined in across the front of the stage in a unison step performance - including brother Frank who expertly anchored most of the evening behind the drums. Not to take anything away from any other family member, but my focus kept returning to Erin. It's not surprising to hear she is also ambidextrous, she shifts easily during the show between the keyboards/piano and other instruments, as well as vocal lead in a variety of songs and dancing. I look forward to finding time to bring this marvelous family to the Edison.