The release of CELT in South Korea has been hugely successful with a No. 1 on the World Music charts and a Top 20 hit on many of the pop charts. The album, released by Ales Music has some different artwork.

I just returned from my second trip to Haiti, to witness the progress being made by the organisation I am proud to advocate for, Concern Worldwide. I witnessed absolute poverty on the small island of La Gonave but I also saw the progress being made by the hugely committed team of local and international staff helping people in dire straits build systems to help deal with little or no access to clean water, basic nutrition, education and the means to make a living, however meagre.

I encourage you to go to the website listed below and read about poverty; read about the services being provided to thousands of people in 30 countries worldwide; read about what you can do. I am not asking for a donation of thousands. I am asking to be aware of poverty, to communicate to others about it, and to do what you are able.

I want to thank Peter for escorting us to La Gonave. I want to acknowledge Ross, Carol and Colm for the donations they have made and for their company on the the trip. I want to thank Aileen for being a fantastic travel companion and finally to the Concern staff on Gonave who couldn't have been more welcoming, in very trying times.

www.concernusa.org

The kids at school in Anse A Galets

Meeting Concern staff and a local water committee.

Meeting the friendly kids of La Souce.

My horror caught on camera on witnessing one of the schools on the island. Look closely at the structure of rotting wood and plastic.

July 2006

A note from Michael:

France was a revelation. I forgot just how sophisticated Parisiens are, I forgot how rude waiters can be, I forgot how gorgeous Paris . I just loved it.

My trip from Aix en Provence to Paris by TGV was exciting. What is it that a fast train turns a grown man into a big child? It was amazing: 700 kms in 3 hours AND great coffee. CIE, you have a lot to answer for.

There something special about the Casino de Paris. It isn’t huge, holding about 1500 people but there is a certain magic to the place. It’s all red velvet , chandeliers and lingering smoke.
Walking into the place you can feel Chevalier, Baker and Piaf looking down on you saying “come on, impress us”. Hopefully I did just that.

I heard I Muvrini (www.muvrini.com) dropped in to hear me sing and of course he came on the night that I sounded just awful after spending too much time with my smoking French friends. Apparently he liked my version of Fields of Gold which he himself recorded in French with Sting.

I had a morning routine involving an eternal search for the New York Times and as many cafes as possible. I was jacked up on coffee by noon but happy having ogled Parisians all morning. Damn they have class!

As for my performances, well, my French sucks so I couldn’t be as spontaneous as I like to be in concert. I am making sure that doesn’t happen again and hope to have decent French by the time I get back in September and through the winter.

I left happy to be heading back to the US. What can I say…I miss my Page Six! However I cannot wait to get back to France. I believe that over the coming years I will be there quite a lot.

       Casino de Paris

June 2006

Announcing a major world tour by Michael Londra. Through 2006/7 the Irish
singer will make stops in Moscow, Shanghai, Madrid, Rome, Tokyo and starts
in Paris at the theater made famous by Maurice Chevalier, the Casino de Paris on June 27.

The success of Michael's album CELT internationally has opened up new markets. This week alone it was announced that CELT is to be released in
Australia (RAJON RECORDS), New Zealand, Korea and the Philipines with further announcements
pending....

Michael will, on occasion act as special guest artist for the touring Irish
show "Celtic Legends" performing his own songs with the amazing musicians
attached to the traditional show that has taken Europe by storm. He will
also perform in concert with a 6 piece traditional Irish band performing not
only music from his current album CELT , but also new contemporary original
songs.

This marks a major collaboration between the lead voice of Riverdance on
Broadway and Fergal O Murchu, the musical director of the hit show Ragus.

Current dates in place are as follows:

• Casino De Paris , Paris, France June 27-July 2
• The Corn Palace Festival w/ Lee Ann Rimes & Trace Adkins August 25, Mitchell SD
• Madrid, Barcelona , Spain Oct
• Shanghai, China , Oct
• Dale E Webb Performing Arts Center, Wickenburg, AZ November 28
• Kremlin Palace Theater, Moscow ,Russia Dec 4
• The Music Hall Christmas Program, Portsmouth NH, December 9
• Caswell County Civic Center, Yanceyville, NC. December 15
• The Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY, December 16
• Milan, Italy , Dec 28
• Academy Arts Theatre, Westchester NY, March 10, 2007
• The Historic Elsinore, Salem, OR, March 16, 2007
• Northshore Performng Arts, Bothell, WA March 18, 2007

Many more dates to be announced.......

CELT continues to be featured by 275 Borders stores across the US.
 
In addition to preparing for touring life, Michael is currently in the
studio working on new tracks with a less Celtic sound and on a dance music
project at the suggestion of Nadia Ali whose tracks Rapture and At the End
made Number 1 worldwide, go to www.iiomusic.com

                Nadia Ali and Michael

Because of touring, Michael cannot attend this years Woman of Concern Event
honoring Ann Curry but would like everyone on his email list to have a look
at the link below to get information on the important work of Concern
Worldwide.
http://www.concernusa.org/womenofconcern/


 

Londra's voice has the indulgent sweetness of honey which can be both a blessing and a curse. The trick is to enrich those qualities without allowing the music to become overly sentimental. In tackling such traditionally affecting standards as "Danny Boy", "The Water is Wide", and "The Flower of Magherelly", Londra sets himself a formidable task. It is his meticulous vocal delivery that allows him to triumph. His intensity on "She Moved Through the Fair" is particularly haunting; no mean feat for a song that has been recorded by everyone from Donovan to Jean Redpath. And because no vocalist should let a CD go by without some impressive vocal gymnastics, Londra includes "Ag Criost An Siol", a hymn for which his elegant voice couldn't be more perfectly suited. Once homage to the classics has been paid, "Celt" gracefully ensures that Londra's talents as a contemporary songwriter won't go overlooked. Proving that you can take the boy off Broadway but you can't (and shouldn't!) take Broadway out of the boy, Londra's original songs are the stuff of stage and screen; they tell stories, they stir the emotions and his gentle and articulate delivery makes them the album's strongest tracks. "Do You Think of Me", "Crown of Gold" and "Beyond the Star" emphatically prove that Londra is more than just a pretty voice. Catchy melodies, expressive lyrics and some beautifully judicious traditional instrumentation form a package that should impress both trad and pop audiences.

"Celt's" musicians deserve some positive attention as well. Producer Steve Skinner's artful arrangements are lush and for the most part restraint is shown. The pipes and whistles of Ivan Goff, (Eileen Iver's Band) and Declan Masterson (Moving Hearts, Patrick Street) in particular, are not only expertly played, but wisely placed to offer an earthy balance to Londra's voice which, set against the drone of a pipe or whistle, sounds all the more ethereal.

February 2006

CELT - Michael Londra to be released by LML/ALLEGRO on February 14, 2006 The ethereal lead voice of Riverdance on Broadway and The Passion of the Christ Symphony brings you a recording of stunning beauty. The cd becomes available beginning February 10 across the US AMAZON & Borders Book Stores Sounding more like Josh Groban than like Ronan Tynan, more Aaron Neville than John McDermott, Michael acknowledges his voice as being in the Irish Tenor range but you can hear more contemporary influences like Enya, Brian Kennedy and Sarah McLachlan. "A voice as pure as a crystalline stream" Michael Londra performs not only romantic classics but fresh Celtic original songs with modern, lush arrangements that will cast a spell and take you to another world. With a voice "as pure as a crystalline stream" Houston Chronicle, the singer, originally from Wexford town in Ireland, not only performs classics like The Water Is Wide which has huge cross over appeal for Adult Contemporary stations across North America but he also presents his original ethereal pieces like The Star of Cartagena His recording of Danny Boy has been called "one of the best recordings of this song ever" by The Irish Emigrant. Noticed by Oscar nominee, John Debney, (score writer of movies like Elf, The Scorpion King and Bruce Almighty)he was chosen for the role of Jesus in The Passion Symphony based on his score of the Mel Gibson movie, Passion of the Christ. He lead an orchestra and choir of two hundred on September 11,2005 in the spectacular US premier of the opus, due to tour the world over the next 2 years with a high profile stop in the Vatican. As an ambassador for Concern Worldwide US, Michael brings issues of poverty and hunger to the public, with a high profile visit to Haiti in 2005, a single release in September raising considerable funds for the charity. More trips are planned for this year. Since leaving Riverdance on Broadway in 2001, Michael has become a leading force in Irish Music as creator and director of Radiocelt, the largest Celtic music station online.The New York based singer has collaborated on this recording with Grammy winning producer Steve Skinner (whose credits include the Broadway Soundtrack of RENT, Bette Midler and Celine Dion).Highlights for Michael in 2006 will include an invite to meet with Dolly Parton after headlining at Dolly's Christmas Festival in Tennessee in December. He is honored to be asked to sing at Irish America Magazine's Top 100 event in March. Also on the cards are performances of The Passion of the Christ symphony but the highlight will be seeing his cd in stores around the world following successful negotiations at the World Music Conference in Cannes. If you enjoy Celtic Woman , we know you will love CELT! "a voice that floats and transcends" Bill Whelan "a voice to make your heart break and your spirit soar" Eoin Colfer (Author of Artemis Fowl) CELT-Michael Londra © CELT - MICHAEL LONDRA -2006 all rights reserved

January 2006

Cause for Concern Article

Happy New Year Everyone.
The exciting news is that Michael's new cd CELT will be released nationally on Feb 10.
Look out for it in stores EVERYWHERE.

It contains Michael rave inducing version of Danny Boy, some of his original songs and some Celtic standards that audiences have asked for over the years.
The lush romantic sound is a more soothing recording than previous outings and will earn more fans globally. His version of The Water Is Wide has huge crossover appeal and you are guaranteed to hear it on Celtic and AC radio stations nationwide.

After some concerts in Las Vegas early in January Michael departs for Cannes, France to attend the World Music Conference.
CELT is being prepared for a launch in Europe and Asia so Michael needs to meet the people who are spreading the word around the world.

Now for the contest. At stake are 2 invitations to the New York launch of the CELT on February 10 plus 2 autographed copies of the new cd.

Simply answer the following question and mail the answers to the team at michael@michaellondra.com

What town in Ireland does Michael come from?

Fans who attended concerts on the Christmas tour have been sending in photos. Please email any shots you have and we will put them up on the website.
Below is a funny shot of Michael when he first saw his name up on the Dolly Billboard



Advance orders of the album can be ordered HERE!



December 2005


Another Year Over.......

Looking back on 2005 Michael Londra couldn't be happier:

First and foremost is The Passion Symphony which was the "musical highlight" of his career. Michael performed as lead soloist with this huge cast portraying the role of Jesus portrayed by Jim Caviesel in the Mel Gibson movie, Passion of the Christ. He will be reviving this role in upcoming productions around the globe.

Secondly, becoming an ambassador for Concern Worldwide US was thrilling for him. He promoted the work he witnessed visiting Haiti earlier this year, selling a specially recorded single at every concert and talking to his audience about issues of poverty after every show.

His fall tour playing esteemed theaters like Spivey Hall and as the headliner in the Palace Theater, Dollywood was sold out everywhere with people lining up in the hundreds to meet the man.Due to his success at Dollywood he has been invited down to meet Dolly Parton herself on April 7th, 2006

It seemed to be a celeb filled year with sightings of Michael hanging with everyone from KimCattrall to Franz Ferdinand(who he readily admitted about being not cool enough to hang with brilliance like them)

He got support on his Concern cd from friends like Ronan Tynan, Brian Kennedy and Michael Flatley.

We're posting some shots from the national tour this week for your viewing pleasure.

Finally a quick word from Michael:

Hello Folks

Thanks for coming to the shows and for all your kind messages. It is always great when people drop in on the website ( especially the spammers....I guess they realise how many hits we are getting daily! )

Next year looks very exciting with the new CELT cd being released on Feb10 on the LML label. Incidentally there will be a contest for 2 tix to attend the launch party in New York sponsored by...well, you will see. I head to Cannes, France for MIDEM (the world music conference) in January to meet with interested parties from Asia so that is exciting.

In the summer I head to Ireland to record a new dvd involving a tour of Ireland. I have a dvd coming out earlier this year in a partnership with Lookaroundireland.com There is also a Christmas cd to get ready for December. There is big news coming for a tour in 2007 but it is just too early to talk about. It's all go.

Nollaig Shona Daoibh
Happy Christmas

Michael Londra


October 2005


The US Premier of The Passion Symphony in LA on September 11.
 
If you look closely at the rehearsal shot of me with the orchestra for the first time you will notice me quietly having a nervous breakdown. The performance went off very smoothly indeed and it was, without a doubt the highlight of my singing life ....including Broadway....including everything. Working with John Debney was an ambition fulfilled.  The Symphony, written by John and based on his score of the Mel Gibson movie, The Passion of the Christ will be toured next year in Europe and schedule permitting I will be performing the role of Jesus. I was delighted to have my cousins Steven and Taylor in the audience. A remarkable night.










Kim Cattrall and I at the Irish Arts Center Black Tie in honor of Terry George (Hotel Rwanda)
It is difficult to sing when "Samantha" is sitting 6 foot in front of you.
Let me tell you she is hotter in person...much much hotter.





Michael Londra Releases Single to Support the Fight Against World Hunger

New York, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Londra,lead singer of Riverdance on Broadway, announced the release of a new single recorded to help in the fight against world hunger and in particular the work of Concern Worldwide US. Concern is a humanitarian organization with over 3,500 personnel dedicated to the relief, assistance and advancement of people in the least developed areas of the world.

The music single, which is available through iTunes and Concern's Web site (http://www.concernusa.org) includes a version of "Danny Boy" hailed by the Irish Emigrant as one of best ever recorded and an original piece entitled "Star of Cartagena." "I experienced Concern's work firsthand during a trip to Haiti which allowed me to gain a unique perspective on the world's poor and suffering," said Londra.

"While I was aghast at the conditions there I was also inspired by Concern's work and immediately asked myself what I could do." Londra's recordings are a combination of musical artistry, a call to action and a message of hope. A collaborative effort between Enterprise Ireland, The National Association of Celtic Buyers and Green Linnet, the single has been released nationwide and coincides with Concern's 24-hour Fast on October 14, 2005.

"Michael has used the gift of his voice to raise awareness for Concern and the tireless efforts of our dedicated personnel," stated Siobhan Walsh, Executive Director, Concern Worldwide US. "We're thrilled that 100 percent of the proceeds from this single will go directly to Concern's efforts to fight hunger around the world."

About Concern Worldwide US

Concern is a non-denominational, not-for-profit humanitarian organization headquartered at 104 East 40th Street, Rm. 903, NY, NY 10016. Founded in 1968 in response to the Biafra famine, Concern is committed to the relief, assistance and advancement of people in the least developed areas of the world. Concern has over 3,500 personnel working in 30 developing countries and has international headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with regional offices in New York, Chicago, London, Glasgow, and Belfast. For further information please call 212-557-8000, or 1-800-59-CONCERN or visit our Web site http://www.concernusa.org.


September 2005

OSCAR NOMINATED COMPOSER JOHN DEBNEY LEADS

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST SYMPHONY BENEFIT

FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF EFFORT

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11th at The Crystal Cathedral

Michael Londra will sing lead as the voice of Jesus in the beautiful 6th movement of the piece.

(Garden Grove, CA) Oscar nominated for his score to The Passion of the Christ, composer John Debney is bringing his Passion of the Christ Symphony to the Crystal Cathedral on Sunday, September 11 at 8 pm with doors opening at 7:30. "I wanted to do my part to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina through this concert benefitting The American Red Cross. The American Red Cross constantly assists victims of tragedies including their tireless work with survivors of the World Trade Center disaster four years ago," explains Debney. "In this time of utter tragedy and despair, we realize we are one in the brotherhood of humanity."

Those of all faiths are invited to the free concert in which 100% of all donations will directly benefit the American Red Cross's hurricane Katrina relief fund. All musicians and Crystal Cathedral staff are donating their time and efforts.The Cathedral is located at 12141 Lewis Street in Garden Grove, CA.

Written and conducted by Academy Award nominated composer John Debney, The Passion Symphony had its worldwide premiere performance on July 6th in Rome and was attended by several top members of the Vatican, including Archbishop John Foley, who later bestowed the Pope's blessing. Sunday's performance will feature a large choir and orchestra, and will include special guest vocalists Lisbeth Scott and Michael Londra.

The symphony is a major new work based on and drawing from themes Debney composed for the film, the score for which won Debney an Academy Award nomination earlier this year. The score also was honored with a Dove Award for "Instrumental Album of the Year" at Nashville's 36th Annual Gospel Music Awards.

This year Debney became the youngest composer to ever receive ASCAP's prestigious Henry Mancini Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary range in scoring some of the most popular films of he last few years including The Princess Diaries (1 & 2), Elf, Sin City, Spy Kids, The Scorpion King, The Pacifier, Liar Liar and The Passion of the Christ. He recently completed scoring the Disney animated feature, Chicken Little; the sci-fi adventure, Zathura; and the family drama, Dreamer: Based on a True Story, featuring in the score violin virtuoso Joshua Bell.


August 2005

CONCERN WORLDWIDE / MICHALE LONDRA CD RELEASE

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this single will go to charity

Michael Londra, best known as the voice of Riverdance on Broadway, recently recorded this CD to bring attention to world hunger and in particular the work of Concern Worldwide US. Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization committed to the relief assistance and advancement of people in need in the least developed countries of the world. Founded in 1968, Concern now has over 3,700 people working in 30 countries across the globe.

Michael experienced Concern’s work first hand during a trip to Haiti where he gained a unique perspective on the world’s poor and suffering. Aghast at the conditions there but inspired by Concern’s work, Michael immediately asked himself what can I do?

Herein lays the answer. Michael has used the gift of his voice to raise awareness for Concern and the tireless efforts of our dedicated personnel.

Through the power of song he poses the question - what will you do?

Officially scheduled for distribution on September 12, 2005 – through iTunes and Concern’s Web site (www.concernusa.org), www.greenlinnet.com and www.michaellondra.com - The first track is an original piece entitled “Star of Cartagena” The second, is a version of Danny Boy hailed by The Irish Emigrant as one of best ever recorded. The tracks are produced by Steve Skinner (Bette Midler, RENT soundtrack) and Ray Contreras (Santana, J-Lo).

We can all do something to help fight world hunger so again I ask that you share Michael’s voice and his message with your listeners.

Sincerely,

Siobhan Walsh
Executive Director
Concern Worldwide US

To contact Michael Londra for interview, call 212.557.8000 or contact Kate at Harmony Artists (601) 250-4875.


July 2005

Recent concert stills with Michael, guitarist Melad, pipper Dave and dancer Erica

June 2005 



(above) Pat Mitchell CEO and President of PBS, Eileen Naughton, President of TIME Magazine, the amazing Siobhan Walsh, Executive Director of Concern Worldwide USA

(below) TONY winner, Brian F O Byrne at the Women of Cencern luncheon in Cipriani, New York





Hi everyone I really have not been a good boy when it comes to letting you all know my comings and goings.  

I got back from an amazing trip to Haiti and have returned in the hope to highlight the remarkable work being done by Concern Worldwide. I was due to go again this week however the situation has become a little unstable there and we are following the advice of the US State Department and staying put till things calm down over there. I loved it there though and look forward to a return trip soon.  

For more details on this outstanding organisation and it's 3,000 staff worldwide, go to www.concernusa.org

I am proud to be involved and will continue to highlight their work.

Their upcoming event on June 21 at Cipriani, 42nd St. New York is the Women of Concern Luncheon. Just returned from a great concert in Virginia. It was Jerry Falwell country which was a bit unnerving for a lefty like myself but the theater staff and audience(we sold out) were just great. Having not really travelled there before, I was quite taken with the beauty of the place.

The album we remixed Star of Cartagena for is on sale at Amazon.com by clicking HERE

I promised I would post concert dates when I confirmed them. The winter tour so far is as follows ::

As more dates come in I will post them.

Thought I would add a recent photo to prove I haven't completely fallen apart.

Ronan and I at the show in Bobby Vans, NYC. Singing Danny Boy in front of the main man isn't exactly a breeze. It was a great event raising a lot of cashola for Concern. Check out Ronans site and his new album at http://www.drronantynan.net

March 2005

Apologies to everyone who checked in for news on the site but I have been somewhat distracted of late working on projects in Ireland and in New York. Speaking of the Big Apple I have been asked to make a few appearances at a club in Manhattan on March 17 & 18 at 9.30pm. I have never done this kind of venue before and haven't quite figured what kind of night we will put together but it should be fun. For details go to www.helensnyc.com

Recently I have become involved with the New York office of Concern Worldwide,the Irish based humanitarian organisation. It has been a revelation to me and I would love everyone to have a look at www.concernusa.org

This year my producer and I are focusing on some songwriting for other artists. Don't think I am not doing shows though as we have already been booked for many venues around the US from Virginia to Montana to Dollywood (yes, Dollywood!!!!!!!! for their Annual International Christmas Festival.)

Happy St. Patricks Day to everyone.


December 2004

This month Michael is doing concert work in the North West, a video and photoshoot and then heading to Ireland for the holidays. For you this month there is a bonus track to listen to. Written by Steve Skinner and Michael, Beyond the Star is a gorgeous track written from the perspective of one of the 3 wise men. Many choirs around the US are using this in their holiday programs and should anyone want copies of the lyrics just email michael@michaellondra.com for lyrics of the song.

Click on the link below to download the song.
Beyond The Star [MP3 5mb]

A note from Michael

Holiday greetings to everyone who was been so supportive over the past year. Thanks to everyone for dropping in on the website. These year we've had about 200,000 hits which is amazing to me. I guess lot of people out there listen to Radiocelt, or see a concert and buy my cds. Next year looks exciting with the release of a new album and cdrom in the spring and appearances with the long awaited "Music from The Passion of the Christ" at an arena near you.

Heading to Ireland twice in the next 2 months. The first time is to sing at the wedding of friends Pamela Casey and Niall Sammons. Looking forward to a pint of Guinness, meeting friends and of course seeing my nephew and little nieces. The second is to perform at Showcase Ireland for the North American Association of Celtic Buyers at The Burlington in Dublin. I will be working closely with this organisation over the coming year.

Did a photoshoot this week with Internationally renowned photographer Dominic Az Bonucelli. Go to www.azfoto.com to see his amazing portfolio. Great to work with and a bon viveur like myself. The shots are for the upcoming album and cdrom.

Have a look at www.tradtunes.com
It is basically itunes for Irish and Scottish music . They are impressive to say the least.

Have a lovely Christmas and best wishes for 2005.

Love
Michael


November 2004

Announcing that in Jan 2005, www.lookaroundIreland.com and Michael will launch a new product in North America. The cdrom will be a combination of the current cdrom products, recommended by the Irish Government, available through this great company based in County Louth in Ireland.

"Michael Londra's Look Around Ireland" will contain a full selection of new tracks including the recording of "Danny Boy" recently described by "The Irish Emigrant" in New York as "one of the best versions ever recorded".The cdroms, containing stunning scenery viewed to Michael's singing and a wealth of information, are playable on North American DVD players and on PCs. Worldwide versions of the cdroms will be made available also. To coincide with the release of the cdrom, a cd version will be available of the music containing bonus tracks.

Both products will be launched in Dublin where Michael will perform at the end of January at a very special event and then in New York in February.

Major distribution has been secured for both products so look out for them in a store near you. We will keep you up to date. In the meantime, go to www.lookaroundireland.com Plans for 2005 also include of dvd song tour of Ireland.

Before heading to Ireland, Michael goes to the West Coast in December for some concerts. He is confirmed to appear at the Metropolitan Theater in Spokane on Dec 2 & 3 with An Dochas . For tix go to www.mettheater.com He will return in January for just 4 days to perform in Pittsburgh before crossing the Atlantic yet again for Showcase Ireland.