My first exposure to CW was via PBS.  I was simply running thru the TV channels on night.  I think this was late in 2006.  This was the pledge drive.  During the pledge break, they said they were coming to my town.  So, bought tickets.  Over the years, I bought a lot of tickets from PBS, primarily because you got really good seats and a M&G! 

Some years later, it seemed like a lot of the venues were not allowing PBS to have the good seats.  At one point, I was like 20 rows back.  The venues figured out that they could sell the tickets to their premium members instead.

Then, going back to COVID, we know everything went down the tubes.  The last M&G (tour) I went to was in 2020, a couple days before they stopped.  I did do a M&G last year in Washington for the Christmas tour.

I think PBS had a lot to do with CW's success.  Too bad they haven't been able to film a show for PBS recently.  I was probably a member of maybe 6 PBS stations all over the country when I was going all over to see shows.  If I counted right, I've been to 33 different cities to see the show.

This whole AI thing is going to ultimately cause a lot of problem, IMHO.  I tend to call it AUI (artificial un intellegence).  Google has AI enabled and you can't get rid of it.  Kinda same thing with Facebook. 

They are offering a M&G after the show for $75.  Did one a year or so ago when they were in my area.  I thought it was expensive, but, hey, minimal travel involved.  Anyway, they brought out 2 of the guys, who answered questions.  Then we go a photo op with them.  Maybe 20 or so people at the M&G.

They were also offering a sound check pass before the show.  Don't remember what it cost.

Kind of low attendence.  Guess is WV is a bit on the economic down side.  Plus, as LakersCeltics said they are not in their prime.  I'm thinking maybe you could say the same thing about CW as well.  I can place some blame on COVID, and some on the current economic situation.  I always budgeted at least $1,000 per out of town CW show (ticket, travel, hotel, food, etc).  I would guess not a lot of people are comfortable with spending even $100 for a ticket anymore.   

I went to the CT show on Friday in Wheeling, WV  (don't ask).  Couple of random comments.

*  Theatre seats about 2,000.  I doubt there were over 1,000.  Nice theatre.
*  The band was down to 5 members; violin, pipes, guitar, drummer & piano.  If I recall from last years show, that's down by at least 3 people.
*  Ronan (Mairead's hubby) is now the musical director.  He plays piano on a few songs as well.
*  Show was about 90 minutes.
*  My biggest objection was they did not do Ireland's Call as their closing number.  The couple times I've seen it live, it's one of the best closing numbers I've ever heard.   They did a medley in the first half that it was in, but only the first verse.
*  Paul Bryum was the Special Guest performer.
*  I think WV was about the furtherest South they got on this tour.  It looks like they almost drew a line across the country.  I had an opportunity to be in the area, so worked out the timing to do.

As mentioned on another thread -- it has to be really tough touring with a kid, especially a really young one.  Shot, it's tough just going on a quick trip with a little kid.  So, with both Emma and Tara being new moms, what's their feelings? 

I did this a year ago.  Reception was pretty good.  Decent appetizers and an OPEN BAR!!  M&G was typical.  Held in a corridor in the basement.  At least there was a backdrop.  Rushed. 

So CT is doing something called Their Greatest Songs tour this Fall.  I'm leaning towards going to see the show in Wheeling, WV.  Long story about why, but if you gotta travel, might as well do a couple things.  Show sounds interesting.  Apparently, some of the "old" members come back on some kind of a random basis.  I'm happy as long as they still close with Ireland's Call.

97 here today.

Here in sunny Florida, it hit 100 the other day with a feels like of around 114!  And I went to Disney World the other day!