by Jill Ragar Esfeld
jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
LEAWOOD — The Elders — Kansas City’s beloved Celtic-rock band — have headlined the city’s Irish Fest for more than 20 years.
But at the festival this summer, as their audience prepared to enjoy the evening’s outdoor performance, Mother Nature took control.
“I mean, literally right before we were getting on stage,” said band member Ian Byrne. “It just Kaboomed!
“Lightning and stages just don’t go together, so we had to cancel.”
Byrne’s daughter Kaitlin Privitera remembers the moment.
“There were people from all over the world that were in tears and just really, really down,” she said.
Byrne and Privitera, both members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, are happy to announce another opportunity to attend an Elders concert.
And this time, lightning won’t stop them.
On Nov. 14, the Elders are performing at Curé’s Parish Activity Center, showcasing songs from their newest album, “The Spirit and The Sea” (see below for details).
Privitera attended Curé of Ars School and now sends her own children there.
“My dad joined the band when I was in eighth grade at Curé,” she said. “And the first time I ever saw him play with the Elders was when I was sitting in the same gym.”
After recently returning from a tour of Ireland, the Elders are happy for the opportunity to give their local patrons an entertaining evening.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Byrne. “There’ll be a lot of Elders fans from all around Kansas City coming. It’s a family-friendly event, and it’s going to be brilliant.
“We’ll kick it up and let the hair down and everybody has to do a jig and have fun.”
Most of all, it’s having fun for a great cause.
“It’s my parish,” said Byrne. “It’s where I go to Mass and where my children went to school, so it’s very, very much a part of my life, and we’re going to raise some funds and help the church.
“You know the church can always use a few extra dollars.”
Privitera is organizing the event with several other Curé parents.
“I think it’s a really great opportunity to go out and have fun and enjoy a really awesome live show while also giving back to our Catholic school community,” she said.
Both father and daughter deeply believe in Catholic education.
“Any child that has the opportunity to have a Catholic education — it is going to be good for them for the rest of their lives,” said Byrne.
“It’s a real community, and it’s lifelong,” he added.
Privitera agreed adding, “It’s just really important to give our children that guiding light of their faith to help them grow up to be good people.”
The Elders LIVE!
Enjoy the high-energy Celtic-rock band, great company and a school gym ready to become your Saturday night concert spot! See below for details.
Curé of Ars Parish Activity Center
9401 Mission Road, Leawood
Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)
General Admission: $30
VIP tickets: $75
For tickets, click here.
