Celtic Woman - Songs From the Heart

Updated: This giveaway is now closed. The winner is comment #5, Untypically Jia! It’s always fun when a low number wins. Less counting for me. Enjoy, Jia!

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Those who know me know how much music means to me. I listen to music constantly–while I’m working, while I’m playing, while I’m cooking dinner, and even while I’m sleeping. I’ve got playlists on my iPod for all of my different moods. Soft morning music, party music for cleaning (to get me moving!), classical for reading, and a bedtime playlist of a mixture of relaxing music. I even have a Celtic playlist because I like Celtic music that much.

So when I was offered the chance to see Celtic Woman in concert in Baltimore last weekend, I jumped at the chance. I love live music, and I love Celtic music. I also love a night out. A perfect combination! I grabbed my friend, Safire, and we had a night out on the town. (See my post about our trip to Baltimore to see the show)

I have a confession, though. As much as I love to listen to Celtic music and as often as I have seen Celtic Woman CDs in stores, I have never listened to one of their CDs. Their newest CD, Songs From The Heart, was different than I was expecting–they have a very unique mixture of traditional Celtic and modern music, and Songs from the Heart has several covers of songs that I was already very familiar with, as well as original pieces. I instantly fell in love with their sound. Contrary to what the name might suggest, Celtic Woman features not just one but four amazing Irish vocalists–Lisa Kelly, Chloe Agnew, Lynn Hilary, and Alex Sharpe, with violinist Mairead Nesbitt. The group has sold over 3.8 million records in the US and has seven sold-out US tours. I had no idea!!

Looking back, I am glad that I didn’t know much about the group before seeing them in concert, because I was completely caught off guard and blown away by what I saw. Set in the beautiful Hippodrome Performing Arts Center in Baltimore, Celtic Woman’s show was more than just a concert. It was a true performance. Violinist Mairead was mesmerizing to watch. Every time she was on the stage I wished that my daughter Necco, the violin player in my family, was present to see her. The day after the concert, we spent plenty of time together watching videos from Celtic Woman’s concerts on YouTube. Here’s a little taste of what I saw and heard the other night. Just imagine this live.

I have to brag just a little. Our seats were incredible. Front row middle balcony. The Grand Suites. Best seats in the house.

Necco and I already have all of the songs from the album memorized. I’m even listening to it right now as I type. I’ve already ordered one of their older CDs. They’re that good.

And, of course, since I’m generous, I’m not only giving away a Celtic Woman Songs From The Heart Deluxe Experience CD, but I’m throwing in an 18-month desktop calendar, heart charm keepsake and VIP access to a virtual Celtic Woman community. Ok, maybe I’m not the one who’d being generous. You can thank me, EMI Music, and the Music Moms program.

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To enter to win this Celtic Woman CD package, tell me which Celtic Woman song you like the most. If you have any of their music, tell me your favorite song. If not, listen to a few samples of their music and tell me what appeals to you.

For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each entry) Don’t forget to do the above entry first

• Tweet about this giveaway. I’d also love for your to follow me (1momof5) and Celtic_Woman on Twitter. You are free to copy the following sample tweet:

* Win new @Celtic_Woman Songs From the Heart Deluxe CD #giveaway package from @1momof5 http://bit.ly/9Br9HU

• Subscribe to my blog or Follow me with Google Friends connect (right sidebar)

• Become a fan of Better in Bulk on Facebook (You can become my friend there too!)

• Become a fan of Celtic Woman on Facebook.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US only. The giveaway ends on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at midnight Eastern Time. Winner will be picked at random and notified via email. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received the Songs from the Heart CD as well as two tickets to their concert in Baltimore from EMI Music as a member of Music Moms.