Celtic people, lands and culture

The backdrop for the hour long performance is a world map which Danny uses in each segment.  He begins the program talking about the Celtic people, Celtic lands, and his childhood in Ireland.  Since Gaelic is Danny's first language, he sings songs in Gaelic and uses different native instruments such as the penny whistle and Bodhrán drum.

From there he moves to Scotland and Loch Ness.  He tells the fantasy story of the Loch Ness Monster family and their trials and tribulations.  The goal is to enrich the children's understanding of the importance of family and of families working together to overcome problems.  One of the problems that the Loch Ness Monster family must solve is the ongoing pollution of the Loch.  Danny accompanies this story with appealing songs:  "Magic in the Air", "Baby Brother's Coming Soon", and "Monster Picnic".

Protecting the environment

Danny talks about the critical importance of our wetlands and the necessity of preserving them.  He talks about Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it caused on the Gulf Coast.  His song, "Daisy's Wish", reinforces the message of importance of preservation.  He also explains to the children how his family of farmers and fisherman taught him respect for the Earth and all her inhabitants.  He sings the "Garden Song" and "Come to the Sea".

 

Back to Ireland

Charming tales of the Leprechauns and other "little people" such as the Fairies comprise the next segment of the program.  Danny explains the differences between them and related the tale of his encounter with a Leprechaun when he was a little boy.  He tells about the most famous "fairy tree" in Ireland.  This is a true story of how a small fairy tree caused the construction of a highway to be changed in order to protect the tree.  Danny sings "The Leprechaun Song" which is always a great hit with the children, and he plays the "Fairy Jig" which he uses to teach the children to dance the jig and to count in Gaelic.

Ice Age

Danny talks about the Ice Age and its impact on the earth.  He uses the map to show where the glaciers were and how they created much of the geography we see today.  He talks about the bogs and the many secrets of history that they contain.  He sings "The Rattling Bog".

 

 

 

Finale

Danny winds up the performance with songs, "Yes, You Can" and "Every Child's A Star" to reinforce the message that with the right tools and the right attitude which the children can gain by opening their ears, eyes, minds, and hearts to the lessons that their teachers share everyday in their classrooms, they can do anything they set their minds to.  Education is the key.

Click here to read media reviews.