Celtic Woman loves US spirit for St. Patrick's Day

NEW YORK (AP) — The ladies of Celtic Woman are impressed by the spirited way Americans celebrate St. Patrick's Day, even if it isn't an official holiday like in their native Ireland.

"The decorations in the bars and restaurants and the buildup makes us very proud to be Irish," Susan McFadden, the newest member of the musical group, said Thursday.

"The green beer and dyeing your rivers green — we don't even do that (in Ireland)," violinist Mairead Nesbitt said, adding: "(I love) the fashion. ... All the great hats and really, really cool-looking stuff that go with it."

Currently touring the country in support of their seventh album, "Believe," the popular group, which is a blend of classically inspired Irish and adult contemporary music, will play a St. Patrick's Day concert Saturday in Wallingford, Conn. The state's governor, Dannel P. Malloy, has declared it "Celtic Woman Day" in the state.

"It's very exciting for us, and it's definitely in the top five highlights of my career in Celtic Woman. It will definitely be a St. Patrick's Day to remember," Chloe Agnew said.

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Online:

http://www.celticwoman.com

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John Carucci covers entertainment for The Associated Press. Follow him at http://www.twitter.com/jcarucci_ap