The Bedford County Chamber Foundation and Chamber of Commerce sincerely thank the many corporate partners and sponsors, attendees and volunteers who helped to make the Byrne and Kelly Concert a wonderful success!

Hosted by the historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort, the lawn of the Old Silk Mill provided a stunning setting for the evening concert featuring the internationally renowned band.

Ryan Kelly and Neil Byrne, principal performers with Celtic Thunder, shared the special magic of their own Irish-folk-inspired band, Byrne & Kelly with a crowd of 400+ guests, together with the supremely talented Nicole Hudson (violin/keyboard) and Peter Sheridan (keyboard/mandolin/guitar.)

A VIP reception including a conversation with Neil and Ryan was held inside the Mill, featuring an original craft beer, Keep Your Powder Dry Irish Stout Inspired by Byrne and Kelly, created especially for the event by Olde Bedford Brewing Company.

The stage was decorated with vintage windows from the historic Russell House, built by a prominent Bedford County family who immigrated from Northern Irleand in the early 1800’s.  Flowers were provided by Countryside Gardens, and an antique bicycle was on loan from Founder’s Crossing.

Leadership Bedford County alumni greeted guests and collected tickets, while PA Consort board members served as ushers.  Guests were shuttled from the Bedford Elks Country Club in a coach by Bollman Charter Service and Rix Limos’ Trolley.  Stoneham’s Motorsports provided a multi-seat side-by-side to assist guests as needed.

Bedford Sunrise Rotary provided food concessions, with their proceeds benefiting local community service projects, per their motto Service Above Self.”

Homewood at Spring House Estates and H&H Sheet Metal and Machining were major sponsors, with Homewood using a foundation arts grant to provide 80 tickets to residents of the region’s premier retirement community.

Soaring Eagle Productions did an amazing job assisting the band with sound and lighting services, creating a musical experience to rival unique venues around the country.

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to present the talented Byrne and Kelly to the Bedford County region,” said Chamber President-CEO Kellie Goodman Shaffer.  “At the same time, we are equally proud to introduce our beautiful community to the band.  It was an extraordinary night of brilliant music in a picture-perfect setting…a wonderful cultural experience. We are so grateful to Ryan, Neil, Nicole and Peter for sharing their time and talent with us. We would be honored to have them visit again someday.”

Special thanks to our sponsors: Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Homewood at Spring House Estates, H&H Sheet Metal, Soaring Eagle Productions, WattersWorks & Company Photography, Bedford Sunrise Rotary, PA Consort, WJAC-TV, Bedford Gazette, Cessna Broadcasting, WSKE, Olde Bedford Brewing Company, Bollman Charter Service, Stoneham Motorsports, Rix Limo, Bedford Candies, Countryside Gardens, Founder’s Crossing, Wholesome Living Marketplace and Juli’s Wearable Art.

“This concert was a perfect example of an outstanding team effort,” said Goodman-Shaffer. “We are so grateful for all of our sponsors, attendees and volunteers who made this very special event happen!”

The Concert benefits the Bedford County Chamber (Education) Foundation which provides unique learning opportunities for students and adults of the Bedford County region.  Programs focus on workforce development, career exploration, leadership and literacy initiatives, entrepreneur development, the arts and more.  The programs of the foundation impact thousands of children, teens and adults each year.

For more information, call 814.623.2233.