Summer Concert to Feature Star of Celtic Thunder, Glee
The Bedford County Chamber Foundation is celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with a summer concert announcement: Damian McGinty will make an appearance in Bedford Wednesday, July 19th as part of his Acoustic Moments Tour. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
“I am so excited to be coming there,” McGinty said during a Zoom interview from Dublin. “I love playing and going to new places, and Bedford is going to be somewhere fresh and exciting.”
“We are delighted to have the chance to host Damian McGinty,” added Chamber President-CEO Kellie Goodman Shaffer. “From Celtic Thunder to Glee, to Dancing with the Stars, Damian’s talent is outshined only by his infectiously positive attitude, so he’s a perfect fit for an event supporting our education foundation. We can’t wait to welcome him to Bedford County.”
McGinty, a native of Derry, Northern Ireland, earned an international following as a principal performer in Celtic Thunder at the age of 14. Since then, his 16-year career has taken him around the world, touring with the Irish stage show. Damian has also forged his own path as a solo artist and songwriter, describing his original music as a blend of pop, folk and adult alternative contemporary with country influences and Irish roots. His most recent album, Moments was released last November, featuring songs that tell stories and share his experiences in a way that warms the heart and lifts the spirit.
“I think positivity, nostalgia…it’s something that we all love about music,” Damian explained, “And why I listen to music, is to feel more understood. That’s what music does; it gives us a sense of belonging.”
McGinty’s pursuits eclipse the live stage, including two seasons on the popular TV show, Glee after winning The Glee Project. He’s also starred in a Hallmark Christmas movie, Santa Fake and will compete in the finals of Dancing with the Stars in Ireland this weekend.
“Damian’s career exemplifies some of the most important themes of our servant leadership programs,” said Shaffer. “He’s always pushed himself as an artist and a person to be the best version of himself.”
“It’s purposefully making choices that are scary choices,” Damian added. “I really believe in the bigger the fear the more the growth, so with Dancing with the Stars, for example, it was more scary than normal because I didn’t know if I could do it, but hard work has paid off.”
After the Mirror Ball is awarded, McGinty is planning a vacation, before returning to the road this summer. The series of intimate concert events will celebrate Damian’s most recent album as well as other originals, favorite songs from his repertoire, and maybe even some behind-the-scenes insider scoop from his experiences on the dance floor.
“We’re delighted to support the Damian McGinty visit to Bedford,” said Tom Salmon, owner of the Golden Eagle Inn and Irish Pub in downtown Bedford. “We love Celtic Thunder, and we were big fans of Glee. But we also love the opportunity to continue the Irish connection in Bedford.”
McGinty follows his Celtic Thunder co-stars, Ryan Kelly and Neil Byrne in visiting Bedford County. Byrne and Kelly performed in front of sold-out concert crowds here in 2018 and 2022.
“I’ve heard so many good things about the people in Bedford,” said McGinty. “Ryan and Neil have told me that you guys are just so accommodating and warm, and welcoming, so I’m really, really looking forward to it. I love those (small town) places and I genuinely can’t wait to come to Bedford.”
The Damian McGinty concert will take place Wednesday, July 19th at the Bedford Elks Country Club, presented by the Chamber in partnership with the Golden Eagle Inn and the Bedford Gazette . Seating is limited. Tickets, including meet & greet and general admission options go on sale at 8am EST on Saint Patrick’s Day (today – March 17th). Purchase tickets via the Chamber website at BedfordCountyChamber.com or by phone at 814.623.2233 while supplies last.