Musicians are uniquely positioned to touch people in ways unavailable to others, if they are talented and empathetic enough to do so. Those so gifted can peel away inhibitions, purge, at least for a time, the cares of daily life, exhilarate and even inspire. Moreover, if they advocate for family, faith and an appreciation for those who came before them, they can move their audiences to a better life. Such are the Elders. Know that your kindness, consideration for others and humility is likewise noted and appreciated by most who see you. My family and I are most grateful to you for your music and manner. See you in Syracuse.
- Jim O'Malley

Dear Elders- I just saw your show last night in Sandy (UT). As promised, it was magnificent. I had a blast! As I said before I am a huge fan. So when you recognized where I was sitting in the audience it made my night. Thank you for the autographs and group photo with my family. By the way my sister was acting you would think she was the bigger fan, giving everyone hugs and talking non-stop. Though my shyness stopped me from doing the same thing; it was wonderful/amazing just to hang around you guys for the evening. All of you were great and very easy to talk to. I enjoyed every minute. Again, thank you for your time and patience with us fans. Have fun in Colorado tonight.
- Amber Strong

We just returned from the Great American Irish Festival in Frankfort, NY @ the Herkimer county fair grounds, at which my fiance and I were both volunteers. Over the weekend we had a chance to see you 3 times before you played the volunteer party. We have to thank you, although you played your hearts out all weekend for the people that paid to get into our festival, you played even harder for the volunteers, not knowing who had a chance to see you over the weekend and who didn't. Not only did you play your hearts out for us, you Thanked us for a job well done. That is rare now a days for groups as well loved as you. So thank you for all you put into the weekend for us, and for acknowledging all that we as volunteers put in to making the festival a GREAT WEEKEND!!! We could not do it with out each other!!!
- Shannon Kelly

I forgot to mention.... Men of Erin BBQ team led by myself and my neighbor Tim Hand, won 1st Place in the 2009 Lenexa BBQ in the sausage division!!!! This on the heels of a 1st place overall at the 09 Holy Trinity BBQ.
I thought we should give you credit as we stole the name from Ian and the best song ever created! When this song comes on and we are in our Cul de sac, every man stops and holds a firm salute til the others acknowledge....it puts chills down your back(at least for us..the wives mostly roll their eyes and snicker at us!!!)
- Vince O'Halloran

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the opportunity to play on stage with you at the Midland Theatre at the Hoolie! What a grand night it was. I have seen you guys many, many times all over the Midwest and truly believe that this was your finest performance I have seen. The combination of your energy, the hometown crowd, the new surrounding and your new music made it an electric night. You could cut the excitement with a knife when you took the stage and you didn't let the audience down throughout the entire show. It was fun to be a part of it and wish you guys the very best.
- Kevin Regan

Hey Elders!
I absolutely love your music! My whole family is hooked on you! We've been fans since we first saw you at Celtic Fest in Chicago in 2004 or 2005! Thank you for performing such awesome Irish music! I love how it is great for all ages too! I am 23 and my parents are in their 50s and we all enjoy it so much! Your music lifts my spirit and always puts a smile on my face and an Irish beat in my heart! Have a great day and hope to see you perform live again soon! :)
- Katey Genrich

I'm the guy who was at a front-row table at O'Hara, and had you autograph my shirt when the show was over. I can't say "Thanks!" enough for such a great night. I look forward all year to Celtic Pride night and The Elders' "joyful noise". However, the music might be a wee TOO infectious. I was at 8am Mass this morning, groggy, and with the songs from the show swimming throughout my brain. We're singing the Gloria (me with hoarse voice):

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High...
But, out of my mouth comes
You alone are the Moore Street Girls

WTF???!!!!!!!!!!!!! What did I say? Oh, crap, should I go directly to the Confession booth before a lightening bolt strikes inside the church? Geezzzz, hope no one heard that!
May the Lord watch over your travels and bring you back to O'Hara the years to come!
- Chris St. Germain

My kids and I were at your show in Lincoln, NE last night and I have to say (I'm sure you've heard it before!) that it was one of the best, most energetic shows I have seen! Keep in mind I grew up in Denver where some of the best bands in the world have played. Your enthusiasm and true love for what you all do on stage was transparent to all who were privledged enough to be there.
I rarely write anyone to tell them how they did, but something happened last night that I wanted to share. Those of you with teens know that connecting with them sometimes can be difficult. They are in their own world with their own tastes in music, clothes... heck you name it. I happened on to your website, simply because I work downtown and saw the streets blocked off. I went online to see what was going on. Looking at the schedule, I saw a band named the Elders would be playing. Curious, I looked you up and found I loved the music. I downloaded your Gem Theater CD from Itunes, and couldn't stop listening. I shared with my husband and kids your music and got the same lukewarm "yeah it's ok mom" from the kids when they are humoring me as I usually get. I let the kids know that Saturday afternoon evening was mine with them and we were going to the Celebrate Lincoln festival.
As we sat in the rain, you could see their attitudes were well...pretty typical 14 and 17 year old attitudes. The sky cleared up and The Elders took the stage. I left them in their seats, arms folded and waiting to go home to stand at the front. After your first song, my 14 year old came to stand. It was like watching a rose blossom as she opened up and began having FUN! Smiles all over her face! "I LOVE these guys!!!" One down one to go.
Looking back at my son...his arms were crossed over his chest with the I'm humoring my mom look on his face. Within three songs you all cracked him! He was up there with his sister and I, clapping, yelling and miracle of miracles SMILING! Needless to say it was a moment of connection that you hope to share with your kids. They can be few and far between with teenagers.
So... after being so long winded, I wanted to do nothing more than to thank you all for that. The music, the fun, the sharing of the pure joy in what you do. You never know with what you do, who's life you will touch.You all have touched many and truly made a difference. Thank you for that.
- Sherri Luebke

I downloaded "The Best Crowd We've Ever Had" from iTunes one day after hearing "1849" on a friend's iPod. I love live albums of all kinds, and this one is a jewel with a quiverling side order of MIND BLOWING AWESOMENESS. That album / playlist has gotten me through a divorce and a semi-serious bout of illness. Thanks for creating positive, optimistic tunage that makes me feel GOOD! Please add to me your mailing list. If ever I find myself in the KC area and you're gigging, I'll be there. One last thing I'be got to tell ya: I've listened to a lot of bands from all over the world, from different areas and in different rooms . . . and without a doubt you guys are simply the BEST BAND I'VE EVER HEARD!
- Rich Ostorero

I have spent the last few weeks traveling to Europe, China and parts of the US. Instead of watching movies on the long haul flights I continued to listen to the Elders works. I really feel the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts. It is a fantastic combination of soul lifting music but also works that remind one of the extensive sacrifices of those that came to the US and used their hands and backs, working long hours under difficult conditions, to allow the ensuing generations of their families to have much better lives. Again, thank you to all of you for making the music you do.
- Mike Desmond

You have no idea how wonderful it was to wake up this morning and realize that I was no longer an "Elders Virgin"! Almost as wonderful as being referred to, at my age, as any type of virgin last night. Seriously, I was introduced to your music by KCUV radio and, being a lover of all things Irish, jumped at the chance to see you live. And what a treat that was. Your live show is amazing, the energy level unbelievable and your musical timing is flawless. You are an incredibly tight group. I've looked at your discography and recognized the titles to many of the songs and would like your opinion of which CD most closely resembles last night's performance. Or should I just buy them all? Kidding, I can't do that, I'll have to collect them one at a time. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening. It transported me back to the trips I've made to the Fair Isle. You've just acquired a new fan and I, for one, am delighted.
- Suzanne Stark