Local Programs

The Elders: Live at the Gem


KCPT cameras were rolling at the historic Gem theater in March of 2005 and captured Kansas City's own Celtic tiger...The Elders. During the sold-out concert, The Elders performed in front of an audience of hundreds of loyal fans. But KCPT has made sure that those who didn't make the concert at 18th & Vine will get their chance to see the "gem" of a concert.

The Elders unique style of Celtic rock got it's start right here in Kansas City when lead singer Ian Byrne joined the band in 2002. Byrne is a native of Ireland but moved to Kansas City with his family in 1987. It took this Irishman living in the midwest, his daughter's best friend and a conversation between two soccer moms, to see the potential for the band. Already an established group, adding Byrne to the lineup was the icing on the cake. Along with the other band members, Brent Hoad, Norm Dahlor, Brett Gibson, Tommy Sutherland and Steve Phillips, The Elders have played in almost every big city including Chicago, New York, Boston and Estes Park. This fall the band heads to Ireland for their third international tour.

Combining two of Kansas City's finest, KCPT and The Elders, was a natural according to CKC Productions, a media and production company that focuses on non-profits like KCPT. The three women of CKC, Cadie Connors, Kathy Quinn and Cynthia Chandler, pitched the idea to KCPT producers and they quickly went for it. All that was left for CKC to come up with, were the production costs. Since Kansas City is also known for it's generosity it didn't take long for sponsors to pitch in.

Sioux Chief Manufacturing, The Fred and Shirley Pryor Foundation, The Kansas City Irish Fest, Boulevard Brewery, Quinn & Quinn Law offices and Kansas City Life are among the sponsors who made it possible for public television across the country to have an Elder's experience. And what exactly is an Elder's experience? It's a combination of Celtic, Country and Cajun music delivered with unending energy. See this band once and you'll be hooked for life!