Although Irish band U2 captures the headlines — singer Bonoworks with Kofi Annan at the United Nations; Sen. Jesse Helms attends a U2 concert, apparently his first — it's the music of the Chieftains that captures the heart and soul of the Emerald Isle.

        “I can think of no greater cultural ambassadors of Ireland,” said Cincinnati Pops conductor Erich Kunzel, during Saturday's performance with the group at Riverbend.

        The Chieftains have woven contemporary and traditional Celtic music together for 39 years. Most recently, they released Tears of Stone, an album that features contemporary artists Joni Mitchell and Mary Chapin Carpenter singing traditional Irish music.

        “Van Morrison couldn't make it tonight,” joked uileann pipe player Paddy Moloney. The piper spoke to the audience (some of them kilt-clad) between playing an eclectic mix of songs, telling stories with authentic Irish wit. A mischievous yet kind grin never left his face, even through the tall tales.

        At times, there seemed to be more life in Mr. Moloney's enormous eyes than in the entire orchestra. The Pops provided a strong backbone for the Chieftains, but the orchestra's entrance into the program after intermission was weak. What would have made it stronger, if not more poignant, is if more of the audience members were in their seats at the beginning of the second set.

        Pops second violinist Paul Patterson performed an impromptu solo during the mini jam session that was the evening's finale. Although the Chieftains invited anyone to participate, Mr. Patterson was the only member to take them up on the offer. His jazzy solo was well-received, and for a minute, the night had the feel of the unabashed enthusiasm one would find at a pub in Ireland.

        Irish people are known for a good nature that lures friendships. The Chieftains brought many of their friends with them - Irish dancers Kara Butler and Donny Golden, violinist Richard Wood, vocalist Yvonne McMahon, and guitarist Brian Hughes.

        Newer friends, such as the McGing Irish Dancers and the Immanuel and Wyoming Presbyterian Church choirs, were also on hand for a medley that included “Shenandoah” and “Paddy's Lamentation.”

        Mr. Wood joined the band during the intimate first half for a blazing solo that earned him a partial standing ovation.

        Less subdued in appearance than the five Chieftains, Mr. Wood sported metallic pants and two-toned hair. But that shouldn't have been a surprise. The young, hip Mr. Wood was just showing what the Chieftains have known all along: It's cool to be Celtic.

Maisonette signs up new chef
Ballet taking 'Pan' to Portugal
KNIPPENBERG: Camargo book will recount hunt club
Readers Rule: Summer reading
Author centers mystery on unheroic Gen. Grant
Tristate Best Sellers List
What Tristaters are reading
'Smoke' makes Playhouse swelter
'Charlie Brown' a mix of good, grief
Blink 182 pops punk bubble
Band adds little to Sexsmith's sad songs
Chieftains offer Irish sampler
Fur associate's style runs toward Versace
Cosmetic surgery explained
Get to It