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The Barra MacNeils return to the Academy Theatre for Performing Arts stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 25.

 

 

Canada’s Celtic Ambassadors return to the Academy Theatre for Performing Arts in support of their new album

WHATSON May 15, 2018 by Catherine Whitnall  Kawartha Lakes This Week.
The Barra MacNeils are getting back to their roots.

Armed with a brand new CD showcasing, an exquisite collection of everything their fans love, The Barra MacNeils return to the Academy Theatre for Performing Arts stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 25.

On the Bright Side features distinctive family harmonies and an array of rhythmic instrumentation that weaves through various themes, from traditional Cape Breton, to a cappella to classic Barra MacNeils.

“We’re very excited to have a new studio project out,” said Stewart MacNeil, who shares the stage with his siblings Lucy, Boyd, Kyle and Sheumas. “Our biggest tour of the year is our Christmas one where we go coast to coast. It’s been a while since we did a non-Christmas tour and, frankly, I’m really looking forward to seeing places like Lindsay in the springtime.”

“We’re just having a lot of fun with it. We’re just trying to keep things interesting.” – – Stewart MacNeil, one-fifth of the Cape Breton Island-based group The Barra MacNeilsJust as spring heralds new growth, MacNeil said On the Bright Side offers up a fresh side of the band, while also returning to the signature sound that started the Sydney Mines Cape Breton Island-based family’s musical journey 30 years ago.

“It features a lot of material that translates great live. . . .We’re just having a lot of fun with it. We’re just trying to keep things interesting.,” added MacNeil. “I think it’s important for a band that’s been together for as long as us to stay true to your roots but also remember to step outside the box too.”

As Canada’s Celtic ambassadors, The Barra MacNeils perform to sold out audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Europe, headlining major festivals and concerts, making special guest appearances and, of course, their annual Christmas tour. The group even recorded with Symphony Nova Scotia and participated in a special Celtic Colours recording project featuring a wide variety of musical guests from the folk, Americana and Celtic music worlds.

For more on this multi-award winning group visit www.barramacneils.com.

Tickets for the concert are available from the Academy Theatre box office, by calling 705-324-9111 or online at www.academytheatre.ca.