The band

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The Barra MacNeils – 40 years of Celtic artistry

Kyle (vocals, guitar, violin, mandolin), Lucy (vocals, bodhran, Celtic harp, fiddle, stepdancing), Sheumas (keyboards, piano, bodhran, fiddle, bouzouki, vocals), Stewart (vocals, accordion, tin whistle, flute, bouzouki, guitar, stepdancing), Boyd (mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, percussion, stepdancing) and Jamie Gatti (bass).

Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, the Barra MacNeils are widely regarded as one of the greatest live acts in the Celtic world. Since their 1986 debut, siblings Lucy, Boyd, Stewart, Kyle, and Sheumas have forged a four-decade legacy as Canada’s premier musical ambassadors, deeply rooted in the dance, language, and storytelling of their heritage.

Their performances are a masterclass in versatility, featuring seamless sibling harmonies and extraordinary proficiency on a wide array of acoustic, stringed, and wind instruments. From haunting Gaelic ballads to high-energy step dancing, they transform every concert into a captivating journey through an ancient culture.

Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2026, the group is marking this milestone with special tour dates all year long, from coast to coast. This year’s performances offer an intimate, heartfelt reflection on their career, featuring hidden gems from their 17 critically acclaimed recordings. Whether performing original compositions or time-honoured standards, the Barra MacNeils remain steadfast in their mission to provide world-class family entertainment that carries the heart of Cape Breton to the world.

Their multi-award-winning recordings have covered the span of their entire career, as well as live concerts reflecting the musical course of their career, from humble family beginnings to worldwide acclaim. Visit the store to see what’s offered.

From headlining major festivals and concerts from coast to coast and overseas, to television appearances (Rita MacNeil’s CTV Christmas Special, The Chieftains), film and television placement (Men with Brooms soundtrack, Racket In The Attic), and their annual East Coast Christmas tour, they have set the course with a solid foundation for success. Their Christmas television specials (2000, 2007) continue to be broadcast on Country Music Television (CMT) and on the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) networks and will no doubt remain a fixture of holiday broadcasting for years to come.

The group continues to do what they love to do best – playing their music for the fans. Visit the calendar page to see where to find them next, and subscribe to the emailing list to stay updated!