Barra-MacNeils » What’s happening

It may seem a bit early…

…but it’s already time to add the 2023 East Coast Christmas Tour to your calendar! Get ahead of the game by booking your tickets now.

Over 1000 kids sing their hearts out at Music Monday

IAN NATHANSON/CAPE BRETON POST – More than 1,000 schoolkids from 30 schools across the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education took part at a Music Monday event held at Open Hearth Park, the first major in-person, school-related music festivity since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full article here

Join us for Music Monday in Sydney on May 1st!

Join us to celebrate Music Monday, along with 1000 students who will perform with special guests of the Cape Breton Pipe Band, including Molly’s Mission, Angela MacDonald and the Barra MacNeils. We hope to see you there! Monday, May 1st (rain day May 8th) 11:30am to 1pm Open Hearth Park Sydney, NS

close-up photography of person holding green leaf plant

Get your green on!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day properly with the Barra MacNeils on Friday, March 17th, 2023 at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, Sydney, NS. A wet/dry event.

Robbie Burns Night with the Barra MacNeils – January 21, 2023

An evening of fun and enlightenment steeped in tradition with address to haggis, dinner, toasts, and music. With Masters of Ceremony Nathan Bishop MacDonald and Robert Pringle, and piper Bill Boxall. Scottish regalia and formal attire encouraged but not required. At the fabulous Inverary Resort, Baddeck, NS.

The East Coast Christmas concert tour – enroute coast to coast!

One of the most beloved concerts on the national seasonal circuit, the East Coast Christmas tour is back. The Barras (as they are affectionately referred to by fans) will be touring nationally through November and December with a bigger, better, and busier show than ever! With 38 concerts over just 36 days (at press time), the tour begins on Vancouver Island, BC on Nov 17, wrapping up on Nova Scotia’s East coast Dec 22nd; touching down in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and finally their home province of Nova Scotia. Several dates are already sold out with many more drawing close to that same point. Second shows have been added in several markets, where possible, due to popular demand.

Rise Together: N.S. entertainers to hit the stage in support of Fiona recovery efforts

CTV News Atlantic – Nova Scotia comedians and musicians are coming together this month to raise funds for those affected by post-tropical storm Fiona. “Rise Together!” will be held on Oct. 30 at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, N.S. The show will feature performances by several Cape Breton acts, including Ron James, Jimmy Rankin, The Barra MacNeils, Men of the Deeps, The Island Girls, and The Cape Breton House band. Proceeds from the event will go to the Canadian Red Cross to help with Fiona relief efforts. Tickets for “Rise Together!” are on sale now can be purchased at the Savoy Theatre or online. The event will also be livestreamed. Click Read More for full details and links.

green-and-red Christmas tree leaf on brown floor

Warming up for the 2022 East Coast Christmas tour!

After two years of off-and-on, the Barra MacNeils are thrilled to be back to entertain fans with their popular yuletide celebration. One of the most beloved concerts on the seasonal circuit, the East Coast Christmas features a highly entertaining mix of traditional seasonal fare along with entertaining stories and dance, lush harmonies and dynamic instrumental stylings. This unique show is crafted to bring a Celtic spin to traditional favourites and original musical treasures.

A hot review of a chilly evening from Saltwire of the Barra-MacNeils at Acoustic Roots Festival

The chill in Saturday night’s air didn’t stop Leijsa Wilton from enjoying The Barra MacNeil’s headlining set at this weekend’s Acoustic Roots Festival. Saltwire reviews this special evening.