What’s happening

December 13, 2023

Chatting with the Barra MacNeils just in time for Christmas

Shaylynn Hayes of the Maritime Anchor talks with Stewart about the history of professional musicians and amateur players and singers in Atlantic Canada.

East Coast Christmas tour highlights

“Amidst this festive setting, for those of us who embarked on the Centre’s bus excursion on December 6, The Barra-MacNeils “An East Coast Christmas” concert stood as a beacon of musical delight. The melodious strains of traditional carols and contemporary holiday tunes filled the air, transporting us into a realm of pure auditory bliss. The skilled musicians with their fiddles, harp, storytelling, and melodic voices, created a harmonious cultural tapestry of Christmas traditions. The resonance of their instruments, coupled with the heartfelt lyrics, evoked a sense of nostalgia and unity, bringing people together in the spirit of the season. The journey itself became an integral part of the Christmas experience, a shared adventure that amplified the joy and wonder of the season.” – Arlene Ling, Cornwall Standard-Freeholder

November 9, 2023

The 2023 “An East Coast Christmas” tour is selling out quickly – don’t wait!

Give yourself (or others) a special treat! Sponsored by Cape Breton University.

November 15, 2023

Calgary Herald interview

11 Nov / Shelley Boettcher – As a child growing up on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, Stewart MacNeil recalls plenty of family time and a lot of music. “We did a lot of family stuff, and there was a lot of music around, for sure. It was always a very joyous time for us,” says MacNeil, a member of the musical family that makes up the group the Barra MacNeils. “There were always people dropping in, people in good cheer, lots of food and laughs and road hockey. We played a lot of road hockey growing up, too.”

August 9, 2023

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.

May 2, 2023

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

April 26, 2023

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

February 14, 2023

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.

November 18, 2022

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.