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For the past 35 years, five members of the family have been touring the world as the Barra MacNeils, trying to capture that magic and share it with the world.
On Wednesday they’ll bring their East Coast Christmas tour to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, helping the city find its Yuletide spirit as the holiday season kicks into full gear.
This year marks 31 years of touring and music-making for the famous Canadian band and Stewart MacNeil spoke to BarrieToday to say that the Dec. 11 show will be one performance not to miss.
“Nineteen years of a touring Christmas show and, honestly, this could be the best one yet coming up,” said MacNeil. “The stories we have and get into mixed with Lucy’s voice; her voice just gets more fantastic and could bring a tear to the most hardened person’s eye.”
Five-time winners at the East Coast Music Awards, the Barra MacNeils have long been regarded one the best live acts in the country as the show isn’t just about the music but incorporates their Gaelic heritage, storytelling, dancing and the fact that the siblings take turns acting as lead vocals.
Crowd-pleasers The Barra MacNeils are in the middle of their annual cross-Canada Christmas tour, which will wind up at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay on Dece. 23 with two shows.
Tickets are still available for the 2 p.m. and the 7 p.m. shows but fans of the family band may want to get their tickets soon since concerts are selling out across the country.
One of the most beloved concerts on the seasonal circuit, the Barra MacNeils East Coast Christmas features a highly entertaining mix of traditional seasonal fare along with entertaining stories and new musical twists; stamped with their lush harmonies and intricate instrumental stylings. Their show has been touring nationally, as well as in the U.S, for years to sold-out houses. Fans can look forward to classic favourites including: O Holy Night, Ave Maria, Christmas in Killarney and Auld Lang Syne as well as some comedy, seasonal stories, music, singing, dance and memories that will extend beyond the season and last a lifetime. The Barra MacNeils are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Their live performance offers a depth of talent that includes multiple lead vocalists, beautiful sibling harmonies, top-drawer instrumental talent on a wide variety of acoustic, stringed, percussion and wind instruments blended with dancing, storytelling, humour and Gaelic songs. It is family entertainment at the highest level.
Halifax, NS, October 30, 2018 – Due to scheduling issues, the Barra MacNeils are moving their two Savoy Theatre Christmas shows from Saturday December 22 to Sunday December 23 at 3 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are now on sale for the new dates. Those who have already purchased tickets for the Saturday show can keep their chosen seats and should get in touch with the Savoy box office at 902-842-1577 to confirm.
“It’s been a few years since we’ve done a non-Christmas tour down there. It’s nice to have a new album to bring out,” he said. “We toured new music in Ontario and did select dates close to home in the summer. Our material has been well-received and we are all having fun.” “It has original material, and we’ve gone traditional, Gaelic and hits spots people expect from the Barra MacNeils,” he said. “We also did some material that stepped outside of our comfort zone, and it’s nice to delve into roots new and old.”
The Barra MacNeils are bring their new music to the Maritimes this fall!
Hear old favourites and new songs from their latest studio album, “On the Bright Side”.
Tickets and details on calendar page!
*Sydney tickets will be available at a later date. Stay tuned.
“For over 30 years, The Barra MacNeils have been travelling and spreading their music throughout the world. With the recent release of On The Bright Side, an upbeat album with catchy tunes and a little something for everyone, they’ll embark on tour in August and throughout the fall…”
“Dubbed as Canada’s Celtic ambassadors, The Barra MacNeils are sure to entertain both young and old with their eclectic array of music. Definitely check them out if they are in your area!”
Top-notch entertainment can be found this summer on various Cape Breton stages
The Barra MacNeils have been at it for more than three decades and even after all that time, they are still a popular and in-demand group considered one of the best Celtic concert bands on the circuit.
Celebrating that fact, the Sydney Mines family recently released a new CD, “On The Bright Side.” Recorded and mixed by Jamie Foulds at Sydney’s Soundpark Studios, the 10-cut project highlights their traditional roots but pushes the edges with some new material.
This is a wonderful recording, from the opening notes of the lively “Welcome to Boston” through to the swinging finish with the “Saratoga Set.”