THE BARRA MACNEILS

For more than three decades, Cape Breton-based family group the Barra MacNeils has been thrilling audiences of all ages, near and far, with their sparkling repertoire, vocals, instrumental prowess and vibrant showmanship.

The Barra MacNeils are…

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).

In 2024, the Sydney Mines-based family ensemble, the Barra MacNeils, commemorated 37 years of an illustrious recording and touring journey.

Recent releases have traversed the breadth of their career, offering glimpses into their musical evolution from humble family origins to international acclaim. Their concert tours, supporting these projects, have graced theater and festival stages across Canada, taken them across the United States from festival venues to theaters, and even brought them to prestigious events in Ireland and Scotland.

Renowned for their captivating live performances, the MacNeil siblings are celebrated as one of the foremost live concert acts in the Celtic realm. Originating from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, their music resonates deeply with Celtic traditions, encompassing culture, dance, language, and history. Their extensive discography includes original compositions alongside beloved standards, both instrumental and vocal.

The Barra MacNeils' live shows offer an unparalleled experience, blending multiple lead vocalists, seamless sibling harmonies, masterful instrumental prowess across various acoustic, stringed, percussion, and wind instruments, along with elements of dance, storytelling, Gaelic songs, and a journey through ancient culture—truly, family entertainment at its pinnacle.

With a rich foundation in Cape Breton tradition and a commitment to musical excellence, this talented family ensemble continues to enthrall audiences worldwide with their enchanting vocals, harmonies, and exceptional musicianship.

True to their passion, the Barra MacNeils persist in doing what they love best—sharing their music with their devoted fans. This exceptionally talented family ensemble continues to tour fervently, spreading their distinctive brand of Celtic music across Canada, the US, and Europe.