The Barra MacNeils

The Barra MacNeils

The Barra MacNeils are a Celtic group from Sydney Mines, Canada, formed in 1980 and active to the present day. The band consists of six MacNeil siblings: Boyd Macneil, Ryan MacNeil, Kyle MacNeil, Lucy MacNeil, Sheumas MacNeil and Stewart MacNeil. They perform celtic music and are closely associated with Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, where the family is rooted in Celtic music, culture and history.

Music and performance

The group’s recordings combine original songs with traditional material, including both instrumental and vocal pieces. Their live shows feature multiple lead vocalists, sibling harmonies, instrumental work across acoustic, stringed, percussion and wind instruments, as well as dancing, storytelling and Gaelic songs. Their concert format presents a broad view of Celtic culture and family-based performance.

Recordings and releases

The Barra MacNeils release numerous albums and a DVD on Celtic Aire Records. Their recordings include The Barra MacNeils, Rock in the Stream, Timeframe, Closer to Paradise, which is certified Gold in Canada, The Traditional Album, The Question, Until Now, Christmas Album, and Racket In the Attic. They also release a DVD titled Cape Breton Christmas, which includes music from their Christmas concert special, footage from a visit to Cape Breton, interviews, and music videos.

Career highlights

The Barra MacNeils are described as multi-award winners and as Celtic ambassadors from Canada. They perform at major festivals and concerts and make special guest appearances, including opening for Celine Dion, appearing in Rita MacNeil’s CTV Christmas special, and performing with The Chieftains. Their work also appears in film and television, including the Men with Brooms soundtrack and Racket In The Attic.

Broadcast and touring

The group’s one-hour Christmas television special from 2000 continues to air on CMT and PBS in the United States. They tour in Canada, the United States and Europe, and also perform in the Caribbean, maintaining a long-running presence in the Celtic music scene.