Barra MacNeils haven’t lost their touch
Top-notch entertainment can be found 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.”
In between you get treated to gems like the haunting “Ribhinn Donn” (Brown Haired Girl). With a voice that seems to get better as she goes along, this is Lucy’s masterpiece, a delightful Gaelic number with soft and subtle accompaniment. A counterpoint is Stewart’s “The Underachiever,” a darker view of life. It’s a whimsical a cappella number that highlights the Barra brothers family harmonies.
The whole recording is packed with entertainment and perfection in every note.
The Barra MacNeils have been on the road for more than 30 years and for some members, performing for far longer than that.
“On The Bright Side” is a great showcase for what the Barras are and what they continue to do, even after all these years.
One of their few local performances this year takes place at St. Andrew’s Church in their hometown of Sydney Mines, on Wednesday evening.
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I attended a great concert last Sunday in Big Pond, a part of the community’s annual summer festival.
There was lots of talent on hand including Marilyn MacDonald-MacKinnon, Kinnon & Betty Beaton, Doug MacPhee, Aaron Lewis, Kimberly Fraser, Colin Grant, Jason Roach and piper Keith MacDonald (who opened and closed the show).
There was also a lovely tribute to the late Fr. Joe Gillis, who served the Big Pond and Johnstown parishes for many years.
The hall was full and with many of the musicians coming from other gigs to be there while others were headed off to a second or third show of the day. No wonder Colin Grant stated that he and Jason Roach were travelling Air Honda.
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I made it to Sydney Ribfest, another great success with big crowds, good food and great music.
While I was there, High Society and The Privateers provided the entertainment as I munched on my ribs.
And I caught one of the Lyrics and Laughter shows at the Louisbourg Playhouse, the 17th year it has been on that stage. As expected, it was another great production, as are so many at the playhouse.
The entertainment continues almost every night and the Lyrics and Laughter crew will be back for more shows in August and again in September.
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The Cape Breton Jazz Festival is back again, running from Aug. 2-11 in locations around the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
There’s an impressive list of guests including saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, crooner Micah Barnes, acclaimed pianist Holly Arsenault and powerful vocalist Theresa Malenfant. The Bill Stevenson Trio is also back plus a long list of local entertainers.
Tonight, Michael Hall and Hilda Chiasson will provide the music for the dance at the Boisdale fire hall. And on Sunday, the annual Broad Cove Concert takes place, another historic event that always features the best of the best.
The annual Highland Village concert is set for the hill in Iona on Saturday, Aug. 4. It’s been running for well over 50 years and always has great talent.
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There are some great shows happenings at the Highland Arts Theatre in downtown Sydney.
The “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Disco Nights,” “Kitchen Party” and “Heart of Steel,” can be seen Tuesday to Friday all summer. And the “Cape Breton Summertime Revue” starts next week at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay.
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The Making Waves Festival at Wentworth Park in Sydney has clearly been a success, with big crowds every week for the free concerts. The Beaches and Greg MacPherson finish things off on Thursday.
The Summer Concert Series at the Frolic & Folk Pub in Iona still has five shows remaining with Mo Kenny on stage Wednesday and Port Cities the week after.
And on Aug. 10, Rita’s Tea Room in Big Pond will ring with the vocals of the late Rita MacNeil’s friend and musical collaborator, Joella Foulds, as she releases her first solo CD.
And this weekend it’s Stanfest, as Canso plays host to another great lineup that includes Ashley MacIsaac, Matt Andersen, Suzy Bogguss, and so many more.
So, how’s your summer going?