THE McSHANE FAMILY

Artist Information

Biography

_______________ "FAILTE" _________________

AN EXCITING FUTURE AWAITS THE MCSHANE FAMILY. With two recordings well underway and more joint projects planned (one with John McDermott) for the future, the family is being kept very busy. All family members are enrolled in university or grade school but remain active in both their sport programs and music endeavors. Plans include a joint recording with the great Canadian/ Irish Tenor, “John McDermott.” WOW! Now that is something thrilling to look forward to. The future is bright and the opportunities endless!

Welcome to the world of the “McShane Family.” With more than sixteen years behind them as stage performers, they continue to develop and redefine themselves. Their musical focus is the world of Celtic/Folk, Country and Pop but that has never limited their stage performances...anything goes. They are in the studio at present, working on their second recording, which is a mix of everything they love to sing, plus some original pieces penned by the family. In their plans for the fall, is a tour and cd release. Things couldn’t look better. The future is bright and opportunities endless for the McShane Family. They are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

"THE McSHANE FAMILY," is a multi-talented group of five musical siblings ranging in age from fourteen to twenty-three years. The eldest of the group being Russell followed by Sarah Fay, Kathlene, Bernadette and Quentin. The family was born and raised on beautiful Vancouver Island, in the quaint town of Qualicum Beach.
Singing has always been the family's passion. They grew up in a home surrounded by music and filled with song. Hence, the development of their beautifully melodious voices. The family also enjoys playing a wide variety of musical instruments but prefers to leave most at home and focus on their vocals while performing on stage. They instead are accompanied by a group of exceptionally talented professional musicians.
Their concerts are always lively with encouragement for full audience participation. When you leave their shows, you will do so with a sense of having been thoroughly entertained.
Over the years, the family has acquired a vast and diverse musical repertoire, enjoying most musical styles. Whether it be classical or traditional pieces, contemporary music, jazz, or musical theatre, the family is at home with them all. In particular, they have developed a fondness for the beautiful Celtic Music of their Irish and Scottish Heritage.
To this effect, the family has much to offer their audience, as their music reaches people of many different musical persuasions. With a strong sense of musicianship, they deliver their songs in a touching emotive manner and are a pleasure to watch on stage. Put it all together and it creates a performance well worth remembering.
With the release of the family's debut c.d. "STEPPING STONES," and two additional recording projects well underway, the family is looking at a very bright future with endless opportunities awaiting them.

"Music has always been an important part of, "The McShane Family." We have performed together as a family group for well over sixteen years now. Being immersed in music brings us together as a family and holds us close. It gives us much pleasure to sing and share our love of music with others. It is a sentiment we hope carries over onto our audience."

~ THE McSHANE FAMILY ~
___________________________

"The McShane Family," is a true pleasure to listen to. They have performed as guests in my shows whenever I am on Vancouver Island. The release of the family's debut c.d. STEPPING STONES (arranged and produced by multiple Juno Award Winner, Phil Dwyer) will surely be the beginning of a bright and exciting future in music for this multi-talented young group of performers. A new and exciting talent about to emerge from Vancouver Island. Expect to hear great music from "The McShane Family," for many years to come..."

~ JOHN McDERMOTT ~

John McDermott is an International Recording Artist & Founding Member of, "The Irish Tenors."

Instrumentation

"THE McSHANE FAMILY," consists of RUSS, SARAH FAY, KATHLENE, BERNADETTE & QUENTIN. All family members sing lead & back ground vocals/ harmony, plus play percussion. They also "STEP DANCE," to some of their selections. Sarah Fay plays percussion along with the tin whistle. Kathlene plays the harp, violin/ fiddle, & the tin whistle. Bernadette plays the flute and tin whistle. The family also has a group of professional musicians backing them. They may vary according to scheduling availability. Additional instruments may included the piano, guitar, violin/ fiddle and on occasions, the bass and/ or the cello.
You can listen to a wide variety of the family's music from their "STEPPING STONES" c.d. by visiting the CD BABY'S WEBSITE: www.cdbaby.com/cd/mcshanefamily and www.myspace.com/themcshanefamily.

Discography

"THE FAMILY," released their debut cd "STEPPING STONES," in the Winter of 2006. This 16-track cd has been well received and is filled with the lyrically rich music of their proud Celtic Heritage, along with some contemporary family favorites. Stepping Stones, was arranged and produced by multiple JUNO AWARD WINNER, "PHIL DWYER." You can listen to a wide selection of the tracks at CD Baby's website :www.cdbaby.com/cd/mcshanefamily
Please find the track listings and time count below.

THE McSHANE FAMILY
~ STEPPING STONES ~

01. Stepping Stones 4:57
02. Bonny Portmore 5:08
03. Farewell To Lochaber 4:15
04. Song For The Mira 4:31
05. The Gypsy Rover 3:39
06. Down By The Salley Gardens 5:05
07. Rise Again 3:31
08. Caledonia 4:01
09. Two Sisters 4:12
10. The Cliffs Of Dooneen 2:29
11. Scotland The Brave 2:41
12. The Skye Boat Song 3:29
13. Gillis Mountain 2:53
14. The Water Is Wide 3:27
15. Siuil A Run 4:02
16. To Say Goodbye To You 3:32

At present the family is being kept very busy with both school commitments and several recording projects that are well underway. They hope to have their two new recordings, ready for debut in 2009. We will keep you posted with their progress as release information becomes available.

Links

• MySpace/ THE McSHANE FAMILY
• CD BABY MUSIC/ THE McSHANE FAMILY
• JOHN McDERMOTT
• CELTIC WOMAN
• THE RANKIN FAMILY

Audio

• THE WATER IS WIDE (Kathlene McShane) Stepping Stones
  Listen   Download
• TWO SISTERS (The McShane Family) Stepping Stones
  Listen   Download
• RISE AGAIN (The McShane Family) Stepping Stones
  Listen   Download
• THE OLD COUPLE (Written by Sarah-Fay McShane) Recorded Live
  Listen   Download
• BONNY PORTMORE (Kathlene McShane) Stepping Stones
  Listen   Download
• HEALTH TO THE COMPANY (Bernadette McShane) Recorded Live
  Listen   Download
• GILLIS MOUNTAIN (The McShane Family) Stepping Stones
  Listen   Download
• CALEDONIA (Russ & Kathlene McShane) Stepping Stones
  Listen   Download
• DOWN BY THE SALLEY GARDENS (Bernadette McShane) Stepping Stones
  Listen   Download
• SIUIL A RUN (The McShane Family) Stepping Stones
  Listen   Download
• STEPPING STONES (The McShane Family)
  Listen   Download
• BONNY PORTMORE (Kathlene McShane)
  Listen   Download
• FAREWELL TO LOCHABER (Bernadette McShane)
  Listen   Download
• SONG FOR THE MIRA (Sarah-Fay McShane)
  Listen   Download
• THE GYPSY ROVER (The McShane Family)
  Listen   Download
• RISE AGAIN (The McShane Family)
  Listen   Download
• DOWN BY THE SALLEY GARDENS (Bernadette McShane)
  Listen   Download
• CALEDONIA (Russ & Kathlene McShane)
  Listen   Download
• TWO SISTERS (The McShane Family)
  Listen   Download
• SCOTLAND THE BRAVE (Russ & Kathlene McShane)
  Listen   Download
• THE CLIFFS OF DOONEEN (Sarah-Fay McShane)
  Listen   Download
• THE SKYE BOAT SONG (Quentin McShane)
  Listen   Download
• GILLIS MOUNTAIN (The McShane Family)
  Listen   Download
• THE WATER IS WIDE (Kathlene McShane)
  Listen   Download
• SIUIL A RUN (The McShane Family)
  Listen   Download
• TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOU (The McShane Family)
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• CALEDONIA
• GILLIS MOUNTAIN
• RISE AGAIN

Video

BLUE EYED SUZIE, BALLINDERRY & PADSTOW (The McShane Family) Kathlene on Harp

Photo Gallery

Press

• UNDER CONSTRUCTION
  

  MORE ENTRES COMING SOON!

• THE McSHANE FAMILY (Stepping Stones) [+ Show ]
  

  "The McShane Family," is a true pleasure to listen to. They have performed as guests in my show w...
  "The McShane Family," is a true pleasure to listen to. They have performed as guests in my show whenever I am on Vancouver Island.
  
  The release of the family's debut c.d., STEPPING STONES (arranged and produced by multiple Juno Award Winner, Phil Dwyer) will surely be the beginning of a bright and exciting future in music for this multi-talented young group of performers.
  
  A new and exciting talent about to emerge from Vancouver Island. Expect to hear great music from "The McShane Family," for many years to come.
  
  ~ JOHN McDERMOTT ~
  
  John McDermott Is An International Recording Artist & Founding Member of, "THE IRISH TENORS."
  
  

• WE LOVE YOUR FAMILY [+ Show ]
  

  Hello McShane Family, "Your family puts on such a great show. We didn't want your concert to end...Hello McShane Family,
  
  "Your family puts on such a great show. We didn't want your concert to end. Your voices are beautiful and you sang a huge number of our family's favourite songs. We bought your Stepping Stones c.d. months ago and still listen to it constantly. There isn't one song we haven't fallen in love with.
  We also throughly enjoyed your c.d. pamphlet. At sixteen pages it was an excellent read. The pictures of the family and scenery are beautiful. We enjoyed reading the history behind each song. It was interesting, informative and very well done.
  We can hardly wait to see you in concert again. Hope you have a new c.d. ready soon as we will be first in line."
  
  (Received via email from the McGuire Clan)
  
  
  

• CELTFEST'S SAINT PATRICK'S DAY CONCERT [+ Show ]
  

  "Wow! The only thing more gorgeous than your voices is your beautiful family. Man, did you guys ev..."Wow! The only thing more gorgeous than your voices is your beautiful family. Man, did you guys ever luck out!"
  
  (Comment from a gentleman named Gary/ Member of the Audience)
  
  
  

• CELTICFEST VANCOUVER [+ Show ]
  

  Greeting McShane Family, "We seen your family at Celticfest Vancouver's, "Saint Patrick's Day Par...Greeting McShane Family,
  
  "We seen your family at Celticfest Vancouver's, "Saint Patrick's Day Parade" and thought you had the best entry of all. Your family is so friendly and it was awesome that you stopped and chatted with people along the route. Also that you gave out candies and bracelets that you had made yourselves. My daughter is still wearing her's and talks about the pretty girls who made it and then took the trouble to tie it onto her wrist. You made her feel very special. Thank you!
  
  We don't buy c.d.s often cause we usually just download our music but are real glad we spent the money and bought your family's, Stepping Stones. One word to describe it is, "Beautiful!"
  
  We will be watching for you to come to our area and hope it is real soon. Good luck and keep on making your beautiful music. You make a lot of people happy. Our family have fallen in love with all of you."
  
  "YOU ARE WHAT FAMILY IS ALL ABOUT!"
  
  (Received via email from, The Smith Family)
  
  
  

• BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL MUSIC! [+ Show ]
  

  Dear McShane Family, "I was totally blown away when I heard your recording of Stepping Stones. I...Dear McShane Family,
  
  "I was totally blown away when I heard your recording of Stepping Stones. I think the entire cd is exceptional and I have highly recommend it to all my friends.
  
  All the songs flow so perfectly together and what a variety. I was surprised to see the mix of Traditional Celtic/ Folk along with Contemporary Folk and a Modern Popular piece to close up the recording.
  
  Phil Dwyer did a fantastic job of arranging these pieces. Some of those century old songs shone in an entirely different light than I have ever heard them recorded in the past.
  
  This is by far my favourite recording ever. I have bought four dics as gifts for my family and they are enjoying your recording as much as me. I have literally listened to it hundreds of times. I don't think I will ever tire of it.
  
  One of my all time favourite groups is, "The Rankin Family." I am so pleased that I have finally found another family, that I will enjoy listening to as much as I do them.
  
  Keep on singing and hurry up with your next recordings. We can hardly wait!"
  
  (Received via email from Kathy B., Victoria, B.C.)

• STEPPING STONES [+ Show ]
  

  I love this c.d. The entire family have incredible voices! The instrumentation is wonderful too! ...I love this c.d. The entire family have incredible voices! The instrumentation is wonderful too! I was amazed by the song selection, as their choice just happens to coincide with so many of my favorites. The first time I listened to "Stepping Stones," I had to fetch a tissue for my eyes. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that the tears just started to flow. This is Celtic Music at its best. Job well done "McShane Family!" It is my hope that one day you will tour Ireland. I will be ready!
  
  (Received via email @ cdbaby.com website)

• FAMILY DAY [+ Show ]
  

  Sunday, May 31 Thanks Sandra, for your efforts in making Family Day a success. It truly was a be...Sunday, May 31
  
  Thanks Sandra, for your efforts in making Family Day a success. It truly was a beautiful day and what the girls did today playing & singing, was a wonderful contribution to the tradition of Family Day. I am looking forward to next year (yes next year) to hear the harmonies of your family once again.
  Our Community is very lucky to have a family such as The McShanes. Keep up the great work!!!!
  
  Walter Hoogland
  
  Entertainment Coordinator
  

Setlist

This is an example of some of the SET LISTS available. Please note, they may not be exact and can be altered at our discretion. These are examples of our different groupings. They can also be adjusted according to the preferences of our patrons. Songs will be changed and added regularly.

CELTIC/ FOLK SET I

01. Blue Eyed Suzie
02. Stepping Stones
03. Bonny Portmore
04. Tell My Ma
05. Song For The Mira
06. The Skye Boat Song
07. Gillis Mountain
08. Song For Ireland
09. Fare Well To Lochaber
10. Two Sisters
11. The Water Is Wide
12. Padstow
13. The Fields of Athenry
14. The Gypsy Rover
15. Bridget O'Reilly
16. Gaelic Medley
17. Bad Luck to Me
18. Lord of the Dance
19. The Road Back Home
20. Health to the Company
21. Rise Again


CELTIC/ FOLK SET II

01. As I Roved Out
02. Down By The Salley Gardens
03. Two Sisters
05. Ballinderry
06. Whiskey In A Jar
07. Siuil A Run
08. The Jug Of Punch
09. Fiddle Medley (Step Dancing)
10. Bad Luck To Me
11. Feels So Near
12. Maid of Cullmore
13. Danny Boy
14. Oganaich An Ou-fhuilt Bhuidhe/ Am Braighe
15. Bridget O'Reilly
16. Gillis Mountain
17. The Bonny Swan
18. A Road Well Traveled
19. Raglan Road
20. Whiskey In A Cup/ The Parting Glass
21. Rise Again

CELTIC/ FOLK SET III

01. The Lord Of The Dance (Step Dancing)
02. Ballinderry
03. Two Sisters
04. Song Of Ireland
05. Gillis Mountain
06. Jug Of Punch
07. Fare Well To Lochaber
08. The Wild Rover
09. Danny Boy
10. Siuil A Run
11. Gaelic Medley (Step Dancing)
12. The Gartan Mother's Lullaby
13. Bad Luck To Me
14. The Scotsman
15. Celtic Medley (Step Dancing)
16. Bridget O'Reilly
17. Green Grow the Rashes
18. Danse Danse
19. Raglan Road
20. Whiskey In A Cup/ The Parting Glass
21. Rise Again




CONTEMPORARY FOLK/ POP

01. Carefree Highway
02. If You Could See Me Know
o3. Summer Time Dream
04. I Know A Heartache When I See One
05. Song Of Ireland
06. Bigger Than Anywhere Else
07. Feels So Near
08. Annie's Song
09. Desperado
10. Travell'n Soldier
11. California Dreaming
12. The Foggy Dew
13. In My Arms Instead
14. Bells
15. The Water Is Wide
16. Fields of Gold
18. Dark Veil
19. The Old Couple
20. Gone To Town
21. Rise Again

FAMILY'S SONGS

01. Bad Luck To Me . . . . . . . . Sarah Fay
02. Bridgette O'Reilly . . . . . . . Sarah Fay
03. The Old Couple . . . . . . . . Sarah Fay
04. It Must Be Love . . . . . . . . Sarah Fay
05. Black Hell . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quentin
07. Gone But Not Forgotten. . .Kathlene
08. The River Ends Here . . . . . Kathlene
09. Stolen Memories . . . . . . . .Sandra
10. If It Makes You Happy . . . .Sandra
11. A Road Less Traveled . . . . Sandra

Basic Requirements

Calendar