The Barra MacNeils

The Barra MacNeils are one of Canada’s premier Celtic groups from Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia. Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, this diverse and talented family group continues to wow audiences around the world with their captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship. Their much-anticipated new CD “All At Once” features the addition of siblings, Boyd and Ryan MacNeil, delivering an exhilarating and rejuvenated sound.

Multi–award winners, the Barra MacNeils have released eight recordings including, Racket In the Attic (2002), Christmas Album (1999), Until Now (1997), The Question (1995), The Traditional Album (1994), Closer to Paradise (1993 – Certified Gold in Canada), Timeframe (1990), Rock in the Stream (1989), The Barra MacNeils (1986). In 2001, they released a DVD titled “Cape Breton Christmas” incorporating music from their live Christmas Concert Special (as seen on television), plus a visit to Cape Breton, interviews with the Barra MacNeils home at Christmas and music videos.

Canada’s Celtic ambassadors, the Barra MacNeils continue to perform to sold out audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. From headlining major festivals, concerts, special guest appearances (Rita MacNeils CTV Christmas Special, performing with The Chieftains) television specials, film and television placement (Men with Brooms Soundtrack; Racket In The Attic) and their annual Christmas tour, they have set the course with a solid foundation for success. The Barra MacNeils one-hour Christmas Television Special (2000) continues to be broadcast on Country Music Television (CMT) and on the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) network in the United States.

The Barra MacNeils have released their ninth studio recording “All At Once” and continue to do what they love to do best, and that is playing their music for the fans. This incredibly talented family group will tour Canada, the US and Europe to spread their distinctive brand of Celtic flavour around the world.

Awards & Achievements …

2005 Celtic Fusion Award Nomination (Best Folk/Traditional Group)
2002 ECMA Nomination - Video of the Year (By Northern Light from Racket In The Attic)

2001 ECMA Award - Group of the Year (Racket in the Attic)
ECMA Nomination - Album of the Year
Juno Nomination – Roots/ Traditional Group of the Year

1998 ECMA Nomination - Entertainer of the Year

1997 ECMA Nomination - Group of the Year (The Question)

1996 ECMA Award – Pop Recording of the Year (The Question)
ECMA Nomination - Entertainer of the Year

1995 ECMA Award – Roots/ Traditional Group of the Year (Closer to Paradise)
ECMA Nomination – Album of the Year
ECMA Nomination – Pop Recording of the Year
ECMA Nomination – Video of the Year (Darling Be
Home Soon)
ECMA Nomination – Instrumental Recording of the Year (The Traditional Album)

1994 ECMA Nomination – Video of the Year (My Heart’s In the Highlands from Closer to Paradise)

1992 ECMA Award – Album of the Year (Timeframe)
ECMA Nomination – Video of the Year (Flow Time)

1991 ECMA Award – Roots/Traditional Group of the Year (Timeframe)

credits …..
2002 Racket In The Attic “ Men with Brooms” soundtrack.