ѻý

Skip to content

ѻý: An East Coast Christmas with the Barra MacNeils

TODAY IN B.C.: Heartwarming stories and family harmonies
web1_231220-bpd-podcast-barramacneilchristmas-gps_1

You will find ѻýToday in B.C.ѻý podcasts on , , , , and podcasts.

Host Peter McCully talks with Lucy and Stewart MacNeil about the Barra MacNeils Christmas concert tour that began in Whitehorse and ended on Cape Breton Island.

Lucy and Stewart discuss the impact of their music on audiences, especially during the Christmas season. They highlight the role of family in their performances, emphasizing the unique sound that comes from singing together as a family.

The siblings reminisce about their roots in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, and how the name ѻýBarra MacNeilsѻý originated from the small Scottish island of Barra, known for its rich Gaelic singing tradition.

ѻýBarra is an island off the coast of Scotland, a small little wee island,ѻý said Stewart MacNeil. ѻýThatѻýs where the association is. Thatѻýs where it started at Kisimul Castle. Although itѻýs a very small island, thereѻýs a huge tradition, especially of Gaelic singing.ѻý

Stewart MacNeil recalling a unique encounter at Eastside Marioѻýs in Sydney, where a Chinese womenѻýs basketball team unexpectedly joined in singing ѻýAuld Lang Syneѻý, demonstrating the universal power of music.

The siblings share anecdotes about recording Christmas albums in May, creating a festive atmosphere with a turkey dinner during the recording process, and the significance of certain songs like ѻýMinerѻýs First Noelѻý.

Bruce Guthro, a dear friend, neighbour and songwriter, is fondly remembered, as is his song ѻýBound for Bethlehemѻý. Stewart MacNeil recounts Bruce becoming a legend in Europe with the band Runrig.

The podcast touches on the MacNeil families enduring connection t, and the impact of their performances on the community, especially during the holiday season. The siblings express their gratitude for the continued support of their fans and the evolving traditions within their own families.

The podcast includes a wide selection of seasonal music: ѻýCarol of the Bells,ѻý ѻýChristmas in Carrick,ѻý ѻýMinerѻýs First Noel,ѻý ѻýBound for Bethlehem,ѻý ѻýGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,ѻý ѻýI Saw Three Ships,ѻý ѻýChristmas in Killarney,ѻý and ѻýAuld Lang Syne.ѻý

If you have suggestions or comments, send a voice message to you may be part of our audio podcast mailbag segment.

LISTEN:

LISTEN:

LISTEN:

Breaking News You Need To Know

Sign up for free account today and start receiving our exclusive newsletters.

Sign Up with google Sign Up with facebook

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.

Reset your password

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.

A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox.



Don't have an account? Click here to sign up


Peter McCully

About the Author: Peter McCully

Peter has been a broadcaster and publisher on both of Canadaѻýs coasts and has owned a small newspaper and run an advertising agency along the way.
Read more



(or

ѻý

) document.head.appendChild(flippScript); window.flippxp = window.flippxp || {run: []}; window.flippxp.run.push(function() { window.flippxp.registerSlot("#flipp-ux-slot-ssdaw212", "Black Press Media Standard", 1281409, [312035]); }); }