Dana Center hosts Barra MacNeils on December 4

COURTESY PHOTO

The Dana Center, a regional performing arts center at Saint Anselm College, upholds its venerable tradition of showcasing performing artists from the world roster by presenting The Barra MacNeils for one evening performance on Friday, December 4.

The Barra MacNeils are back by popular demand and in time for the line up of favorite family holiday traditions. This special evening showcases 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 gorgeous vocals, sweet sibling harmonies, and extraordinary musicianship. Canada’s Celtic ambassadors continue to perform to sold out audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. From headlining major festivals such as the Celtic Roots International Festival in Cape Breton Nova Scotia, to their numerous award nominations including the Celtic Fusion Award for best folk group, the accomplished performers have earned recognition through their energetic and entertaining performances.

Throughout 2007 and 2008, the Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island based family group, the Barra MacNeils, celebrated over 20 years in an outstanding recording and touring career. This was accented with a two CD special 20th Anniversary package covering the span of their entire career to that point, as well as live concerts reflecting the musical course of their career, from humble family beginnings to world wide acclaim. The concert touring in support of that project took the group to theatre and festival stages coast to coast across Canada, had them jetting across America from festival stage to theatre stage and beyond, as well as sending them to Ireland and Scotland for prestigious events across the Atlantic.

Now, in 2009 and soon enough moving into 2010, the group has released two new live recordings intended to represent both sides of what the Barra MacNeils bring to stages the world over. The two live CD’s, In Concert and In Session, together cover the instrumental and vocal material the group performs in concerts regularly while also touching on lesser known material from their more formative years and more informal musical gatherings. As a group, the six MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the family group is deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture, dance, language and history. Their numerous critically acclaimed recordings have included their own original songs as well as tried and true standards, both instrumental and vocal. These two new live recordings are no exception and are a must have for any fan of their live shows. Their exhilarating and rejuvenating sound will leave you breathless and wanting more. Come join us for this very special night, a Celtic Christmas celebration!

For more information on The Barra MacNeils visit the Dana Center website at www.anselm.edu/dana Reserved Seating: $29.50, Senior Citizens, $25.50, NH College/University Students $12.50. The Dana Center serves the citizens of New Hampshire and the Saint Anselm College community. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For tickets and information, call (603) 641-7700 or now conveniently buy online at www.anselm.edu/dana