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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 鈥楤arra MacNeils鈥� originated from the small Scottish island of Barra, known for its rich Gaelic singing tradition.
鈥淏arra is an island off the coast of Scotland, a small little wee island,鈥� said Stewart MacNeil. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 where the association is. That鈥檚 where it started at Kisimul Castle. Although it鈥檚 a very small island, there鈥檚 a huge tradition, especially of Gaelic singing.鈥�
Stewart MacNeil recalling a unique encounter at Eastside Mario鈥檚 in Sydney, where a Chinese women鈥檚 basketball team unexpectedly joined in singing 鈥楢uld Lang Syne鈥�, 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 鈥楳iner鈥檚 First Noel鈥�.
Bruce Guthro, a dear friend, neighbour and songwriter, is fondly remembered, as is his song 鈥楤ound for Bethlehem鈥�. 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: 鈥楥arol of the Bells,鈥� 鈥楥hristmas in Carrick,鈥� 鈥楳iner鈥檚 First Noel,鈥� 鈥楤ound for Bethlehem,鈥� 鈥楪od Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,鈥� 鈥業 Saw Three Ships,鈥� 鈥楥hristmas in Killarney,鈥� and 鈥楢uld Lang Syne.鈥�
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