ARCHIVED BLOGS:

» Blas Festival 2009
» Silver Dart Anniversary
» Celtic Connections 2009
» Christmas Tour 2008

Day 17
Monday, December 21, 2009

Everyone made their way back to Cape Breton for our final show. Some went to their homes first and others went straight to the theatre.

Our last show at home always is busy backstage with kids and visitors and all the catching up that’s done. The stage was decorated beautifully, which really makes a difference for people walking in to see the show.

We ate a meal all together after sound check and got ready for the show.

The place was packed with many familiar faces who were ready for a good time. You couldn’t ask for a better show to end the tour.

Well, for those reading this blog, we hope there weren’t too many mistakes. We didn’t post pictures as we were traveling, but we’ll end with some.

Thanks for everyone who came out to our shows and to all who left kind words on our guestbook.

From all of us to all of you,
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Heathy New Year!!

Love,
The Barra MacNeils

Day 16
Saturday, December 19, 2009

Our first show today is at 2:30pm, so we needed to get there early for soundcheck. We’re playing at St. John’s United Church. We played there last year and it was the first concert performance they had there. Since then, they’ve had many successful shows. It was great to get back.

The minister, Aaron Billard used to be our paper boy years ago. He then passed the route on to Ryan.

We were greeted by many volunteers who had sandwiches, soup and tea all ready for us. Our set up was quick and the show was underway. It was different performing in the daytime with sunlight coming in the windows. We could see everyone in the crowd singing along and clapping. The church looked beautiful, with all the decorations and huge stain glass windows.

Between shows we had just enough time to get a bite to eat, then it was back at it again, this time in the dark.

Both crowds were great, and as always Aaron’s introductions were both thoughtful and funny.

When we returned to the hotel we bumped into some of The Rankin Sisters and their band. Turns out that they were playing Moncton the same night. We had a very early morning the next day, so it kind of forced us to get to bed at a decent hour, unfortunately.

Two shows to do tomorrow!

Day 14
Thursday, December 17, 2009

The last time we were in Truro was for the recording of our “In Concert” cd. It’s great to be back!

Our show went well and afterward we met up with our cousin Gordon and his wife Susan. Their children Breagh and Tyler came too. They asked a couple weeks ago if we could visit their school for a surprise appearance and since we were there an extra day we thought it was doable.

It was nice to not have to pack everything up that night. We left the theatre and had a bite to eat then it was off to bed.

A good first day in Truro.

Day 13
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

It’s been many years since we’ve performed at the King’s Theatre. Located in the picturesque town of Annapolis Royal it appeared the townsfolk were bunkering down for a long winter. The hustle and bustle of tourists that you can usually find during the summer months wasn’t to be found today. Some of the shops had some great bargains for those of us who still had shopping to do . A bitter cold wind blew in off the basin chilling us to the bone.

We stayed at Upper Clements Cottages while in town. Driving in, we saw many rabbits. They’re tame and are everywhere. The cottages were very cozy.

The crowd at the theatre was full of enthusiasm and Christmas spirit. They knew pretty well all of the words to every song. It was amazing!

After the show, we ate at The Olde Towne Pub. They were kind enough to keep it open a little longer for us. Thanks for the POTATCHOS!

Day 12
Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Back on the road again after our day off. Our show isn’t too far from home today, we play in Port Hawksbury!

We pick up a new team member today. Alex MacNeil (can you believe it, another MacNeil). He’s Ryan’s brother-in-law and he’ll be selling merchandise for us for the rest of the tour.

After soundcheck, we did an interview with Bob MacEachern from the radio station the Hawk. It was all about how we celebrated Christmas. The radio station recorded the show and were going to air it some time before Christmas.

The show was at capacity with many friends and family. It was a very fun night.

Day 11
Sunday, December 13, 2009

5:00 AM lobby call...zzz...

We’re getting the first flight out today so we can have lots of time to get to Liverpool. This time of year it is hard to judge the weather, so extra time is needed when it gets messy out. Luckily, the weather was good, it was just a little dark!

Flew into Halifax and drove to Liverpool. We checked into Lane’s Privateer Hotel. They have a lovely little bookshop with gifts and treats. Great for stocking stuffers, etc.
While some of us ate in their restaurant, we heard our Christmas album being played in the background and we enjoyed our little break before getting busy again.

The show was a sellout and the audience was probably one of the most enthusiastic on the tour. It was raining very heavy giving Jamie Gatti’s “ Rudolph” an extra wallop! It was a night of high enery and standing o’s. Liverpool really gave as a special welcome.

Day 10
Saturday, December 12, 2009

Today we visited a community concert which was to raise money for the Newfoundland Folk Club. The club was very helpful in our visit to St. John’s so when we were asked to make a surprise performance, we were more than willing.

We gathered backstage where the who’s who of Newfoundland entertainment was. First we saw Ennis who were on our first Christmas Television special. It was great to catch up with them. We saw some of the members of A Crowd of Bold Sharemen, Paddy Mackey (the first person to show Lucy the Bodhran. He gave her some very valuable tips that she uses today), and Dave Panting from Rawlins Cross. We also saw Kelly Russell’s family perform. Very musical kids.

The show was great with all sorts of variety. Great singers in local choirs and instrumentals. We played two numbers to an audience who seemed to be surprised at our involvement. They even gave us a standing ovation!

The show that night was magic. The crowd was amazing!

Day 09
SFriday, December 11, 2009

This is the first time the Barra MacNeils have brought their Christmas show to Newfoundland and we are all very excited, especially because of the need to do a second show!

Everyone was on deck early trying to look their best as we had some media stuff to do. We were on the local show “Out of the Fog” for the entire half an hour. It was a great experience and the staff were very hospitable. We played some music and they interviewed all seven of us!

After that, it was off to the George St. United Church where the concert was going to be. It is a really nice church with a nice atmosphere for concerts.

While we did sound check, NTV came in to tape some music and do an interview. Meanwhile, Jamie and Lucy were adjusting to the bass and harp that were provided for the show.(It’s hard to fly with such large instruments). The harp was provided by
Thanks very much!

The only hiccup in the show was probably the lack of Kyle’s voice. He woke up with a terrible chest cold. We all put in our best effort and made the show work.

Lucy had the opportunity to meet Dermot O’Reilly’s wife. If you didn’t already know, Dermot wrote “Chrildrens Winter”. She mentioned that her daughter thinks our version is the second best to her fathers. What an amazing compliment.

After the show we were invited to a restaurant called The Epicurean Kitchen owned by Caroline Power for a reception. The food was unbelievable and we met some really interesting, entertaining people there. Some people left early because of the long day, but others stayed on. Just when the stragglers were thinking of leaving, someone sang a song, which sparked another, and another, and everyone lost track of time until the sun reminded them of what it was!

Wonderful and busy first day here. Can’t wait for the second show.

Day 08
Thursday, December 10, 2009

We got on the road early to get ahead of the weather as we needed to make our flight to St. John’s.

On the way, we witnessed our first Christmas miracle. Donnie managed to get 72 litres out of a 70 litre gas tank as we arrived in Salisbury on fumes. Hallelujah!

Some of us stopped at Jamie’s house before we got to the airport. When we arrived, the smell of delicious food was in the air which his wife Cynthia had prepared for us. Lasagna was on the menu. Nothing but the best at the Gatti household!

Our flight was all smooth except for the landing due to the high winds.

We got in safe and sound and tucked in early. It will be a busy day tomorrow.

Day 07
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

It was great to wake up in Fredericton after the drive from Maine. Old Man Winter was making himself known as some of the band shopped for stocking stuffers.

Lucy made her way back from Cape Breton just ahead of the oncoming storm. As show time came closer the winds picked up and the snow fell quickly. The snow was so dry that it almost had a fake quality about it compared to the wet, moist snow that we are used to in Cape Breton. People braved the elements to enter the warm cozy Fredericton Playhouse and it transcended into a magical evening for all. Most impressive was the new foosball game back stage which was just purchased by the Playhouse staff. Saw some friends from home. Made some new fans as well.

Day 06
Tueaday, December 8, 2009

Today was a day off. Lucy watched her girls in their own Christmas concert for school and the rest hung out in Fredericton. When we landed at the hotel, it was customer appreciation night, which involved piles of food, drink, music and someone who juggled fire. It was great!

After that, we finished the night by stopping in at the Lunar Rogue to say hello to some friends.

Day 05
Monday, December 7, 2009

This morning Donnie and Phil MacIntyre travelled to Unity with our gear to get a head start on the set up of the show. The rest of the Barras’ had a more leisurely drive and a lunch at a cafe in Unity.

Tonight’s concert was a toy drive for a local charity. The Christmas tree in the lobby was filled with a variety of great toys... everything from bikes to dolls and games. A very giving community.

The show went well. It was nice to see some familiar faces in the crowd.

After the show, we packed up and drove overnight to St. John. Lucy was catching a flight home to see her daughters perform in their own Christmas concert for their school.

A day off tomorrow in Fredericton.

Day 04
Sunday, December 6, 2009

Skye Theater is a venue started by Phil MacIntyre. He and some people in his community built it with their own hands. It is a large timber frame building with a multi-leveled stage that actually had a working wood stove on it.

Our setup looked quite interesting. We had the Lucy play her harp way up on the highest level, which wasn’t for anyone with a fear of heights, and Ryan was on another level which made him taller than the rest of us. The wood stove was off during the performance, but it would make a unique stage prop for any show. (any show where you wanted to move a cast iron stove) Jamie had the hot seat by the stove.

Earlier in the day we met a man named Mike Boyd. He made bodhran tippers (or sticks) in a workshop at the theatre. He was kind enough to give us a couple which we used in the show and they worked great. (He also gave us a bunch of his very own corned beef, which he left with all of the ingredients to make the perfect sandwich.) Thanks for everything Mike.

Before the show, members of the community bring instruments and have a little session of music. We could hear this as we were getting ready, and heard lots of familiar Cape Breton tunes. It was a nice touch to get things going.

It was a very enthusiastic crowd giving at least four standing ovations in the first set alone. At the end of the night we received an encore where Phil requested Coal Town Road. We don’t normally sing it at our Christmas shows, but did as long as Phil joined us onstage. It was a nice way to end our visit to this beautiful community.

Day 03
Saturday, December 5, 2009

Today was another travel day. We made our way through New Hampshire and stocked up on some Christmas supplies.

As we came closer to Carthage, Maine, we drove through some smaller towns. In one town, there was a Christmas stroll. It was a real Christmas scene with light snow, decorations and people drinking hot chocolate.

As the evening progressed the snow became heavier and we had a hard time getting up the hill to the Skye Theatre. Our rental vans were not equipped with proper winter tires. The first van tried to get some momentum and at the steep point of the hill four deer jumped out. So much for the momentum. After three tries per vehicle we made it safe and sound.

Day 02
Friday, December 4, 2009

Today Donnie got up early and started the hunt for a tire and rim. Luckily he found a place where he explained our situation and a gentleman let him in ahead of others so we could get on our way.

We arrived at the venue and it jogged everyone’s memory. Turns out we played here five years ago. A very nice venue and it’s sold out for the show. Now that is a great way to start the tour!

As we were getting ready for the show we received the news that Liam Clancy had died. He was the last member of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem to pass away. Bob Dylan said he was his favorite balladeer. His album Farewell To Tarwaithe was one of the most played in our house. Farewell Liam and may we meet another place another time.

A good friend of ours Liam Spain was at the show. He is one of the Makem and Spain Brothers, torch bearers of the Irish and American folk song tradition. We have seen the sun rise a few times over songs and pints.

A lovely audience in Manchester. Thanks for the welcome!

Day 01
Thursday, December 3, 2009

Well hello folks! Another year has passed and we are into the festive season once again. It seems like only yesterday that we were starting last year’s tour in British Columbia.

Every second year, The Barra MacNeils take a shorter Christmas tour that is close to our home in Cape Breton. This not only allows for more quality time with our families, but also gives a chance to perform in some of the East Coast venues that our schedule doesn’t allow time for on our national tour. All of our shows are within close proximity except for the first couple of days.

Today, we were on route to Manchester, New Hampshire. The weather was very rainy and it was difficult to see at times. The weather was calling for a Nor’ Easter’ .

On the way, as with most first days of tours, we remembered all of the things that we left home. One item was a microphone that we needed. So we swung into Moncton and picked one up. Crises averted.

We reached the border where some needed work papers to be processed. A young guard sternly and diligently started the process asking what our intentions were for entering. We told him and when he asked the name of the band, his supervisor turned around and said, “The Barra MacNeils? They’re famous!”

This was surprising as we’re not used to being recognized. (Mind you, when we’re all lined up in an airport with our glasses on yielding instruments, people presume we’re related and in a band... and sometimes we’re recognized at the grocery store at home.)

After that, we were on our way and getting close to our destination when we heard a loud bang. One of our vehicles hit a large pothole which flattened the tire. And if that wasn’t bad enough, it bent the rim too! So, we all piled out and assessed the situation. Some unloaded cargo while others found the jack... now where is that spare?... not in the back... where’s the manual?... here it is, now what does that description even mean?

Luckily it wasn’t pouring rain during the whole ordeal. After deciphering the manual and some expert jack and crank work by road manager Donnie (CAA would have been jealous), we found the spare tire and got back on the road. Never a dull moment.

Tomorrow we’ll have to get a tire and rim.