August 5, 2005
The Barra MacNeils nominated for Best Folk / Traditional Group
at the 2005 Celtic Fusion Awards

Canada's Celtic ambassadors, the Barra MacNeils have been nominated for Best Folk/ Traditional Group at the 2005 Celtic Fusion Awards.

Having just returned from Ireland with the exciting news, The Barra's couldn't be happier about their international recognition. "To be recognized in the international marketplace is a great honour", says smiling Sheumas MacNeil. "There is nothing finer than being recognized for our music. We love to perform and getting a nomination for doing what we love to do is the best gift of all."

For the three years the Down District Council of Ireland has welcomed almost forty Canadian musicians and artists to participate in Celtic Fusion International Musical Arts Festival. This years festival, in association with the Irish Music Magazine, will see the launch of the 2005 Celtic Fusion Awards. For more information on the in 2005 Celtic Fusion Awards visit www.celticfusion.co.uk.

The Barra MacNeils, from Sydney Mines Nova Scotia, are one of Canada's premier Celtic groups 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 (scheduled for release September 13th through Shoreline/ Maplemusic recordings) features the addition of siblings Boyd and Ryan MacNeil and delivers an exhilarating and rejuvenated sound. The Barra MacNeils are now touring continuing to delight audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

Other 2005 Celtic Fusion Awards nominees include Riverdance, Slaidh Notes, At The Racket, Dougie MacLean, Four Men And A Dog, De Dannan with special guests Eleanor Stanley, Paul Brady, Shooglenity, Sharon Shannon, Altan, La Bottine Souriante, Michael McCormick, Danu, Don MacLean, Lunasa, At First Light, Finlay MacDonald, Eleanor McEvoy, Flook, Saltfishforty, Salsa Celtica, Robert Watt, Frances Black, Dervish and Celtic Storm.

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