“Christmas music is what it is, and you go through stages in your life where you just love it and it gives you that warm feeling. She said folks who many only have a passing affinity for holiday inspired music will enjoy the show as much as those who are passionate fans of the genre because of the quality of the musicians and the liveliness of their performances as part of A Celtic Family Christmas. They are more a part of these shows than our regular show because they lend themselves so well to Christmas and the magic of Christmas and the excitement and sweetness of it all.” And of course, for these shows we have our children come out with us, and they are a big part of it. “And at the house parties, music was front and centre and there was always just our traditional music. We all played in the church at Christmas time, but going out of the Midnight Mass, I always played a jig – a regular fiddle jig,” she said. Everything that was played at Christmas, including what was played at church, was fiddle tunes. “I never played a Christmas tune on the fiddle until then. Interestingly, MacMaster said she didn’t actually play holiday music onstage until she was in her 30s and married with kids. And as far as the show and the material goes, it’s Christmas, so we have some Christmas music, that we feel sounds really good on the fiddle.” We’re still performing all or music, we’re just adding to it with this element. It’s a character I wouldn’t use the word narrator because he is involved in the show, not just coming on and off to introduce things. “It’s really fun, and light hearted and doesn’t tamper with the music in any sort of way. We’ve managed to collaborate and find a way to have him sort of invent a character that can better explain the history of Donnell and I, the history of our music, the history of our ancestors throughout the course of the show,” MacMaster explained. One thing led to another and sure enough William Colgate is going to tour with us. Donnell got home from that and said it’s something we should explore. And then my husband and son Michael, who is nuts about fighter planes, went to see a show called Billy Bishop goes to War, a one man play, and the actor was William Colgate. We went to Las Vegas a few years ago and were really impressed with their shows, and we loved how theatrical side really enhanced the music. And it was inspired by some ideas that Donnell has been thinking about for years. “We’ve loved doing these tours over the years at the holidays, and this year we’re very excited to announce that we are having an actor in our show for the first time. Peterborough is just down the road from where the Leahy family live near Lakefield. Catharines, Brockville, Brampton, Ottawa, Kitchener and Toronto before wrapping up with three shows in Peterborough – two on Dec. The tour began in late November on the west coast, and is currently heading east through Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, before entering Ontario on Dec. All are incorporated, to some degree, in performances by their parents, including their current A Celtic Family Christmas, which is traversing Canada throughout the month of December. She follows a six-pack of little Leahys, starting with eldest daughter Mary Frances, who is 12, followed by 11-year-old Michael, Claire (9), Julia (7), Alex (6) and four-year-old Sadie. That’s right, you read that correctly, the couple recently welcomed yet another new addition to the family in the personage of little Maria. It’s a testament to MacMaster’s eminent patience and professionalism that she is able to conduct a lively and engaging interview, whilst also doing the various and sundry requirements of maintaining a busy household. The Canadian fiddling legend, who is married to another fiddle superstar, Donnell Leahy, has not only made beautiful music as a solo artist and in collaboration with here eminently talented spouse, but the two have also collaborating on a lucky seven brood of healthy, happy and talented kids, ranging in age from 12 to six months old. The hustle and bustle of life with seven young children is evident in just one short conversation with Natalie MacMaster. Fiddle icons Natalie MacMaster and her husband Donnell Leahy – along with their kids – are touring the nation with their A Celtic Christmas show until Dec.
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