Juno-nominated singers perform a free concert, promoting Christmas Tour

    TORONTO, Dec. 17 /CNW/ - The Scotiabank Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour
made an additional stop at Scotia Plaza at noon today, spreading their East
Coast holiday cheer. The Juno-nominated band will be performing at the Music
Hall on the Danforth later this evening, as they cross the country with their
annual holiday tour.
    The popular Christmas tour caps a busy year for the Barras who have
traveled across the continent playing in 14 U.S. states including New York and
Florida. In the new year, they travel to Scotland for the opening performance
of the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. This is the first year
Scotiabank has teamed up with the Barra MacNeils to bring the grassroots heart
and soul of Nova Scotia to Canadians from sea to sea.
    "Scotiabank is proud of its Nova Scotia roots and we are very pleased to
help bring some East Coast flavour to Scotia Plaza's holiday festivities,"
said John Doig, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Marketing. "The Scotiabank
Barra MacNeils' Christmas Tour celebrates the holidays and the diversity that
distinguishes the many communities across Canada where we live and work."
    The Barra MacNeils will perform selections from their popular Christmas
CD's as well as a variety of vocal and instrumental favourites. The Scotiabank
Barra MacNeils Christmas Tour has fast become a holiday tradition, bringing
the spirit of Canada's East Coast to the rest of the country.
    As a group, the six MacNeil siblings and bassist Jamie Gatti are widely
known for their Celtic music. Originally from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton
Island, Nova Scotia, the family group is deeply rooted in Celtic music,
culture and history. 2008 commemorates more than 20 years in the recording and
touring history of the Barras, and the group has released a special 20th
Anniversary CD in celebration of the milestone.
    The Barras perform Wednesday evening in Toronto and continue across
Ontario, New Brunswick and closing the tour in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. The
remaining tour dates are below:

    December 17 - The Music Hall, Toronto, ON
    December 18 - Imperial Theatre, Saint John, NB (sold out)
    December 19 - St. John's United Church, Moncton, NB
    December 20 - St. FX University Auditorium, Antigonish, NS
    December 21 - Rebecca Cohn, Halifax, NS
    December 22 - Savoy Theatre, Glace Bay, NS (sold out)

    Please visit www.barramacneils.com for more information about each show.

    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2008 the Bank provided about $43 million in sponsorships and
donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of
healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at
www.scotiabank.com.