Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Family Ties

Canadian band Leahy isn’t your average trad-folk outfit: Its eight members are brothers and sisters who grew up on an Ontario farm. (There are actually 11 Leahy siblings, but only eight tour at a time. They aren’t related to Vermont’s senior U.S. senator, but eldest brother Donnell is married to Cape Breton-based fiddle phenom Natalie MacMaster.) Known for their energetic yet down-home approach to Celtic tunes, the sibs specialize in fiddle-driven instrumental music, augmented by keyboards, vocals and percussion. Concerts typically end with a step-dancing octet finale that, in the words of one Time Out New York reviewer, “makes ‘Riverdance’ look like Lawrence Welk re-runs.” In addition to works that showcase its signature vim-and-vigorous sound, the group’s Christmas show features holiday carols and original seasonal pieces. Slàinte!