Venue
Natalie and Donnell are both at the top of their game and Mary Francis is the same on piano. They're touring with only 4 of their kids this time, but what a family.
This show was everything I expected and more. So inspiring to see such talent! I loved the Christmas content and the fact that we could hear the family talk about traditions that we are all familiar with. Will definitely go again when we have the chance.
What a great show. We came into the performance not knowing what to expect, but left amazed at the sheer talent and musical gifts of the MacMaster / Leahy Family (plus the guitarists from Cuba and PEI, drummer from Ireland)!
Natalie McMaster and family simply get better with age! Natalie and Donnell are vibrant, youthful and so evidently top -notch performers, but have also brought their children up immersed in music! Their oldest daughter Mary Frances has emerged as a multi-talented singer, pianist, violinist and dancer and left me jaw-dropped!! All the best to her on an undoubtedly successful career in music! Michael the second eldest, is gifted beyond measure and an amazing addition to the show, as are the next two teens Clare and Julia. I will go again the next change I get!
There were a number of special moments - eg. 6 yr old Marie stole the show with her fiddle solo & a sweet song. Having said that, the bass guitar was WAY too loud & a total distraction. As were the two stage-right floor level pot lights that blinded the audience in the first 8 rows - at least one of the lights should have been placed on the performer side of the curtain. Finally. There was absolutely NO reason for the stage-smoke in the first half of the show. Visually & physically annoying! These 3 things are Just sloppy mistakes that totally took away from what could have been a 5-star evening. No excuses!
Incredible! So much energy and family connection. Lots of non-Christmas music incorporated as well. (The energy, performances, and costume changes might even rival the other big concert du jour!)
I have been a fan for years (my parents are from the East Coast) and I missed the traditional music that we always hear from Mrs. McMaster. We have most of her CDs as family are all HUGE FANS!! Was a bit sad there was no new CD on this tour where I could bring home to my mom. I knew it was a Christmas presentation BUT was hoping for a bit more "old time fun". Great show and nice to see the whole family was having fun.
Nice concert but seemed unpolished. Too much fill in chatting. Not enough Christmas music as this was billed as a Christmas concert.
The casual, humorous banter and the incredible talent of this sweet family is heartwarming. Just skip the "smoke"feature.
I’ve been attending Natalie’s concerts since before she married Donnell (so, about 20 years and 10 concerts). Several times she played the concerts with gusto months’ pregnant - and I remember her having to go backstage to nurse one of her babies during a musical interlude. It was such a pleasure to witness Natalie, Donnell and family again last night at UB Center for the Arts. Soooo much talent!!! Perfect Holiday Feel Good Fare! (Side note: we played Natalie’s “Blue Bonnets Over the Border” to start off our wedding vows this past June. Tear.)