Chevalier Theatre Anniversary Concert March 7

Story Updated 5:00PM February 28, 2015

From left, Boyd, Sheumas, Lucy, Kyle and Stewart MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils, who will perform at Chevalier Theatre on March 7. Courtesy photo.

Medford’s Chevalier Theatre will celebrate its 75th anniversary on March 7 with a concert of traditional Celtic music by the Barra MacNeils, one of Canada’s most popular and successful musical groups.

A family ensemble from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the Barra MacNeils are widely regarded as one of the finest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with deep Celtic roots, the troupe combines captivating vocals and harmonies with extraordinary musicianship on a wide variety of stringed, percussion, and wind instruments.

Entering their 28th year of performing the musical traditions of their ancestors and with 17 albums to their credit, the Barra MacNeils are as popular as ever – their recent 35-city Christmas concert tour drew sellout crowds across Canada.

The Chevalier Theater concert, set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, will be the Barra MacNeils’ first appearance in Greater Boston since 2003. The band has a large following in the area, where tens of thousands of Cape Breton natives settled, and the island’s unique style of music and dance still resonates in local halls and clubs.

“It is always exciting to return to the Boston area for a Barra MacNeils concert,” said vocalist and accordion player Stewart MacNeil. “There’s so much connection, shared history and culture between the Maritime region of Canada and Boston – it’s like a special visit with old friends from home each time.”

Cindy Watson, co-president of the Friends of Chevalier Auditorium and Gene Mack Gym, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Barra MacNeils to Medford to celebrate and showcase our beautiful theatre, which is such an important asset to our community and to Medford Square’s economic vitality. Interest in the concert in Medford has been high, and we’re also excited to introduce Chevalier Theater to new audiences who will want to return for more shows.”

The concert commemorates the 1940 dedication of Chevalier, located at 30 Forest St. in Medford Square, as an addition to Medford High School; it is also one of several events being planned in 2015 to celebrate the 385th anniversary of the city’s founding in 1630.

“Chevalier Theater holds a special place in Medford history, honoring our pioneering navy aviator Godfrey Chevalier, and also having been preserved by the community for the arts after a 1965 fire at the old high school,” said Medford Mayor Michael J. McGlynn. “It’s the perfect venue in which to recognize Medford’s rich past and also its vibrant future.”

As an added local attraction, eight young dancers from Jackie O’Riley Irish Dance will join the Barra MacNeils onstage at different points in the concert.

Doors will open 6 p.m. A cash bar will be open before the show and during intermission with beer, wine, soft drinks, and specially mixed cocktails and tastings from concert sponsor GrandTen Distilling, maker of Medford Rum.

Remaining tickets for the Barra MacNeils concert are $26 ($19 for seniors 60-over and students) and may be ordered at www.chevaliertheatre.com. Tickets also can be purchased at Medford Electronics, 25 Salem St., weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to the Friends of Chevalier and the City of Medford, concert cosponsors include the Chevalier Auditorium Commission, Chevalier Theatre Organ Society, and the Canadian American Club of Massachusetts.

– Submitted by Ken Krause