Celtic duo kicks off ‘quiet phase’ of new hospital fundraising

Justyne Edgell, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Canada’s reigning celtic music couple, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, are bringing their dazzling celtic music to the Uxbridge Music Hall in support of the Uxbridge Hospital redevelopment.

“We’re thrilled to have Natalie, Donnell and their family back in Uxbridge,” says Uxbridge Hospital Foundation campaign director, Mackenzie Todd.

Tickets for the April 12 show sold out in about a week, and Todd says that must prove the community is equally as excited about the return of the MacMaster/ Leahy family.

Donnell Leahy and Nathalie MacMaster will kick off hospital fundraising by doing a concert at the Uxbridge Music Hall on April 12. Photo courtesy Eric Alper

When approached with the opportunity for this concert, Leahy says that, as it’s close to home and for a good cause, they knew it would be a great show. “We do enough stuff all around and outside of the country, and that’s good too, but it’s always nice to support close to home and we’re glad to be involved,” he said.

“It’s also important for us to show our children there are different reasons why you do the things you love and one of them is to support friends who are putting in a big effort to make a difference,” says Leahy.

This isn’t the first time the duo has played the Uxbridge Music Hall. Leahy and MacMaster joined a few fellow touring musicians when they were passing through in Uxbridge several years ago.

“I understand that one of the last times they performed at the Music Hall, it needed to undergo some structural repair afterwards. It must be a fun show!” says Todd.

Natalie MacMaster married Donnell Leahy in 2002. Leahy came to prominence as the lead fiddle player for The Leahy Family. They joined forces and, after the birth of six children, are now a musical touring family.

Having kept the children off the stage for many years, the family found that it gave practice incentive, and after seeing how much the children enjoyed playing music during soundchecks, they began including the oldest children in their shows.

Leahy says that, because this show is close to home, they will bring “the troupe” along with them.

Todd says this concert is the first of a series to fundraise for the Uxbridge Hospital redevelopment. “We have additional concerts planned as part of our Music for Ux concert series, including Fred Eaglesmith on September 20 at the Music Hall.”

Todd also noted that a celebrity hockey tournament is also on deck.

When asked about the progress of the new hospital fundraising, Todd says they can’t share much right now.

“We are currently in the quiet phase of the campaign and hope to launch the campaign to the community this year.”