Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music kicks off the Susquehanna Folk Festival with their spectacular Cape Breton fiddling and step-dancing.

The entertainment world is filled with extraordinary stories. But few match the beguiling true-life tale of Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, whose dazzling career achievements underpin an incomparable off-stage life.

Fiddler and step-dancer Natalie MacMaster could be called one of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s most important exports. Longtime Susquehanna Folks might remember her 1997 SFMS concert: her fiddle playing was virtuosic, her step-dancing was brilliant, and her audience was amazed that she could do both at the same time. She has gone from rising star to superstar since she was last on our stage, and we are so pleased to welcome her back!

Donnell Leahy, MacMaster’s husband and musical collaborator, is known as one of the best fiddlers in the world. Like MacMaster, he has been playing and performing for most of his life. His Irish/Cape Breton heritage contributes to the unique sound of his music, which synthesizes traditional influences with more contemporary Celtic/folk sensibilities. The two were married in 2002, and their seven children are following in their parents’ musical footsteps.