Cape Breton Live was conceived in 2005 by Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy and Cheryl Smith. It began as a weekly internet broadcast featuring authentic Cape Breton performances, lifestyle, and culture. The online shows continue today and include unique live performances from Nova Scotia house parties, dance halls, pubs, bars and theatres featuring a variety of Nova Scotia's most well known and up and coming traditional musicians. The shows are listened to worldwide and have brought visitors to Cape Breton island simply from listening to the show!

The first compilation recording from the shows was released in June 2006. “Take 01” features 13 tracks recorded live at various venues across the island and showcases some of the finest players of the Cape Breton traditional style. With the success of the first CD, the second CD, "Take 02" was released in April 2008 . All of the musicians featured fully embrace the culture and ‘drive’ for which this energetic music is known. The next logical step was to take the format of the online radio show to the stage.

Cape Breton Live ON TOUR...
             is a "kitchen party on stage". 


The tours feature some of the most well known and up and coming musicians showcasing a wide variety of instruments, including the big sound of multiple fiddles, piano, highland bagpipes, percussion, guitar, bass and stepdancing. Most of the performers are multi-instrumentalists so it is not unusual to see someone start off on the fiddle, move to the piano and end on the guitar.

Cape Breton Live ON TOUR is driving music, lively songs, dazzling stepdancing, culture and comedy direct from Cape Breton Island. For those who can't make it to Cape Breton, we take Cape Breton to you. 

Experience a tradition alive and vibrant with an energy and pulse that reaches right into your soul and stays there long after the music is over. You won't want to miss this energetic and unforgettable show...