The Barrel Boys - "Carols from the Barrel"

Event Details

Event type: All Ages / Licensed

We are pleased to present The Barrel Boys holiday concert "Carols from the Barrel." A bluegrass powerhouse featuring rich vocal harmonies, killer picking, and a fun-loving, down-to-earth stage presence, The Barrel Boys are a unique staple of Canadian roots music. Informed by the deep traditions of bluegrass, country, old-time, and Americana, The Boys have crafted their unmistakable sound into a joyful and deeply soulful musical experience.

Established in 2012, The Barrel Boys are a 5-piece acoustic string band based in Toronto. The band’s sound is built around rich vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumental playing, and their unique repertoire of original material is informed by their fluency in classic bluegrass, old-time, country, and Americana. Each of the 5 members writes and sings their own songs, making for a wide stylistic range within the band’s sound. The Barrel Boys are: Nathan Smith (Fiddle); Rob McLaren (Banjo); Ben Wright (Guitar); Kyle Kirkpatrick (Dobro); and Tim O’Reilly (Bass)

In addition to being great songwriters, The Barrel Boys are also seasoned performers. All 5 members crowd around a single vocal mic, making for a beautiful vocal blend, as well as an energetic and engaging experience. The group first honed its craft through a 2-year-long weekly residency at Toronto’s Cloak and Dagger Pub, where they performed 3-hr sets every Tuesday night. Since then, they have been featured on stages of all sizes across Canada, including Mariposa Folk Festival (ON), Folk Fest sur le Canal (QC), Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old-Tyme Festival (SK), Blueberry Bluegrass Festival (AB), and Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES (BC).

“There's a certain "band next door" feel to the Barrel Boys. They may be accomplished musicians with tight harmonies and great arrangements, but their music is also brimming with the kind of personality that makes you want to buy them a beer and hear their life stories.”
— Kristin Cavoukian - Exclaim!

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