The Cottars

In a remarkably short period of time, The Cottars became one of Cape Breton Island’s favourite musical success stories.

The four young Celts – Ciaran and Fiona MacGillivray and Jimmy and Roseanne MacKenzie – have all been playing traditional music since early childhood. Each is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and step-dancer. Already the quartet has shared the stage with stars such as Bob Dylan, Natalie MacMaster, Murray MacLaughlin, The Irish Descendents and many others.

In February 2002, The Cottars recorded their first CD, Made in Cape Breton, and released it to critical acclaim just two months later. March 2002 brought a return trip to New England – this time giving private St. Patrick’s Day performances for Senator Edward Kennedy and his family in Massachusetts.

In 2003, The Cottars were nominated for two East Coast Music Awards: Best New Artist and Group of the Year (they walked away with the Best New Artist ECMA).