Ryan MacNeil grew up in a musical environment in Sydney Mines. After spending a number of years recording and touring with Slàinte Mhath—a popular Cape Breton-based Celtic fusion band—Ryan and his brother Boyd joined their siblings in The Barra MacNeils. Although best-known for his innovative piano accompaniment, Ryan also plays percussion, Uilleann pipes, tin whistle, bodhran, and step dances. Ryan spent seven years living in South Africa and in that time, he released a self-titled album with South African guests and composed and recorded many tunes. His arrival back to Cape Breton has him fully immersed into the Celtic culture of the Cape Breton Island including traditional sessions at Island Folk Cider House, square dances, and guest appearances with The Barra MacNeils. Ryan will be joining his siblings in paying tribute to the legacy of their late mother Jean as well as performing in a trio with Rose Morrison and Graham Marshall and in the special concert Holding Sand at the Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou.