The Next Generation Leahy ~ At home in Lakefield ~ Roots

Ontario Festivals Visited ~ The Next Generation Leahy ~ At home in Lakefield ~ The Inside Scoop INTERVIEW

The Next Generation Leahy Farm ... Lakefield
Ontario Festivals Visited

Root of Most Families ~ The Importance of Giving Back …

Just last summer we had the privilege of enjoying a fabulous evening of music, dance, laughter and fun at the Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Our gracious hosts, Donna Bennett and Brian Finley had a “full barn” and “full meadow” with a very appreciative audience, who clapped their hands, stomped their feet, walked the beautiful grounds at Westben and enjoyed the sounds of The Next Generation Leahy with their special guest, Tom Leadbeater.

Tom Leadbeater ... Westben Arts Festival Theatre
Ontario Festivals Visited enjoys concert!

We witnessed a magical evening of live performances, filled with the high-energy and infectious smiles of the children. The family performed the Celtic-based music usually associated with the Leahy heritage; fiddle, cello, French accordion, singing, piano, and French-Canadian step-dancing. Over three generations of Leahy musicianship, Doug Leahy, together with his wife Jennifer and their children, are keeping those traditions alive through music, song, and dance. The "Leahy's" left the audiences in awe with several “standing ovations”!

Judi Scoop McWilliams
Westben Arts Festival Theatre ... Campbellford

A few weeks after their Westben performance, we were about to meet with Doug Leahy and his family at their homestead farm in Lakefield for a “family interview”.

At the root of most families, there is the “mom”! Leading into a conversation with “Mom”, I asked Jennifer if she had an overall “plan” for the family. I was surprised to learn that Jennifer Leahy said she does “not necessarily have a plan”. The children naturally enjoy music of their own "free will". Jennifer says it's the “gift” the family has inherited ~“Talent” is appreciated by all the children and they and love to share!

Jennifer tells us that they feel it is important to give back what they have been given.

As Doug Leahy grew up travelling with his family, he experienced first hand some of the challenges and joys as well. Music has given Doug many opportunities. Doug shares that the “Education” the children learn alone through their music, provides a great advantage for life and in life. They do not call themselves “Stars”, or for that matter think of themselves as “Famous”. This family and children, as we experienced as the afternoon moved along, echoed their genuine nature!

Although the children are learning, this is a time to inspire them and encourage them as well. Doug and Jennifer said they do not underestimate the abilities their children have and do encourage them and try to inspire them.

Stay tuned for great insights and more “INSIDE SCOOP” with The Next Generation Leahy ~ Sharing Insight and Talent! In the meantime, we welcome you to follow Doug Leahy and The Next Generation Leahy at http://www.dougleahy.com/home.html. Their 2015 Tour Schedule is available as they journey across North America.