Scott Macmillan’s passion for creating music propels him forward seeking opportunities in all aspects of music.
Two world premieres in 2019, ‘12 & Change’ Scott’s concerto for Electric Guitar with Symphony Nova Scotia and ‘Woodland Revival’ an experiential composition derived & performed by Mi'kmaw drummers, Persian, Celtic & Classical musicians.
Music has taken Macmillan with librettist Jennyfer Brickenden places nationally and internationally including Carnegie Hall performing their much loved “Celtic Mass for the Sea”,.
Awards, appointments, commissions, critical reviews reflect Macmillan’s contributions to the music of Nova Scotia and beyond. An integral contributor to the success of the late Rita MacNeil, Scott played pivotal role in the rise of the Rankin Family Band, the Nova Scotia Mass Choir and led Symphony Nova Scotia’s Maritime Pops for 10 years in the 1990’s.
In 2008 Scott began mentoring a new generation of guitarists at the Fountain School of Performing Arts, Dalhousie University
THE MUSIC STARTS EARLY — THE MacDONALD BROTHERS KICK OFF THE NIGHT!
We are thrilled to announce that brothers SHAWN, DAN, and JIM MacDONALD will be providing the pre-show entertainment on June 18th at Centre 200 — setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable night at the Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame!
This is yet another true Cape Breton family affair.
The MacDonalds of Ironville are one of the island's legendary "music families" — sons of fiddler Lloyd MacDonald and Winnie MacDonald, raised in a home where fiddle music, Gaelic culture, and kitchen-party spirit were simply part of daily life. As members of the renowned family band Scumalash, they helped carry Cape Breton music across the world — touring Scotland, Ireland, England, and Brittany during the great Celtic revival years.
The brothers behind the bows:
Shawn MacDonald — Started fiddle at age four. Concertmaster of the Cape Breton Orchestra, alumnus of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, performer with the Cape Breton Summertime Revue, and a beloved fiddle teacher and tradition bearer.
Dan MacDonald — A masterful musician rooted in both Cape Breton and Irish traditions, who has toured internationally with Irish dance productions and performed at festivals across the U.S. and beyond.
Jim MacDonald — Born and raised in the same deeply musical Ironville household, carrying forward the family's rich Scumalash legacy.
Fiddle-driven, Gaelic-infused, and overflowing with the warmth of true Cape Breton kitchen-party energy — the MacDonald brothers are the perfect way to start a night that celebrates the very best of our island's music.
Family. Tradition. Pure Cape Breton spirit.
📅 June 18th | Centre 200 | Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame
🎟️ Get your tickets now at cbmic.ca Come early — you won't want to miss a single note! 🔥
A MOTHER'S LOVE — FLO SAMPSON JOINS THE FAMILY ON STAGE
Completing the beautiful family circle, we are deeply touched to announce that FLO SAMPSON — mother, aunt, grandmother, and matriarch of the Sampson musical family — will be joining her family and fellow performers on stage on June 18th at Centre 200 to honour her son and Hall of Fame inductee, GORDIE SAMPSON!
There is no tribute more powerful than that of a mother for her son. Flo is the heart and soul behind the Sampson family's incredible musical legacy — the woman whose love, encouragement, and kitchen jam sessions helped nurture a global songwriting star. It was right by her side that Gordie's daughter Amelie first learned to play, keeping the family tradition alive and thriving.
To witness Flo take the stage — surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nephew and extended family — celebrating the son whose music has touched the world, will be one of the most moving and unforgettable moments of the entire evening.
Three generations. One family. One unforgettable tribute.
📅 June 18th | Centre 200 | Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame
🎟️ Get your tickets now at cbmic.ca
Come celebrate the woman behind the music — and the family she raised
This organization does great work. Get involved.PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY..
We're excited to announce our next Open Show presented in partnership with our all ages supporting friends, Under The Underground will be taking place at the Southend Community Centre!
Whether you've never performed before, you're just starting out, or you've been sharing your art for years, we'd love to hear from you!
The Open Show is about creating a welcoming female-led space where artists of all experience levels can step up, share their work, and connect with a community of other musicians who are female.
All experience levels welcome, from first-timers to seasoned professionals. All you need is two songs and a voice.
Show Date: Saturday, July 11th Application Deadline: June 18th
Email: Opendoorscapebreton@gmail.com to apply!
Under The Underground does all ages concert promotion in Sydney, best known for their annual festival Stoked for the Holidays.
Open Doors: Cape Breton Women in Harmony creates female space in the Cape Breton music scene, best known for producing Born a Woman - A Tribute to the Early Feminist Songs of Rita MacNeil
#OpenDoorsOpenShow #UnderTheUnderground #CallForArtists #LiveMusic #SupportLocalArtists #OpenMic ... See MoreSee Less
A SISTER'S TRIBUTE — AMY SAMPSON-YOUNG TAKES THE STAGE
We are delighted to announce that AMY SAMPSON-YOUNG — sister of the legendary GORDIE SAMPSON — will be joining the stage on June 18th at Centre 200 for a heartfelt performance honouring her brother and Hall of Fame inductee, GORDIE SAMPSON!
The Sampson family's musical roots run deep, and Amy carries that same Cape Breton spirit and passion that has made her brother a global songwriting force. There's nothing quite like the bond of family — and to see Amy stand on stage to celebrate Gordie's incredible legacy will be a moment filled with love, pride, and pure Cape Breton heart.
From the same family, the same hometown, and the same deep well of musical talent, Amy's tribute promises to be one of the most touching moments of the night.
Family. Legacy. Cape Breton music at its finest.
📅 June 18th | Centre 200 | Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame
🎟️ Get your tickets now at cbmic.ca Come celebrate the family behind the music! ❤️ Photo Credit: RockPixels
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY — KEITH MULLINS HITS THE STAGE
We are excited to announce that the powerhouse talent Keith Mullins — cousin of the legendary GORDIE SAMPSON — will be taking the stage on June 18th at Centre 200 for a special performance honouring his cousin and Hall of Fame inductee, GORDIE SAMPSON!
Music runs deep in this family, and Keith is living proof. A multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Keith Mullins has earned some of the music industry's most prestigious honours — including ECMA and Music Nova Scotia awards, and most recently, a coveted JUNO Award!
To see Keith stand on stage and pay tribute to his cousin — a fellow Cape Bretoner who has shaped the global music industry — is a celebration of family, heritage, and the unstoppable musical spirit that this island produces generation after generation.
Same roots. Same fire. Same Cape Breton soul.
📅 June 18th | Centre 200 | Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame
Being Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame 2026 is right around the corner, it is wonderful timing to learn that Joella Foulds is the first 2026 Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Services to Community inductee.
Hands up for Trad is an organization that is promoting Scotland's rich musical culture to the public and media. And they chose on of Cape Bretons Legends. Nice!
Cape Breton Island🌟 We're thrilled to introduce our first 2026 Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Services to Community inductee: Joella Foulds!
Joella is the visionary co-founder of the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton — a remarkable event that has spent decades building creative bridges between Scottish and Cape Breton traditional music, transforming opportunities for musicians on both sides of the Atlantic.
In a testament to her extraordinary passion and commitment, Joella returned as Artistic Director of Celtic Colours aged 81 for the 2025 festival — which then went on to win Event of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. Truly inspiring.