Makin’ Waves at Wentworth Park: Mary Frances Leahy / XIA-3

Since age five, MARY FRANCES LEAHY has been performing shows throughout Canada and the U.S. with her parents, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy with an estimated 600 live performances under her belt. The oldest of seven siblings, Leahy has been developing her own style which is rooted in her Celtic heritage but also heavily influenced by Jazz and Latin genres.

Centered around the guzheng, a traditional Chinese folk instrument, XIA-3 is a groundbreaking trio from Newfoundland led by award-winning virtuosa Jing Xia, with the dynamic support of seasoned St. John’s punk rockers Ritchie Perez (guitar) and Brian Downton (drums). Reimagining ancient musical traditions, the group creates electrifying soundscapes bridging East and West, weaving together world music, jazz, prog, and experimental rock that led CBC Music to list them in their “22 Canadian Albums We Can’t Wait to Hear in 2025″.

Makin’ Waves, July 3-31, is presented by Sydney Credit Union and produced by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. These concerts are made possible by the Government of Nova Scotia, Government of Canada, and festival partners Protocase and Cape Breton Beverages.

6-8:30pm | Free