Cherish the Ladies

Over their 39 years as one of the worlds most heralded Irish music ensembles, Cherish the Ladies has won the hearts of audiences around the globe with their rousing blend of traditional music, captivating vocals, and propulsive step dancing. To quote the Boston Globe: “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do”! This Grammy-nominated Irish American super group was formed in New York City in 1985 to celebrate the rise of women in what had been a male-dominated Irish music scene, and they have since toured the world performing thousands of concerts in the finest performing arts centers and festivals, played the White House and the Olympics, recorded 18 critically acclaimed albums, and released an Emmy award winning PBS television program, "An Irish Homecoming". Under the leadership of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow and flute and whistle champion Joanie Madden, these women put forth an incredible experience that includes masterful music, song and dance that is brimming with sheer talent. Madden leads an all-star cast which includes Mary Coogan (guitar), Mirella Murray (accordion), Nollaig Casey (fiddle), Kate Purcell (lead vocals, guitar), Gabriel Donohue (piano) with World Champion Dancers: David Geaney, Tyler Schwartz, and Noel Spillane. The New York Times calls their music “passionate, tender, and rambunctious,” and the Washington Post praises their “astonishing array of virtuosity.” They won recognition as the BBC’s Best Musical Group of the Year and were named Top North American Celtic Group at the Irish Music Awards. They have collaborated with such luminary musicians as The Boston Pops Symphony, Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, Pete Seeger, Don Henley, Arlo Guthrie, The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem and many more. They are the most celebrated Celtic Pops act in history with over 300 guest solo performances with America's leading symphony orchestras. Madden and her band have amassed a long, impressive list of awards at home and in Ireland, including being forever immortalized with a street named in their honor on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, New York. No matter how far from home, their continued success as one of the best-loved Irish groups rests on their blend of virtuoso instrumentals, beautiful vocals, traditional and original arrangements along with stunning step dancing — all presented with extraordinary talent, creativity, and humor.