Cherish the Ladies

Celebrating 39 years as one of the planet’s most heralded Irish ensembles, Cherish the Ladies have won the hearts of audiences worldwide for their rousing blend of traditional Irish music with captivating vocal interpretations and propulsive step dancing. Bandleader Joanie Madden has won much-deserved recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts as one of this country’s most important tradition bearers; in presenting her National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor for folk and traditional artists, the NEA hailed her as: “One of the great flute and whistle players of her generation and a leading presence in the advancement of traditional Irish music, from its community grassroots to its modern presentation in the international concert hall.”

Over the years, Cherish the Ladies storied career includes 18 critically acclaimed albums, Grammy nominations, 3000 performances world-wide from the White House to the Olympics and 300 guest appearances with leading symphony orchestras. Both Madden and her band have amassed a long list of awards at home and in Ireland, including being forever immortalized with a street named in their honor in the Bronx. Madden is joined by a stellar lineup including Mary Coogan (guitar), Mirella Murray (accordion), Nollaig Casey (fiddle), Kate Purcell (lead vocals, guitar) Gabriel Donohue (piano), alongside outstanding dancing from 5 times World champion David Geaney, World Champion Tyler Schwartz, and All Britain Champion and Riverdance alumni, Noel Spillane. 

No matter how far from home, their continued success as one of the best-loved Irish groups rests on their blend of virtuosic instrumentals, beautiful vocals, traditional and original arrangements, and stunning step dancing—presented with extraordinary talent, creativity, and humor.