CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES OF MUSIC MAKING
For four decades, Cherish the Ladies has captivated audiences worldwide as one of the most celebrated Irish music ensembles in history. Renowned for their exhilarating mix of traditional Irish music, stunning vocals, and propulsive step dancing, they have won the hearts of audiences and critics alike. As the Boston Globe aptly puts it: “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do!”
This Grammy-nominated group has forged a path for women in the male-dominated Irish music scene, leaving a lasting legacy with 18 critically acclaimed albums and thousands of performances worldwide, from prestigious concert halls to the Olympics and even the White House.
Led by the dynamic flute and whistle virtuoso Joanie Madden, a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Award, Cherish the Ladies offers an unforgettable experience of music, song, and dance—a true masterclass in entertainment. Alongside Madden are stellar musicians; Mary Coogan on guitar, Mirella Murray on accordion, Kathleen Boyle on piano, Nollaig Casey on fiddle, vocalist Kate Purcell, and a talented ensemble of world-class dancers.
The New York Times praises their sound as “passionate, tender, and rambunctious,” while the Washington Post marvels at their “astonishing array of virtuosity.” The group has been honored as the BBC’s Best Musical Group of the Year and crowned Top North American Celtic Group at the Irish Music Awards. Their impressive list of collaborations includes the Boston Pops Symphony, Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, The Chieftains, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. As the most celebrated Celtic Pops act in history, they have performed with over 300 symphony orchestras.
Cherish the Ladies have amassed a long, impressive list of awards in America and in Ireland, including being forever immortalized with a street named in their honor on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, NY, “Joanie Madden and Cherish the Ladies”.
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.
