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Cherish the Ladies perform Irish music at Suffolk Theater on March 12. DAVID KNIGHT
For over 38 years, Irish American super group Cherish the Ladies, one of America’s most heralded Irish music ensembles, has won the hearts of audiences worldwide with their rousing blend of traditional music, captivating vocals, and propulsive step dancing.
On Sunday, March 12, at 4 p.m., Suffolk Theater in Riverhead presents Grammy-nominated Cherish the Ladies in concert.
Formed in New York City in 1985 to celebrate the rise of women in what had been a male-dominated Irish music scene, since their inception, Cherish the Ladies had toured the world performing thousands of concerts from the White House to the Olympics, recorded 18 critically acclaimed albums and an Emmy-award winning PBS television program, “An Irish Homecoming.”
Under the leadership of Joanie Madden, the 2021 National Heritage Fellowship Award-winner and All-Ireland flute and whistle champion, these extremely gifted women create an incredible moving experience brimming with sheer talent and exuberant entertainment. The group includes All-Ireland champions Mirella Murray (accordion) and Nollaig Casey (fiddle) along with the nimble finger-work of Mary Coogan (guitar), the beautiful vocals of County Clare songstress Kate Purcell (lead vocals, guitar) and the extremely talented County Galway native, Catherine McHugh on piano. World champion Irish step-dancers will add their magical footwork to the performances.
They have collaborated with such musicians as Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, the Boston Pops Orchestra, Pete Seeger, The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, The Chieftains, Don Henley and Arlo Guthrie as well as being the most successful Celtic Pops act in history with over 300 performances with 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. 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.
Tickets for Cherish the Ladies are $55 to $69 at suffolktheater.com. Suffolk Theater is at 118 East Main Street, Riverhead.
Staff Writer on Feb 27, 2023