Cherish the Ladies Sings ‘A Celtic Christmas’

One of the most engaging and successful ensembles in the history of Celtic music, Cherish the Ladies, has shared timeless Irish traditions with audiences worldwide for over 30 years. On Saturday, December 16, Cherish the Ladies present their “A Celtic Christmas” program at Suffolk Theater, with two performances — at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. In “A Celtic Christmas,” the Ladies put their signature mark on classic carols such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night,” in arrangements that highlight the group’s unique Celtic instrumentation, beautiful harmonies and spectacular step dancing. Hailed by The New York Times as “passionate, tender and rambunctious,” Cherish the Ladies has released three critically acclaimed holiday albums, “On Christmas Night,” “A Star in the East, and 2015’s “Christmas in Ireland.”

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. Their 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.

Tickets are $55 to $69 at thesuffolk.org. Suffolk Theater is at 118 East Main Street, Riverhead.