Irish music, song and dance
Over the past 13 years, the name of a time-honored Irish traditional jig has become equally well-known as the name of one of the most engaging ensembles in Irish music today. Cherish the Ladies first came together in 1985, when folklorist/musician Mick Moloney organized a concert series to spotlight women in traditional Irish music. What began as a one-time weekend concert concept has grown into an internationally acclaimed band; Cherish the Ladies has transcended its gender-related recognition to become one of the most sought-after Irish-American groups in Celtic music history. With their blend of virtuosic instrumentals, beautiful vocals, traditional and original arrangements, and stunning step dancing, they capture Irish culture and put it forth in a package brimming with extraordinary talent, creativity, and humor. Cherish the Ladies is led by Joanie Madden (flute and whistles), with Mary Rafferty (accordion, flute, whistles), Mary Coogan (guitar, banjo, mandolin), Deirdre Connolly (vocals), Donna Long (piano, fiddle), and Liz Knowles (fiddle, violin). They have appeared all over North and South America, the United Kingdom, and Europe, and have recorded seven albums, including their "Celtic Album," a collaboration with the Boston Pops Symphony, which received a 1999 Grammy Nomination. "We're not Celtic because it's cool. We were Celtic before it was cool, " says bandleader Madden. "This music has always been passed down from father to sons and I guess in our case we stretched the rules a bit. But passing it down from father to daughter seems to work just as well."
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Music Sampler: "The Bromm of the Cowdenknowes"