For almost four decades, Cherish the Ladies has enthralled audiences across the globe with their rousing fusion of traditional music, stirring vocals, and dynamic step dancing. Born in the male-dominated Irish music scene of New York City in 1985, this Irish American powerhouse celebrates the rise of women in the genre. Their extensive travels have taken them to the White House, the Olympics, and countless other venues, and they have produced 18 highly-acclaimed albums, as well as an Emmy-winning PBS television series, “An Irish Homecoming.”
At the helm of this extraordinary group is Joanie Madden, winner of the 2021 National Heritage Fellowship Award and All-Ireland champion on the flute and whistle. Madden is joined by a roster of accomplished musicians, including All-Ireland champions Mirella Murray (accordion) and Nollaig Casey (fiddle), Mary Coogan on guitar, Kate Purcell on lead vocals and guitar, and Catherine McHugh on piano. The ensemble is further elevated by world champion Irish step-dancers, whose footwork is nothing short of magical.
The 11th annual dinner gala at Glucksman Ireland House NYU on February 27, 2023, promises to be a night of exceptional celebration, marking 30 years of Irish Studies at NYU and the institution’s home at 1 Washington Mews. The event raises funds for Glucksman Ireland House, which supports the study of Irish history, culture, and literature by hosting impactful public programs, publications, and archives of Irish experiences, including the Black, Brown, and Green Voices project.
The event also recognizes distinguished members of the Irish-American community with the Seamus Heaney Award for Arts & Letters going to renowned author Edna O’Brien, the Lewis L. Glucksman Award for Leadership awarded to philanthropist and New Edge Capital Group executive, Robert J. Mccann, and the Pete Hamill Award for Journalistic Excellence given to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Maureen Dowd. Additionally, NYU’s 16th President, Andrew Hamilton, will be presented with a special award for Academic Excellence.
Cherish the Ladies US Tour
February 24 – Pittsburg, PA (Irish Night, Central Catholic HS)
February 25 – Lansdale, PA (North Penn HS)
February 26 – Beacon, NY (The Towne Crier)
February 27 – New York, NY (The Kimmel Center – Glucksman House Gala)
March 1 – Old Saybrook, CT (Katherine Hepburn Arts Center)
March 3 – Hillside, NJ (Enlow Recital Hall at Kean University)
March 4 – West Long Branch, NJ (The Pollak Theater at Monmouth University)
March 7 – Richmond, VA (The Tin Pan)
March 10 – Brattleboro, VT (Latchis Theatre)
March 11 – Barre, VT (The Barre Opera House)
March 12 – Riverhead, NY (The Suffolk Theater)
March 18 – Washington, IL (Caterpillar Center with the Heartland Festival Orchestra)
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central