Lively step dancing and music coming to Lincoln-Way with performance by Cherish the Ladies

Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with an afternoon of step dancing and lively music as Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 brings Cherish the Ladies, one of the foremost Irish traditional music groups in the world, to Lincoln-Way North High School on Saturday, March 16.

Joining the group will be Irish American folk singer Cathie Ryan who has been described by the Los Angeles Times as having “one of the leading voices in Celtic music.” The Irish-American News named her Female Vocalist of the Decade.

Also performing will be several outstanding dancers, including Jason Oremus, principal dancer for Riverdance; Declan Mchale, four-time world champion; Michael Boyle, TCRG; Meghan Lucey, national champion and Riverdance alumni; and Garrett Coleman, two-time world champion.

The special guests will join Cherish the Ladies to deliver an engaging performance brimming with spirit, precision, soul and a healthy dose of wit at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Lincoln-Way North High School, 19900 S. Harlem Ave in Frankfort.

 “Cherish the Ladies is one of the foremost Irish traditional music groups in the world,” said Denise Adducci, the performing arts coordinator for Lincoln-Way High School District 210. “The six women combine all the facets of Irish traditional culture with their unique spectacular blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing.”

The Celtic band has shared a stage with the best in the world including, Emmy Lou Harris, James Taylor and Joan Baez, and were chosen to pay tribute to Bob Dylan. The group leader, Joanie Madden, has performed on more than 100 albums, including three Grammy-winning records running the gamut from Pete Seeger to Sinead O'Connor.

Musicians include Joanie Madden on flute, Mary Coogan on guitar, Mirella Murray on accordion, Grainne Murphy on fiddle and Kathleen Boyle on piano.

“Their pure love of music jumps off the stage and into the hearts of the audience,” said Adducci.

Tickets to the March 16 performance are $15 for students; $20 for senior citizens; and $25 for adults.

Tickets are available by phone with a credit card by calling 815-534-3004. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.lw210.org/spotlightseries.

Tickets may also be purchased the day of the performance in the box office. The box office will open at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. Patrons should enter through Door #46.