Cherish The Ladies, one of the most engaging and successful ensembles in the history of Celtic music, celebrate the holidays with a spirited performance filled with classic Christmas carols intermingled with beautiful Celtic instrumentals, outstanding vocals harmonies and spectacular step dancing at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Doors open at 3 p.m.

Group leader and raconteur Joanie Madden, an All-Ireland champion flute and whistle player, has assembled a top-notch ensemble guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit that includes; Mary Coogan (guitar), Mirella Murray (accordion), Nollaig Casey (fiddle), Kathleen Boyle (piano, harmony vocals), Kate Purcell (vocals, guitar), Don Stiffe (vocals, guitar), David Geaney (five times world champion stepdancer) and Seámus O’Flatharta (vocals, harp, stepdance).

This Grammy Award nominated Irish-American supergroup are one of the finest ensembles on the planet and this year’s show marks 35 years since their debut on a New York stage where they boldly challenged the male domination of their musical genre. They have shared timeless Irish traditions and good cheer with audiences worldwide where they’ve brought their signature blend of virtuosic instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, and stunning step dancing around the globe from the White House to the Olympics. Along the way, they have recorded a staggering 17 critically acclaimed albums including three Christmas albums; “A Star in the East”, “Christmas in Ireland” and their debut Christmas album. “On Christmas Night”, named one of the top 10 Christmas albums of the year by the New York Times.

The Washington Post praises their ‘astonishing array of virtuosity’, and the Boston Globe proclaimed, “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do!” These ladies embrace the timeless gift of music that was passed down to them through the generations from their fathers. ‘It was the greatest gift they could give us,’ says bandleader Joanie Madden. ‘We’re carrying on the music and legacy of our fathers.’

As their reputation and admiration from both fans and critics alike continues to grow, Cherish The Ladies blazes forward into another decade of music making and embarks on another season of bringing Christmas joy for the whole family to enjoy.

Concert tickets for Cherish the Ladies are $25. A Christmas Pass – tickets to both Cherish the Ladies and A Christmas Tradition with Rory Makem at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 – are $40. For more information go to www.ichc.net.