Cherish the Ladies

  What a sesational way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Last night Lynda and I went to see a group of Irish musicians and dancers at the University called Cherish the Ladies. This world renown group is made up of professional players that have a huge list of credentials. Joanie Madden although born in the Bronx had immigrant parents from Ireland and her father was an All Ireland Champion accordion player. She played in his band at an early age and went on to play on over 200 recordings and 3 grammy winning albums. She is one of the most innovative and influential artist in America. To top that off she has a winning personality and we enjoyed all the personal stories that she told. The other four ladies were impressive in themselves being top musicians in Ireland and the world. There was also a woman singer and guitarist and a man who played the most interesting percussion instrument that he sat on like a box. The two Irish step dancers that performed were World Champions and their feet flew so fast that they had us in awe.   The group had just come from playing with the Jacksonville symphony the night before and we are so lucky to have that caliber of talent here in our small town.