Distinguished Performance Series opens with Irish band "Cherish the Ladies" Oct. 3, 2009.

The 2009-2010 Distinguished Performance Series will open with the Irish band "Cherish the Ladies" at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3,  in the College Activities Center on the campus of West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

When describing Cherish the Ladies – the critics say it best…“It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do”, The Boston Globe; “An astonishing array of virtuosity,” The Washington Post; “Expands the annals of Irish music in America…the music is passionate, tender and rambunctious,” The New York Times. 

For the past 24 years, Cherish the Ladies has proven themselves worthy to live up to these accolades and in doing so have become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music. The ensemble has grown from a one-time concert concept to an Irish traditional music sensation, literally the most successful and sought-after Irish-American group in Celtic music.

Tickets are on sale in the college business office at $10, adults; $5, students. WVU Parkersburg faculty and staff may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and one guest for $5 each. All tickets at the door are regular price.

Organized by folklorist/musician Mick Moloney and sponsored by the Ethnic Folk Arts Center and the National Endowment for the Arts, Cherish the Ladies began as a concert series featuring the brightest lights in Irish traditional music. Taking its name from the name of a traditional Irish jig, the group initially won recognition as the first and only all-women traditional Irish band. In a relatively short time, they soon established themselves as musicians and performers without peer. With its unique spectacular blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and puts it forth in an immensely humorous and entertaining package.

The past years have seen the group traveling all over North and South America, the United Kingdom and Europe, Australia and New Zealand performing in the finest concert halls and international festivals. They are equally at home in front of a symphony orchestra, a performing arts center, a folk festival or even the White House.  They have shared the stage with such noted entertainers as James Taylor, Joan Baez, Emmy Lou Harris, The Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, The Chieftains and dozens of symphony orchestras. The "Celtic Album," their collaboration with the Boston Pops Symphony led to a 1999 Grammy nomination.

In conjunction with the concert, the college's Humanities Speakers Series and the DP Series will present "Appalachian Music and Celtic Music: What's the Connection?" on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. in the College Theatre. Frank George, a recipient of the Vandalia Award from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, will share from his lifelong experiences as a performer and scholar. The program is free and open to the public. The presentation is made possible by the West Virginia Humanities Council.