Join Grammy Award winning and All-Ireland champion Joanie Madden, leader of Cherish The Ladies, for an engaging flute and whistle workshop. Joanie’s expertise as a master flutist and world-class performer make this a must attend session. Learn her approach to ornamentation and phrasing while learning new tunes and getting feedback from one of the best on taking your musicality to the next level. This workshop is suitable for advanced flute and whistle players, and intermediate level musicians who have at least some experience playing Irish music and who are comfortable learning at a faster pace. While this workshop is directed towards flute and whistle players, others who want to sit in and learn more about Joanie’s music are welcome to register and participate as observers.

Join All-Ireland champion and master musician Mirella Murray, accordion player from Cherish the Ladies, for this workshop on accordion techniques in Irish traditional music. Learn her approach to creating life in the music through ornamentation and phrasing, and how to play authentically and with rhythmic dynamism. As time allows Mirella will teach various tunes from the repertoire of Irish music. Mirella’s expertise and reputation as a master of the instrument make this a must-attend session for anyone interested in Irish traditional music.

Fiddle players are in for a treat in this workshop with Nollaig Casey of Cherish the Ladies. Renowned for her exceptional talent and unique style, you will learn her distinctive fiddling style that makes her playing so elegant and emotionally rich. As a multi-instrumentalist from a young age, Nollaig will also share her unique perspectives and insights into the richness of the Irish music tradition, and how to play authentically with your own style. This workshop is suitable for advanced fiddle players, and intermediate players comfortable learning at a faster pace.

Featured artist Mary Coogan of Cherish the Ladies brings her nimble fingered expertise to this workshop on accompanying Irish tunes and songs on guitar. This workshop will explore rhythmic and melodic approaches to accompanying Irish music. As time permits, the workshop will also explore the music of Cherish the Ladies, and how the rhythm section works together to create their unique and mesmerizing sound. This workshop is suitable for intermediate and advanced rhythm players with at least some experience playing Irish music. Don’t miss this chance to learn from on of the best.

Join County Clare songstress Kate Purcell, lead singer for Irish supergroup Cherish the Ladies. Kate will teach several songs for your repertoire while exploring the rich vocal techniques that create her beautiful and distinctive sound. Kate has wide-ranging musical interests and expertise drawing from Irish, folk, blues, country, and other styles, and will draw on her vast experience in sharing songs and tricks of the trade with workshop participants. This workshop is suitable for anyone interested in Irish songs. Non-vocalists are also welcome to sit in and observe.

Kathleen Boyle from Glasgow, Scotland comes from a family steeped in the traditional music of Donegal. Her father Hughie is a talented musician and handed down his love of music to her. Kathleen is a talented pianist and accordion player and has won All-Scotland and All-Britain titles on both instruments. Participants will learn chord progressions and rhythmic approaches to accompanying traditional tunes on keyboard. The workshop will also explore how the piano, guitar, accordion, and other instruments work together to create the unique and much loved sounds of Cherish the Ladies. Participants are welcome to bring a portable keyboard if they wish, or just to sit and listen while learning about the approach to the keyboard in Irish music and songs. Non-musicians may also enjoy listening to this presentation and are welcome to register and sit in as observers.