Irish American Cathie Ryan, with her crystalline vocals and insightful songwriting, is an original and distinctive voice in Celtic music. Since her acclaimed seven year tenure as lead singer of Cherish the Ladies, the Detroit born Ryan has established herself as one of Celtic Music’s most popular and enduring singer-songwriters. The Boston Globe recently wrote, “Cathie Ryan is a thrilling traditional vocalist whose honey-pure soprano is equally at home on probing original ballads about a woman’s place in the modern world.”
“One of the leading voices in Celtic Music.”- Los Angeles Times
Named FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE DECADE by Irish-American News
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Letters from Presenters
“I have presented Cathie and her band in several configurations, in venues ranging from 200 to 3500 seats.
The Cathie Ryan Band has, on every occasion, met or exceeded my expectations. By all accounts, Cathie Ryan and the Cathie Ryan Band set themselves apart, from the sheer beauty of Cathie’s voice to the level of musicianship displayed by all the members of the band.
Cathie has the charm and ability to mesmerize the audience with a soft and simple song and then bring the house to their feet with rousing high energy tunes.
In the 17 years that the Celtic Classic has been being presented, I have had the experience of working with a diverse cross-section of performers. The 250,000 patrons that attend the Celtic Classic each September have come to expect only the finest in musical entertainment. On each occasion, that Cathie Ryan has graced our stages, the audience reaction has been second to none.
If you are looking for a performer that defines the art of Irish music, I would recommend Cathie Ryan.”
- John J. Sweeney,Executive Director, Celtic Cultural Alliance ( Bethlehem,PA)
“Cathie, you rate as one of my favorite performers of 14 years as an arts presenter, and for a variety of reasons. You have a wonderful voice. Your original songs are heartfelt, uplifting and universal. You have a gift of gab and bring an audience into your art rather than delegating them to spectator, plus you make them feel good.Thank you for a wonderful evening.”
- Ronna/New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series
“I am writing to recommend to you in the highest possible terms the teaching abilities of Cathie Ryan. I direct the Swannanoa Gathering Folk Arts Workshops, now in its 13th year and I personally coordinate Celtic Week…her performance, the student’s reactions, were little short of astonishing…the positive feedback on Cathie’s classes excerpted from our evaluation forms filled three pages (!).”
- Jim Magill, Director, The Swannanoa Gathering (NC)
“Cathie Ryan performed her first symphony show with the Rochester Philharmonic in March 2006. The night ended in repeat standing ovations – the audience did not want her to leave the stage. No doubt she will become one of the most sought after Symphony and Pops guest artists. Read what renowned Pops conductor Jeff Tyzik has to say …”Cathie Ryan is a joy to work with. It was an honor to collaborate with Cathie on creating symphonic arrangements that captured the creative spirit of her unique music. The audience loved her performance and the musicians in the orchestra thoroughly enjoyed performing with her. She engaged the audience with witty and sincere stories that gave insight into her creativity. I have already engaged her for upcoming performances.”
- Jeff Tyzik, Conductor, Rochester Philharmonic
“The show was terrific, Cathie was terrific – in her singing as well as stage presence (the audience loved her) and her band equally as wonderful.
While our season is sold out, we always have people who can’t get to every show making it possible for others in the community to attend. I’m pleased to say we had a really good turnout of new people and younger ones too. Several people came from out of town and Cathie graceously acknowledged them. She also was very thoughtful in recognizing our tech crew. Not many artists do that, but it means a lot to them. All local boys, I couldn’t bring any of the shows without their wonderful and willing help and I’m always appreciative when someone else notices the good job they do.
So, by all accounts it was a hugely successful event. And Larry, I have you to thank for making me aware of Cathie and encouraging me to bring her to our community. She won the hearts of many.”
- Maria Laquer/Rappahonock VA
“Dear Cathie, The crowds who gathered to hear you were considerable, full of smiling faces and tapping feet. No matter whether you were explaining the next selection, signing a ballad or raising the roof with rousing tunes, they were captivated…you’re eloquent and personable and a true delight to work with, thank you!”
- Holly Underwood/CITYFOLK FESTIVAL
“We had an absolutely lovely show with Cathie Ryan last night! She has such wonderful stories that she weaves into her concert. The audience loved it! She made them laugh, cry and think about life differently. One of my patrons said he felt the concert was an “anxiety relaxer.”
May you have just as wonderful concerts and audience reactions as we had in DL. Enjoy Cathie, Sara & Patsy! ”
- Amy Stoller Stearns, Executive Director,Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center , Home of the Historic Holmes Theatre