According to The New York Times, Cherish the Ladies “Expand the annals of Irish music in America, the music is passionate, tender and rambunctious.”

For the past 28 years, Cherish the Ladies have proven themselves worthy to live up to such accolades and have become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music.

On Friday, August 2, the group will perform at the historic Opera House at Boothbay Harbor.

Taking its name from a traditional Irish jig, the group initially began in 1985 with a series of concerts celebrating the rise of female musicians in once a male dominated scene.

Under the leadership of the dynamic and irrepressible Joanie Madden on flutes and whistles, they have grown from a one-time concert concept to an Irish traditional music sensation.

With their 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.

During the members' travels, they have attained numerous awards and achievements including being named Best Musical Group of the Year by the BBC; Top North American Celtic Group at the Irish Music Awards; and Top North American Celtic act by NPR Radio “Thistle and Shamrock” program.

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," a collaboration with the Boston Pops Symphony led to a Grammy nomination.

A recent release, "Country Crossroads" sees the Ladies joining forces with the Nashville, Tenn., music scene and collaborating with legendary singers Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith and Maura O'Connell.

Gifted musician John Mock will open the concert. As a composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, he has worked with such notable artists as the Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea and Mark O’Connor.

His orchestral arrangements have been performed by orchestras throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Tickets for this night of music and dance are on sale now, with advance purchase tickets at $20. Tickets purchased on the day of the performance are $25. The Opera House box office is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 86 Townsend Avenue, or by calling 207-633-5159. Doors for seating open at 7:30 p.m., music begins at 8 p.m. Refreshments available.