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They were Celtic before Celtic was cool. That's how Joanie Madden, founder of Cherish the Ladies, an acclaimed all-female Celtic band, describes the group's nearly 25-year-long career.

As the story goes, the band's first concert was supposed to be a one-time event. Obviously, that wasn't the case. The powerhouse group, which performs at Appel Farm 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, was named for a traditional Irish jig. It now hits 150 cities per year, including 22 shows during the Christmas season.

"We started out traveling around America educating people," Madden says of the six-member band. "It's been great to see where Celtic music has gone."

Cherish the Ladies members are first- and second-generation Irish immigrants who grew up with musician fathers. They consider themselves puritans when it comes to traditional Celtic music.

Of course, no Celtic concert would be complete without step dancers.

"Our rock 'n' roll is when our dancers come out," says Madden, who plays flute and penny whistle and sings harmony. "Celtic music provides the full spectrum. It can be hauntingly gorgeous, so melancholy and so damn happy."

Penny whistle is an ancient instrument which Irish children still learn to play in school, Madden says. Its haunting sound can be heard in "My Heart Will Go On," the iconic theme song from the movie "Titanic."

Madden is recognized as one of the world's best penny whistle players, having sold approximately 500,000 solo albums. Other band members are Mary Coogan on guitar, banjo and mandolin; Roisin Dillon on fiddle; Michelle Burke on vocals; Mirella Murray on accordion; and Kathleen Boyle on piano.

Music writer Nicole Pensiero will host a preconcert onstage conversation with Cherish the Ladies at 6:45 p.m. The conversation is part of the American Masterpieces program of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.

Patrons can also enjoy a pre-show buffet dinner at The Rushes at the Town and Country Golf Club in nearby Woodstown. Seatings are at 4:30 and 6 p.m.

Earlier Saturday, Appel Farm's family matinee series presents "Oceans in Motion" with Mike Weilbacher. WXPN-FM Kids Corner's Mike "The Science Guy" brings a tidal wave of fun - including fast-moving songs, group poems and movement stories - celebrating wondrous creatures of the ocean. Admission to the 11 a.m. show is $7.

The series runs through April 10 and includes a holiday show, large-scale puppet extravaganza, free costume parade, snowglobe-making workshop and more. Three-show subscription is $18. Per-show tickets range from $7 to $10.

Cherish the Ladies

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21

WHERE: Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, 457 Shirley Road, Elmer

TICKETS: Concert $28.50; concert and conversation $38.50; concert and dinner $45; concert, conversation and dinner $55

MORE INFO: ww.cherishtheladies.com or www.appelfarm.org call 800-394-1211

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