'Irish Vocalist of Decade' Cathie Ryan Comes to Chatham

The Sanctuary Concert Series presents Irish-American soprano Cathie Ryan in concert at the Saturday night.

According to Scott Sheldon, coordinator of the Sancutary Concert Series, Cathie Ryan spent seven years as the lead singer of the all-female group Cherish the Ladies, where she developed a reputation as one of Celtic music's most enduring singer-songwriters.

Her original songs have been recorded by various Irish singers, including Frances Black and Mary Black. The Los Angeles Times recently dubbed her "one of the leading voices in Celting music," and was named "Irish Female Vocalist of the Decade" by the Irish American News.

Walt Michael, formerly of the Bottle Hill Boys, performs as Ryan's opening act

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township on Saturday, Oct. 1. Tickets are available for $25 at the Sanctuary Concert Series website or by calling (973) 376-4946. Admission includes dessert, coffee and beverages at intermission.

Chatham Patch congratulates Richard McCabe, who won one pair of tickets for being the first person to correctly answer the trivia question below:

Cathie Ryan, former lead singer of Cherish The Ladies, and her band perform Saturday in Chatham. Opening the evening will be Walt Michael, who was a founding member of New Jersey’s original progressive-bluegrass band, The Bottle Hill Boys (Bottle Hill is the original name of Madison, NJ).  One of the Bottle Hill Boys’ signature songs began with the line “I Gave Her The Ring.” What was the off-color next line of that song?

The answer was: "She Gave Me the Finger."

Remember to check back before each Sanctuary Concert for the chance to win free tickets.