LETTERS FROM PRESENTERS

2008
John J. Sweeney
Executive Director, Celtic Cultural Alliance
Bethlehem,PA
"I have presented Cathie and her band in several configurations, in venues ranging from 200 to 3500 seats. She has, on every occasion, met or exceeded my expectations. By all accounts, Cathie Ryan and her 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."

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2007
Betsy L. Cummings
Vice President, Southwest Celtic Music Association
Dallas, TX
"Cathie Ryan is one of the finest and most entertaining performers the North Texas Irish Festival has ever presented…Cathie and her band so impressed our NTIF audiences in 2003, that we invited them back (by overwhelming demand) for our 2004 festival and our Celtic Christmas fundraiser. Cathie is a brilliant performer, her gift of captivating an audience is remarkable.."

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2005
Ronna Kalish
New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series at Macey Center
Socorro, NM
"Cathie, you rate as one of my favorite performers in 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."

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2005
Maria Laquer
Rappahonock Foundation for the Arts
Kilmarnock, VA
"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. Sara and Hanneke are amazing musicians in their own right too.

I'm pleased to say we had a really good turnout of new people and younger ones too. By all accounts it was a hugely successful event….She won the hearts of many."

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2004
Holly Underwood
CITYFOLK FESTIVAL
Dayton, OH
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!"