Fri. March 16

 With St. Paddy's Day, just ahead Danu - named the "best traditional live act" by Irish Music Magazine - is in town, at the Somerville Theater Friday March 16. Co-incidence? We think not. In fact, it never stuns to surprise how many Irish or Irish-tinged acts find their way to Boston this time of year. Exactly how big is that market? The answer, we suppose, is very big indeed, Dauu, founded by accordionist Benny McCarthy and guitarist Donal Clancy (son of the Clancy Brothers Liam), have reaped a ton of awards and bring intelligence and kick-ass energy to the Celtic storm. You get that wondrous mix of fiddle, bouzouki, uillean pipes, bodhran and more, topped by newest band member Muireean Nic Amhlaoibh's vocals. There's an egalitarianism about what Danu does. "Everyone gets a chance to bring tunes to the table, says fiddler Oisin McAuley. "It's very democratic. If it was just oo much of one or two people doing that, I think the band would affected more by new people coming and going. Everyone is as much a member as anyeone else. " They're at the Somerville Theatre at 8 p.m.  Tickets are $28 and $22.

55 Davis Square, Somerville, 617-876-4275 worldmusic.org