Solas Power

The South Bronx is to Italy as North Federal is to Mexico as South Boston is to Eire. As a hub of the Irish diaspora in America, it's no wonder Boston lays claim to not only the most renowned Irish-American musical groups, but also one of the most authentically Irish, Solas. Unlike its hybrid counterparts Flogging Molly or the Dropkick Murphys, which combine traditionally Irish bibulous wails and woes with the face-stomping frenzy of Patriot-crazed punks, Solas is pure Celtic folk. Minus nods to American folk forebears via clovered covers of Woody Guthrie and others, it would be silly to categorize Solas's twanging ballads and accurate accents as anything other than homegrown Irish folk. Formed amid the fading alternative-rock era of the late '90s, this rotating ensemble, now on its ninth album, has traveled the globe, performing at major Celtic festivals from Philadelphia to Edinburgh. Witness the blarney bards of Boston tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Pinnacle Events Center, 1001 West 84th Avenue in Federal Heights. Tickets, $20 to $25, are available at King Soopers stores, www.ticketswest.com and at the door. For more information, visit North Metro Arts Alliance at www.nmarts.net or call 303-429-1999.
Sat., March 1, 7:30 p.m., 2008