ELLSWORTH — Altan, an award-winning traditional Irish music ensemble, will make its only Maine appearance this year at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at The Grand in downtown Ellsworth.

The Dublin-based group, whose latest album, “The Red Crow” was named top folk album of the year in 1990 by both the London Telegraph and Q Magazine, has emerged as one of the strongest and most energetic Irish bands performing today. Their all-acoustic sound is centered on the fiddling of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh and the flute playing of her husband, Frankie Kennedy, and features tunes and songs from Ireland’s northern counties, especially Ni Mhaonaigh’s native County Donegal.

The supporting rhythm section of the band is provided by the bouzouki and cittern playing of Ciaran Curran and guitar work of Daithi Sproule. The final ingredient to Altan’s success is the twin fiddling of Ni Mhaonaigh and Ciaran Tourish. Standing in for Tourish during the group’s American tour is Dublin fiddler Paul O’Shaughnessy who also played with the group during the recording of “The Red Crow.”

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. For reservations, call The Grand box office at 667-9500 or 667-5911.