St. Patrick’s Day will once again soon be upon us, and if you’re looking for music to get you in the spirit – and maybe chase away those mid-March Erin Go Blahs – than look no further than The Napper Tandies.

Taking its name from legendary Irish patriot James Napper Tandy (1740-1803), this local trio plays Irish folk music in the best way possible: with energy, authenticity and gusto, and with songs that range from bawdy chanteys to aching ballads, to stomping jigs and reels.

The band’s music is largely driven by the sound of Chris Brinn’s piano accordion, while Matthew Smith gives the songs a rhythmic punch, or vamp, with his five-string banjo, and Randy Billings provides a rich, plunking rhythmic glue with his upright bass. All three contribute vocals.

While firmly rooted in the Irish working class, folk music tradition, The Napper Tandies still manage to keep its sound fluid and fresh, and cite influences ranging from classic groups such as The Dubliners to slightly more modern artists such as Shane MacGowan and The Pogues.

With St. Patty’s Day (that’s Wednesday, March 17) being the day for any and all things Irish – and even some things not so Irish (green beer, anyone?) – The Napper Tandies will be busier than usual.

The trio will play from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Whig & Courier Pub in downtown Bangor and from about 9:30 p.m. ’till closing at the Bear Brew Pub in Orono. Also, the band hopes to have copies of its new self-produced, full-length album, “Transmogrified,” available for sale.

But if you just can’t wait to get your Irish fix, then head down to The Grand Auditorium in Ellsworth tonight where you can catch The Napper Tandies performing as part of Harney’s Blarney’s, a Celtic music and dance benefit concert for the Downeast AIDS Network. The show starts at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call 667-9500.

George Bragdon can be reached at gbragdon@bangordai

lynews.net. For more about The Napper Tandies’ St. Patrick’s Day gigs, call the Whig & Courier Pub at 947-4095 or the Bear Brew Pub at 866-2739.