Black 47
One of the city's best-loved bar bands, the politically-conscious pub-rockers led by songwriter-playwright Larry Kirwan are named for the blackest year (1847) of the potato famine. Expect a mix of traditional Celtic folk, rock, rap, and reggae at this performance in support of the band's new CD, Elvis Murphy's Green Suede Shoes.
• Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St., between Broadway and Church St.; 212-219-3132 or knittingfactory.com
March 17, at 7 and 10 p.m.; $20

'Celtic Voices'
This six-week Celtic music series kicks off March 15 with vocalist Karan Casey, and continues with a lineup featuring Irish trad group Solas on March 16 and fiddle-and-guitar duo Liz Carroll and John Doyle on March 19.
• Satalla, 37 W. 26th St., between 6th Ave. and Broadway; 212-576-1155 or satalla.com
March 15-April 28, times and prices vary

The Commitments
The wildly popular 1991 film about a group of struggling Dublin rockers covering American soul classics is the inspiration for this touring band of the same name.
• B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 W. 42nd St., between Seventh and Eighth Aves.; 212-997-4144 or bbkingblues.com
March 17, at 8 (doors open at 6) and 10:30 p.m. (doors open at 10); $25 advance and $27 day of show

Dropkick Murphys
The bagpipe-heavy punk rockers' annual run of shows finds its way out of Boston and into New York for two nights—albeit a week after St. Paddy's Day.
• Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Pl., at 15th St.; 212-777-6800; irvingplaza.com
March 25 and 26, 8 p.m., $22.50

Murphy's Law
The rambunctious '80s hardcore band plays its annual St. Paddy's gig, in which moshing and drinking figure heavily.
• Continental, 25 Third Ave., at St. Mark’s Pl.; 212-529-6924; continentalnyc.com
March 17, time TBA, $10-$15

Seanchai & Unity Squad
The Celtic rap band and Rocky Sullivan's Friday-night regulars (leader Chris Byrne is co-owner of the politically active pub) pump their fists for Irish independence. 21-and-over only.
• S.O.B.'s, 204 Varick St., at W. Houston St.; 212-243-4940; sobs.com
March 17, 7:30 p.m., $10

Van Morrison
The legendary Irish-born singer-songwriter kicks off a two-night stint with an early-evening show on St. Paddy's day. He plays the Apollo Theater the next night.
• Supper Club, 240 W. 47th St., between Broadway and Eighth Ave.; 212-921-1940
March 17, 5 p.m., $100
• Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.; 212-531-5300
March 18, 7 p.m., $150