Danú prepares the way for St. Patrick’s in Boulder

Traditional Irish band Danú brings roots music and more to Macky March 5

In Irish mythology, the goddess Danú is literally the mother of all the gods and all the people. Traditionally associated with the land, she is the ultimate in roots.

When it comes to music, the same might be said for the traditional Irish band Danú, which delves deep into ancient Irish music even as it explores a more contemporary repertoire. The band’s high-energy concoction of Gaelic tunes features fiddle, flute, tin whistle, accordion, bouzouki, guitar and the voice of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh in both Gaelic and English.

What better way to get into a St. Patrick’s Day state of mind than to spend an evening with Danú at Macky Auditorium on March 5, presented by CU Presents’ Artist Series? The band has brought its Irish Christmas show to Boulder in previous years.

“This time of years is very special for all things Irish and we especially love coming to the USA to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with all the great people there,” says band member Benny McCarthy. “I know all the band have fond memories of the altitude high in the Rocky Mountains. It will be the high point of our tour — literally.”

Danú “stirs the blood and lifts the heart” (Irish Music Magazine) with its trademark “vibrant mix of virtuosity, energy and empathy” (Washington Post).

Hailing from historic County Waterford, the band has played around the world and recorded seven albums and a live-performance DVD, “One Night Stand,” since forming in 1995. It has made frequent live appearances on National Public Radio, the Canada’s CBC and the BBC.

Danú will take its Boulder audience on a rousing, moving and genuine musical tour of the Emerald Isle.

“We have plenty of foot-tapping, high-energy tunes from home. The audience also will hear loads of Irish accents — the band comes from the four corners of Ireland — and maybe even a little Scottish accent here and there,” McCarthy says.