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FRIDAY

In a time when a lot of bland pap is masquerading as Celtic music, tonight’s Boys of the Lough concert offers a return to the roots. Unlike fellow veterans the Chieftains, who favor more formal chamber folk-style arrangements, the Boys, led by Shetland fiddler Aly Bain, aren’t afraid to let it rip on their sets of jigs, reels, and polkas. Of course, they also have quieter moments when Cathal McConnell sings ancient Irish songs, and both styles will be represented at this evening’s show, which featues the seasonal ballads and tunes from their latest release, Midwinter Night’s Dream. At 8 p.m. at the Barns of Wolf Trap, 1624 Trap Rd., Vienna. $18. (703) 938-2404. (Ken Roseman)