The young Vancouver, B.C., quintet Mad Pudding is picking up the torch first held by Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. Unlike those English bands, Mad Pudding reflects a stronger Irish and Scottish influence, with exuberant vocals by Andy Hillhouse and Amy Stephen. Since followers of Anglo-Celtic electric folk wait so long to catch their favorite bands live, head out tonight. With North Carolina alt-country quartet Six String Drag at 9:30 p.m. at Iota, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $4. (703) 522-8340. (Ken Roseman)