On Feb. 14, the Englert Theater will take a trip to Ireland.

Gaelic Storm, a popular Celtic band, will play at 7 p.m.Valentines’ Day. After starting in Santa Monica, California, it has played all over the world for almost two decades, most notably providing a song for *The Titanic*.

“We first saw it at the Milwaukee IrishFest … it drew one of the biggest audiences of all the performers there,” said Iowa City resident Andy O’Neill, who has watched the group’s performances for 13 years. “After seeing [the musicians] and meeting them personally in Milwaukee, we started going to see them if they were anywhere close to us. Back then, the closest venue was in Pella, and later DeKalb, Illinois. We still go to DeKalb to see them, and often within the same week, they appear at the Englert.”

Gaelic Storm combines classic Irish music with modern influences, creating diverse fans for its music.

“I think [the members] could get people dancing and jumping in a morgue,” O’Neill said. “They have a very high fun factor and, knowing that it is contagious, they enjoy seeing it spread. Their concerts are great, but getting to know them on a personal level and their stories is even more fun.”

The group recently released a new album, Matching Sweaters. This will be its first time at the Englert since its release.

O’Neill said he believes the show will be great for both people who have and have not seen Gaelic Storm.

“If they have not seen or heard [the band] before, I would highly recommend them,” he said. “They play Celtic rock, not the traditional Irish music. It is not unusual that a good share of the crowd will be standing during some songs.”

— by Devyn Young

MUSIC

Gaelic Storm

Where: Englert 221 E. Washington

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 14

Admission: $35