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BEST BET: The month of March no sooner arrives than the Irish concerts begin. The F.M. Kirby Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre is the first to celebrate the music of the Celtic cultures with a concert on March 1 welcoming Gaelic Storm (You may remember Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet dancing to their music in the steerage of the ‘Titanic.’), who perform a mix of traditional and contemporary with plenty of drinking songs thrown in. Opening the concert is Canadian band Enter the Haggis who bring along some Highland pipes for a Scottish sound. The show starts at 7:30 and tickets are $32 and $22. Call 826-1100.

THIS WEEK: FEB. 24 to MARCH 1, 2012

Step by Step, the Christian-music group. Ekklesia Christian Coffeehouse, River of Life Fellowship Church, 22 Outlet Road, Lehman. Feb. 24 with food served at 6, concert at 7 and open mic at 9. 717-503-7363.

Winter Jam, an evening of bluegrass, country and southern rock with bands Blackberry Smoke, Cabinet and Citizens Band Radio. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 tonight. $22. 866-605-7325.

ZoSo, a Led Zeppelin tribute band in a benefit concert for the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts. J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. 8 tonight. $18. 454-5451.

Phil Vassar, the good-time, piano-playing Nashville singer-songwriter. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 tonight. $26. 420-2808.

By Faith, with the Bloomsburg University Gospel Choir and the East Stroudsburg University Voices of Triumph Gospel Choir. Bethel AME Church, 714-716 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 4 p.m. Saturday. $8 advance, $10 at the door. 341-0754.

Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Saturday. $17 advance; $22 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Splintered Sunlight, the Philadelphia band performing covers and originals. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Saturday. $17. 325-0249.

Folk Music Benefit, with regional singer-songwriters Lorne Clarke, Tom Flannery, KJ Wagner and Michael Jerling. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 3 p.m. Sunday. Donations benefit the Dietrich Theater. 996-1500.

In Concert, with Tim Brumfield, the organist at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, University of Scranton. 7:30 p.m. March 2. Free. 941-7624.

The Saw Doctors, the boisterous Irish rock band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 2. $34 advance; $29 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Conspirator, the side project formed by Disco Biscuit musicians Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 9 p.m. March 2. $17 advance, $20 day of show. 420-2808.

Eilen Jewell Band, the singer-songwriter and her jazz-inspired band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. March 2. $20. 325-0249.

Leadership Offers Laughter (LOL) Comedy Night, with headliner Teri Granahan, Joe Bryan and emcee Jeannine Luby along with a Chinese auction and guest bartenders. Organized by the Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2012 Impact Group with proceeds benefitting the upcoming World Laughter Day in May. Brews Brothers West, 75 Main St., Luzerne. 7 p.m. Saturday. $15. 446-8992.

Satisfaction, a Rolling Stones tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 3. $15 advance, $20 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Gilbert Gottfried, the former “Saturday Night Live” regular. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. March 3. $30, $20. 866-468-7619.

Faith at Work, 16th-century music composed during the Wars of Religion by a cappella group The Lyric Consort. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 3 p.m. March 4. $10, free for students with ID. 343-6707.

Lenten Concert, with the Catholic Choral Society. 3 p.m. March 4 at St. Andrew Parish, 316 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre; and 2:30 p.m. March 11 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 35 William St., Pittston. Free. 587-2753.

Simply Grand Concert, with cellist Alberto Parrini and pianist Fabio Parrini performing works by Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Dvorak. Sordoni High Definition Theater, WVIA-TV, off Old Boston Road, Jenkins Township. 3 p.m. March 4. Free but reservations required. 655-2808.

moe. The laid-back jam masters return to the Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 7 p.m. March 4. $27. 420-2808.

Comedy Stand-Off, a comedy competition with the top three performers selected each week for a show on April 12. Clarion Hotel & Hub Lounge, 300 Meadow Ave., Scranton. Wednesdays from March 7 to 28 with sign-up at 8:30 p.m. and show at 9 p.m. 344-9811.

Beethoven Festival, an intimate chamber-music performance by pianist Jon Nakamatsu of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. The Mellow Theater, 501 Vine St., Lackawanna College, Scranton. 6:30 p.m. March 8. $26.50. 341-1568.

Bistro Comedy Night, with headliner Mark DeMayo, Corey Alexander, Father Paul and emcee Liz Russo. Corner Bistro Dinner Theater, 76-78 S. Main St., Carbondale. March 9 with an appetizer buffet at 7:30 p.m. and show at 8:30 p.m. $15. Reservations: 282-7499.

The Barley Boys, the Celtic quartet. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 9. $20. 325-0249.

Foghat, the classic rock band (“Slow Ride”). Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 9. $24 advance, $29 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Full Armor, the five-piece Christian band. Annunciation Parish, 122 S. Wyoming Ave., Hazleton. 8 p.m. March 9. Free. Presented by the Catholic Underground. 403-3094.

Four Shillings Short, Celtic, Indian ragas, medieval and Renaissance instrumentals and songs from the Americas on instruments including psaltery, hammered dulcimer, krumhorn and North Indian sitar. Old Lynn Church, Route 3012, Lynn. 7 p.m. March 10. Free. 965-2889.

Albright College Angels and Mane Men, Renaissance, pop, folk, jazz and sacred pieces. Christ United Methodist Church, 175 S. Main Road, Mountain Top. 7:30 p.m. March 10. 474-6060.

A Beethoven Festival, with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and special guest pianist Jon Nakamatsu performing Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto, Second Symphony and “Creatures of Prometheus Overture.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. March 10. 341-1568.

An Evening at the Opera and More, with performers from the Bratislava State Conservatory of Music in Slovakia. Great Hall of Wyoming Seminary, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 7 p.m. March 15. Free. 270-2192.

Concert of Sacred and Folk Music, with four opera singers and a violinist from the Bratislava State Conservatory of Music. Sponsored by the Slovak Heritage Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania. First Presbyterian Church, 97 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. March 16. Donation. 287-2476.

Montana Skies, classical, jazz and rock on guitar and electric cello. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 16. $18. 325-0249.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Bach Festival, a two-day salute to the composer and his contemporaries presented by the Robert Dale Chorale. Begins at 4 p.m. March 17 with an Organ Concert by Stephen Williams at Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St., Scranton. Continues with a Chamber Music Concert with Tom Heinze and the Bach Festival Orchestra at 8 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, and culminates with a Choral Concert of two Bach masterpieces. 3 p.m. March 18 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. $15, $12 seniors, $7 students. 586-3921.

Unforgettable Fire, the U-2 tribute band. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. March 17. $10. 866-468-7619.

In Recital, with the University of Scranton Performance Music Students. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. March 21. Free. 941-4163.

Yesterday & Today, an interactive Beatles tribute. Sponsored by Community Concerts at the Mellow Theater, Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. March 23. 955-1455.

Best of Second City, improvisational sketch comedy. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. March 23. $28. 826-1100.

Steve Forbert, the veteran pop-rock singer-songwriter (“Romeo’s Song”). Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 23. $23. 325-0249.

Aztec 2-Step, the band that bridged the Beat Generation to the music of the 1960s. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 24. $21. 325-0249.

Mid-Winter Concert, by the Children’s and Youth Ensembles of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 3 p.m. March 25. $10. 343-6707.

Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, punk rock from the last surviving member of the Ramones. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. March 29. $15. 420-2808.

Joe Nardone’s Malt Shop Memories, a doo-wop concert with a nostalgic lineup of Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, the Tymes, Lenny Welch, Linda Jensen & the Angels, the Duprees, and Kenny Vance & the Planotones. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. March 30. 826-1100.

Denny Siewell Jazz Trio, the drummer for Paul McCartney & Wings with John Ciodini (Frank Sinatra’s guitarist) and keyboardist Joe Bagg. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 30. $25. 325-0249.

Warrant, Firehouse and L.A. Guns, a tripleheader rock concert. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 30. 866-605-7325.

American Harmony, classic folk hymns and spirituals performed by the Symphonic Chorus of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. 8 p.m. March 31 at Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 3 p.m. April 1 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. $15. New members welcome. 343-6707.

Shostakovich Chamber Music Festival, music of the Russian composer by both professional and student musicians. Great Hall of Wyoming Seminary, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 8 p.m. March 31. Free. 270-2192.

Three Dog Night, the pop-rock band with original keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 31. 866-605-7325.

Hammer of the Gods, the Led Zeppelin tribute band. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. March 31. $28. 430-3808.

Willy Porter, the singer-guitarist performing a cross-pollination of styles. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. March 31. $22 advance, $25 day of show. 325-0249.

In Concert, with the University of Scranton Singers and a chamber ensemble from the Manhattan School of Music. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 1. Free. 941-7624.

Music of the Romantic Era, a chamber-music concert with violinist Gabriel Schaff and pianist Amy Duran. Presented by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic at the Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 p.m. April 12. $26.50. 341-1568.

The Mickey Hart Band, with the former Grateful Dead percussionist. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 12. 866-605-7325.

S’Wonderful! Music of Gershwin and More, jazz with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and special guests In Full Swing. Included: tunes by Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and George and Ira Gershwin. 8 p.m. April 13 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, and 8 p.m. April 14 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

Cabinet, bluegrass, country and folk by the six-member band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 13. $18 advance, $20 day of show. 325-0249.

Gloriana, the country trio (“Wild at Heart”), voted Top New Vocal Group at the 2010 Academy of Country Music awards. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. April 14. $40, $25. 866-468-7619.

Love Songs, with the University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble and guest artist Wycliffe Gordon. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 15. Free. 941-7624.

Red Green, the lovable humorist, wacky handyman and author who believes “anything is possible if you use enough duct tape.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. April 17. 826-1100.

Glen Campbell, the Grammy-winning country-pop singer on his “Goodbye Tour.” Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 19. 866-605-7325.

The Kingston Trio, the folk-singing Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 20. 955-1455.

The Great American Songbook, a pops concert with the Doug Smith Jazz Trio and the Robert Dale Chorale. Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. April 20. $15, $12 seniors, $7 students. 586-3921.

Big Shot, the Billy Joel tribute band with Mike DelGuidice. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 20. 866-605-7325.

Charlie Hunter Duo, an eclectic mix of music with the guitar master. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 20. $21. 325-0249.

Peter Rowan and the Travelin’ McCourys, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and bluegrass group perform “The Music of Bill Monroe.” Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 22. 866-605-7325.

Brahms: A German Requiem, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s season finale performing Brahms’ inspirational masterpiece along with Haydn’s 96th Symphony (“The Miracle”). With the Symphonic Chorus of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. April 27. 341-1568.

Bob Weir, the former Grateful Dead musician in an intimate solo acoustic show. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 27. $49.50, $34.50. 826-1100.

World Premiere Composition Series, with the University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir and guest composers/conductors Joseph Pilafian and Joseph Boga. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. April 28. Free. 941-7624.

Wishbone Ash, progressive rock led by guitarist Andy Powell. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. April 28. $28. 325-0249.

Four Octaves, a concert by the a cappella group. Dionne Green Amphitheater, University of Scranton. 6 p.m. May 4. Free. 941-5441.

Get the Led Out, the Philadelphia-based Led Zeppelin tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 5. 866-605-7325.

Spring Concert, a concert by the five children’s and youth ensembles of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 3 p.m. May 6. $10. 343-6707.

In Concert, with the University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 3 p.m. May 6. Free. 941-4318.

Pre-Commencement Concert, with the University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center, Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street, Scranton. 7:30 p.m. May 11. Free. 941-7624.

On the Road Again: Willie Nelson, the iconic singer-songwriter whose catalogue boasts more than 200 albums. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. May 11. $80, $67, $57, $43. 826-1100.

Renaissance and Baroque Masterworks, performed by the Choral Artists of the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. Included: Handel’s “Funeral Anthem for Queen Caroline” and J.S. Bach’s “Jesu, Meine Freude.” St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. May 12. $15. 343-6707.

Dennis DeYoung, a solo performance by the former lead singer of rock group Styx. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 12. 866-605-7325.

Dave Matthews Band. Toyota Pavilion, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. May 28. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

Bill Kirchen, the Grammy-nominated “Titan of the Telecaster” whose trademark licks drove his seminal classic “Hot Rod Lincoln.” Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 26. $23. 325-0249.

Dark Star Orchestra, the Grateful Dead tribute band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. May 31. 866-605-7325.

Tony Bennett, the 15-time Grammy Award-winner performing in support of his latest album “Duets II,” in which he pairs up with Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, the late Amy Winehouse and many more. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. June 2. $126, $90, $70. 826-1100.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the country-rock band with original members John McEuen, Jeff Hanna and Jimmie Fadden. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 2. 866-605-7325.

America, the folk-rock hitmakers. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 8. 866-605-7325.

Foreigner, the 80s rock band (“I Want to Know What Love Is”). Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. June 29. 866-605-7325.

Briggs Farm Bluesfest, the 15th annual outdoor concert with Bernard Allison and Moreland and Arbuckle. Also: Mississippi Delta-style foods, sweet-corn roast, free hayrides, vendors and camping. Briggs Farm, 88 Old Berwick Highway, Nescopeck. 4:30 to 11 p.m. July 6; 4 to 11 p.m. July 7. 379-2003 or briggsfarm.com.

Pennsylvania Blues Festival, the 2nd annual event with 15 national and international blues, soul and gospel artists, both acoustic and electric. Included Michael “Ironman” Burks and the Joe Louis Walker band. Blue Mountain Ski Area, Palmerton. 8 p.m. to midnight July 27; 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. July 28; noon to 9 p.m. July 29. $30 one-day; $50 two-day. 474-5049 or skibluemt.com.

An Evening with Vince Gill, the country music artist. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Aug. 18. 866-605-7325.

Victoria Justice, the teen singing star of the hit Nickelodeon series “Victorious.” Great Allentown Fair, 302 N. 17th St., Allentown. 7 p.m. Sept. 2. 610-433-7541.