By Scott Rasmussen, Journal editor

Plenty of Irish bands and musicians have risen from obscurity to fame and become a household name in America.

Van Morrison. U-2. Thin Lizzy. Sinead O’Connor are a few that spring to mind. And while the band Lúnasa may not leap to the forefront of the pantheon of Irish pop-music superstars, they’re headed in that direction, but with a twist.

Known for a distinctive brand of traditional Irish, featuring fiddles, flutes, pipes and whistles, along with guitars and a double bass, the five-piece acoustic band has grown accustomed to sold-out shows, international acclaim and an ever-growing catalog of praise for a distinctive sound that’s redefining the music of their home land.

Find out what all the buzz is about when Lúnasa lights up San Juan Community Theatre’s Whittier Stage, Saturday, Nov. 3, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Named after an ancient Celtic festival honoring the Irish god “Lugh”, patron of the arts, Lúnasa released its debut recording way back in 1997, and since then has became one of the more sought-after bands on the worldwide music scene. Even a few significant lineup changes hasn’t seem to slow it down. The band is anchored on the double bass by Trevor Hutchinson, features Sean Smyth and Kevin Crawford on whistles and flutes, Cillian Vallely on Uilleann pipes, and Ed Boyd on guitar.

The band has released seven recordings, either studio or live, since the release of its debut and self-titled album, Lunasa, in 1998.

Though distinctively Irish in flavor, and acoustic in its delivery, the band blends elements of jazz and other improvisational forms of music into a sound that is redefining what the Irish sound is all about.

Tickets: $29 adults, $15 student reserved, $5 RUSH, day of the show. Find out more about Lúnasa and its music at, www.lunasa.ie.

Info at SJCT, 378-3210, www.sjctheatre.org.