The term Celtic music has become something of a popular catchall to describe any group that has incorporated some element of Irish and/or Scottish folk traditions into its sound. From the out-and-out rock of Black 47 to the progressive fusions of Solas, there has been no shortage of attempts to merge the older form with a more modern sensibility.

But for purists, Celtic music can only mean the jigs, reels, airs and laments passed down as a vital part of Irish/Scottish culture over the centuries, with little or no contemporary concessions made: no electric instruments, full-drum kits, or ''new age'' sensibilities — just the sometimes whimsical, sometimes melancholy sound of that distant, yet enticing, past.

There has been a revival of interest in more authentic takes on the genre, particularly in Ireland itself, and with St. Patrick's Day approaching, there will be more traditional-style acts playing in the area than you can shake a shillelagh at.

There has also been a recent tendency toward modernizing traditional sounds, possibly because of the seeming interchangeability of the more reverent groups' music; since the bands in question are playing a lot of the same standard dances, marches and songs, pop-trained ears may find it all can sound similar. But closer listening reveals that despite their shared roots, some of the acts visiting the area have found varying ways of distinguishing themselves.

The Chieftains

When it comes to preserving classic Celtic sounds, the first name that usually comes to mind is the Chieftains, the Dublin-based ensemble whose 41st tour of America includes a stop at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia at 2 p.m. March 16. Formed in 1962 by lead piper Paddy Maloney, the group went from being semi-professional local heroes to world acclaim with an international airplay hit, ''Women of Ireland,'' taken from the score of the 1975 film ''Barry Lyndon.''

Though subsequent years have seen changes in lineup (including the recent passing of longtime harpist Derek Bell) and numerous collaborations with pop singers — Van Morrison, with whom they won one of their six Grammys for ''Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,'' Sting, Elvis Costello and the Rolling Stones, to name a few — the Chieftains have still been able to maintain their reputation as pre-eminent interpreters of traditional folk through their marvelously fluid interplay and unerring sense of historic detail. (Tickets: $20-$72. 215-893-1999)

Seamus Kennedy

Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Seamus Kennedy segues from Irish ballads to rollicking reels to American folk, pop and country. Accompanying himself on guitar or bodhran, his trademark is fast-paced humor and interaction with audiences. Kennedy will perform at 8 p.m. March 13 at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe. (Tickets: $13. 866-605-PEAK)

Ceann na Caca

Ceann na Caca (''Ceann'' is Gaelic for ''head'' and … well, you get the drift), led by Allentown native Patrick Halloran, might be a refreshing chaser to the more straight-up groups being served around town when they invade O'Hara's Pub, 3712 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, March 13. The boisterous trio specializes in drinking songs — its forthcoming CD is called ''Us Drunk Live'' — as well as folked-up versions of tunes by the likes of Snoop Dog and Hanson. (610-437-9400)

Providence

Though the technical aspects of racing through a fiery jig or reel can be dazzling, the Dublin-based group Providence counters the trend toward speediness for its own sake by slowing things down a bit and emphasizing the melody and counterpoint at the core of Irish dance music.

Last year's debut album, ''A Fig for a Kiss'' (Appleseed) garnered comparisons to well-regarded acts from the 1970s Irish folk revival, the Bothy Band and Planxty, but Providence sets itself apart by adding the rich, mournful vocals of Joan McDermott into the mix. The band will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day with an 8 p.m. performance March 17 at the Sellersville Theater. (Tickets: $20.50 and $22.50. 215-257-5808)

Aoife Clancy

Also at Sellersville, on March 13, will be one of the less strictly traditional of Irish voices, that of Aoife Clancy. Aoife (pronounced ''eefa'') is the daughter of the late Bobby Clancy of the famed Clancy Brothers, who helped bring Irish folk songs to world attention in the 1960s, and a onetime member of Cherish the Ladies, one of the few and best regarded all-female traditional bands. But she has staked her own claim in her solo career.

Without denying any of her obvious connections to her homeland (born in Ireland, she now lives in America) Clancy has managed to mix in some more personal, singer-songwriter fare among old-time songs on her most recent offering, ''Silvery Moon'' (Appleseed). To her credit, the result is fairly seamless, with Aoife's luminous vocals weaving past and present together. (Tickets: $20.50 and $22.50. 215-257-5808)