World-renowned traditional Irish band Lúnasa performs at the Pantages Theatre on March 14. 

They are touring in support of their tenth album, “Live in Kyoto.” Flute and whistle player Kevin Crawford said it was recorded during a show in Japan where the band played a set of previously unreleased original compositions. 

Acclaimed for introducing the double bass to traditional Irish music, Lúnasa have been playing for 27 years. Thanks to their innovative approach, often incorporating elements from outside the storied tradition of Irish music, Lúnasa evolved the sound to keep traditional Irish music modern. 

“Irish music is a living tradition,” Crawford said. 

Kept alive by acts like Lúnasa, Irish traditional music has spread across the globe. Outside of Ireland, Japan has the fastest growing traditional Irish music scene in the world, Crawford said.

“They have fallen in love with Irish traditional music,” he said. “You feel like you’re The Beatles when you’re there.”

Lúnasa are not just big in Japan. Crawford said Lúnasa performed on a musical cruise in the Caribbean last winter. 

Despite the hospitality and adoration Lúnasa receives from their Japanese fans, Crawford said the U.S. is his favorite place to perform because they can play to both Irish and non-Irish audiences. He said while some people come to Lúnasa shows to celebrate their Irish heritage, many just come for the music. 

Crawford said the fans of bluegrass, blues and other acoustic styles are especially drawn to their music. Blues singers sometimes feature alongside Irish singers on the band’s vocal songs. 

When he is not touring the world with his woodwinds, Crawford said he often comes to Minnesota to work with musicians in the area. He said there is a strong community of traditional Irish music in the Twin Cities supported by groups like the Center For Irish Music in St. Paul.