Voices of Africa

Local group VOA are perpetually on tour sharing the knowledge they've brought back from Africa, with prestigious institutions like Omega hiring them to teach for a week at a time. Their hometown gigs are lamentably rare. See them for fierce drumming and joyous harmonies, along with a quick refresher in African cultures.

Jan. 19, NXNW, 7165 Germantown Ave., 215-248-1000, www.nxnwphl.com.

This Chicago native won the All-Ireland fiddle title at a time when outsiders were long shots and serious women players were scarce. She'll be joined by Solas member John Doyle, master of finger-style guitar.

Jan. 21, Crossroads at Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th St., 215-729-1028, www.crossroads.calvary-center.org.

Smart and funny, with highly polished pan-Latin chops, Grupo Fantasma actually surpasses the hype. They win all the titles in their hometown (Austin) and the groove on the CD indicates the hits should keep on coming.

Jan. 22, NXNW.

She sings in Wolof when the mood strikes and has collaborated with Youssou N'Dour, but in truth Senegalese artist Julia Sarr is utterly without borders. The recent pairing of Sarr with flamenco-inspired guitarist Patrice Lerose make their Philly debut with their CD Set Luna (Sunnyside). Serenity and respectful cooperation—no overplaying allowed—are the major impressions it leaves.

Jan. 26, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

He's on everybody's list of guitarist must-sees.

Feb. 1, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0770, www.tinangel.com.

Allons Danser started out as a Cajun and Zydeco dance society, but the Cajun quickly faded because the crowds just weren't coming. Still, the door is always open for Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. The response to this quintessential Cajun band is so strong that AD has to move to a bigger hall for this event. The Mamou Playboys can play you a weepy Cajun waltz, ornament it with multipart country harmony, then break into a grinding zydeco and back to a Cajun reel.

Feb. 17, Holy Savior Club, 407 E. Main St., Norristown, Pa., 610-272-2921, www.phillydance.com/zydeco.

This pairing offers two separate aspects of modern Africa. Vusi plays solo, with a guitar and a smile and more African languages than most folks manage, singing of peace and cooperation. Ladysmith has the same principles: multiple languages and a peaceful message, but they astonish with glorious harmonies and riveting choreography.

Feb. 19, Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org.

Tired of Irish-based rock that waters down the tradition? Fiddler Tommy Peoples and piper Jerry O'Sullivan offer the cure, complete with instrumental workshops in the afternoon prior to their evening concert.

Feb. 25, Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St., 215-849-8899, www.philadelphiaceiligroup.org.

She's been singing in recent years without her family group, but still grounded in gospel, wowing folks at the Americana Conference and Strictly Mundial with her vocal power. Taj Mahal is still growly, funky and bluesy. If you ever doubted that banjo is really an African instrument, wait till he puts the down-home spin on that bad boy.

March 11, Verizon Hall.

For years and years, Moloney has illustrated the connection between Ireland and the U.S. in music and dance. He'll be leading a crowd of fine young performers in song and tunes on The Day Itself. Come early for a dinner lecture on the origins of St. Patrick's celebrations.

March 17, Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, www.pennpresents.org.

These Taiko drumming students from Tamagawa University in Japan will blow your hair straight back with the force of their joyful presentation.

March 31-April 1, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org.

This Philly ensemble defines percussion orchestra. Come expecting to join in the music in some sort of dancing, tapping, hollering way. You won't be able to resist.

April 21-24, Painted Bride Art Center.