Dún an Doras lead the St. Patrick's Day celebrations at Akropolis on Sunday.

Founded in 1997, the band's membership was drawn from several different countries and soon developed a reputation among Irish music lovers for energetic and skilful performances. Although the group concentrated mainly on traditional Irish instrumentals in its early years, some original and unusual touches shone through on their debut album, Bossa Nudski.

Over time, as the band's foreign members returned home, they were replaced by a generation of talented Czech musicians who had begun to play Irish music, including violinist Daniel Malczyk, guitarist Petr Košumberský and flautist Radvan Markus. Today, the only original remaining member is singer Ká�a Garcia.

Along with a new line-up, the band also developed a new repertoire, playing more original compositions and using more elaborate arrangements.

The traditional Irish folk songs still in the repertoire, sung by Garcia, retain their unique atmosphere but have been enriched by the new musician's input.

The band has also taken an adventurous approach to percussion and in autumn 2002 added tabla, darbouka and djembé player Jakub Severin as a permanent member.

Towards the end of 2003, as the band recorded a second album, Sweet and Sour, the latest dramatic twist in the Dún an Doras story saw founder René Starhon leave the group.

Dún an Doras are supported at the St. Patrick's Day show by Cabelique, a Czech band specializing in Celtic music from the Brittany region of France.

Tickets are 130 Kè in advance or 150 Kè on the night.

Check out the Dún an Doras website: http://www.dunandoras.cz