By Kellie Speed Aug. 9th, 2011

Gaelic Storm is breezing into Boston this week with a performance to be held Thursday night, August 11 at The Wilbur Theatre. The Celtic band is comprised of five members, who play everything from the bagpipes to the fiddle. We recently chatted with singer/guitarist Steve Twigger to find out what inspires the band, how the music scene in Europe differs from the United States and what he loves most about Boston.

JustLuxe: When you started playing gigs at your friend’s Irish pub in Santa Monica, did you ever think the band would be as successful as it has become?

Steve Twigger: I don’t think so. We originally got together to drink beer and sing a few songs. When you give up trying, that’s when things seem to really happen. It was very natural for us and we really do enjoy ourselves.

JL: What is the inspiration behind some of the band’s music?

ST: We play various types of music including rock and traditional. I think when we started out we were all just looking to have a good time. That was 16 years ago and we’re still having a good time.

JL: Tell me about your latest album, Cabbage.

ST: Cabbage has been out since the summer of last year. We’re a band that is not looking to reinvent the wheel every time we come out with a new album. The influences from our previous albums we continue to bring to the table and it has been received very well. We are now working on another album, which will be released in 2012.

JL: For someone who has never been to a Gaelic Storm concert, what can they expect?

ST: People can expect a lot of liveliness and energy. We do not play cry-in-your-beer type of music but instead it’s all very happy stuff. I think we make a lot of effort to do that and there’s also a sense of humor that is also involved.

JL: How do you think the music scene in Europe is different than that in the United States?

ST: We played in Spain last year and I think to a greater degree, traditions are closer to the surface. We get a lot of our influence from American music. That seeps into our writing and playing. Songs with humor always goes over well in Europe and they really pick up on our energy.

JL: What do you like most about playing in Boston?

ST: Boston is a city with some of the oldest traditions in the country. We really like that connection. It’s a vibrant city with great energy.

For more information on the band and ticketing, visit GaelicStorm.com