PHILLY AND IRISH: Poor Man’s Gambit is all about the traditional Irish culture of the Philadelphia area. The group comes to Christ Congregation Church on March 21.

On Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m., the Princeton Folk Music Society brings Poor Man’s Gambit, a Philadelphia-based Irish music band, to Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane.

The multi-instrumentalist group includes Deirdre Lockman (fiddle and vocals), Corey Purcell (button accordion, cittern, bodhran, vocals, and dance), and Joseph Carmichael (guitar, whistle, flute, and vocals).

Lockman and Purcell are steeped in the traditional Irish culture of the Philadelphia area. Both started as step dancers in childhood. Lockman studied at the DeNogla Academy of Irish Dance in New Jersey, and both went on to dance competitively at national and international levels. In time, however, they found their true calling in Irish music.

Lockman began competing in fiddle competitions, and Purcell began teaching himself Irish-style button accordion. He studied with all-Ireland button accordion champion John Whelan. His musical interests expanded to include other instruments and voice.

Carmichael is known for his unique approach to Celtic and folk accompaniment. He was born into a musical family and began composing on his family’s computer before being drawn to Irish music as a teenager. Through his free-thinking, sometimes considered “jazzy” chords, and ability to draw from multiple styles, he has established a reputation as an accompanist. He recently released Desiderium, a debut solo album of his own compositions.

Tickets at the door are $25 ($20 for members). Visit princetonfollk.org for more information.