Makem & Spain Bros in Rochester: They were once considered the future generation of Irish folk music in the United States. But that generation has long since arrived, and The Makem & Spain Brothers are now among the finest Irish folk acts in the country.

The five-piece group will uphold an annual tradition with a concert at the Rochester Opera House on Saturday, Nov. 27. Although they live close by, the Makems and Spains play most of their shows on the road, making the local gig a special treat.

The group consists of Irish-born brothers Shane, Conor and Rory Makem—sons of the late legend and former Dover resident Tommy Makem—along with Mickey and Liam Spain. The quintet sings in rich harmonies and strums several stringed instruments on a mix of traditional and original folk tunes.

The show begins at 8 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com. Tickets are $20 to $22.

Music Hall announces Marc Cohn and Justin Townes Earle: The Music Hall has announced two new shows in its Intimately Yours concert series, both coming up in early 2011. Marc Cohn will come to the Portsmouth venue on Thursday, Jan. 6, and Justin Townes Earle will follow on Friday, Feb. 4.

Cohn is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter best known for his 1991 signature hit “Walking in Memphis.” He’s currently touring in support of his latest CD, “Listening Booth: 1970,” which includes a play-list of hits from that year by such artists as Paul McCartney, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton and others. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 6; tickets are $34 to $44.

Earle was originally slated to perform at The Music Hall in October but postponed his tour to enter a rehab facility. The singer-songwriter, son of folk icon Steve Earle, now resumes his tour in support of his third album, “Harlem River Blues.” The show begins at 8 p.m. on Feb. 4; tickets are $17 to $22.

Tickets to both shows are on sale now for Music Hall members and will be available to the general public beginning Dec. 3. The Music Hall is at 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 603-436-2400, www.themusichall.org.