A drover in Irish terms describes a person who herds cattle or sheep. A Drover in musical terms describes someone who creates powerful music that herds hundreds of eager listeners to sold out shows all over the globe.

The Drovers, a Chicago-based band, bring with it a wide range of musical styles. While mostly playing Celtic-influenced music, The Drovers also mesh into many other genres, including some middle-eastern sounds and rock the likes of the Rolling Stones or early Beatles.

The band first formed in 1988 by Sean Cleland who plays violins, violas and mandolins. With him was Mike Kirkpatrick on guitar and pump organ, David Callahan on vocals, bass and guitars and Paul Bradley on drums, bodrhan and dumbek.

Just last year The Drovers added two new members to give the band more immense sound. Tim Larson joined as second guitarist and bassist, as well as Merritt Lear as a singer and mandolin and fiddle player.

Obviously well-versed in instrumentation, The Drovers’ shows are mind-boggling experiences often described by fans as alternative-Celtic psychedelia.

The Drovers debut album, “World of Monsters,” was an instant hit among fans of both Irish-folk and alternative rock. The band’s second album, “Kill Mice Elf,” went directly to radio to help continue building a strong fanbase.

Band members have continued to recruit more fans through relentless touring.

“We play on the average about 3 to 4 shows a week — almost 200 a year,” Cleland said. “It’s fun though, and we can kind of make a living.”

The Drovers third album, “Little High Sky Show,” was recorded by engineering mastermind Steve Albini, whose resume includes work with Nirvana, P. J. Harvey, Bush and Veruca Salt.

The Drovers also made a good impression on the movie industry when the group accepted roles for both “Blink,” starring Madeleine Stowe and the Ron Howard film “Backdraft.” Drovers fans will not only hear three Drovers’ songs on the “Backdraft” soundtrack, they will also be able to see the band in the movie.

“We were the band playing at the party where the fistfight breaks out,” Cleland said.

Yet the band’s role for “Blink” was even bigger. They are featured throughout the movie and Madeleine Stowe even played fiddle for them.

“Madeleine played one of The Drovers. She can play fiddle somewhat, but it was all prerecorded for the movie,” Cleland said.

The Drovers were chosen for both movie roles because of the members’ musical backgrounds. “The movies were based in Chicago, and the directors needed Celtic-ish bands,” Cleland said.

The Drovers hometown of Chicago has been brewing over with musical talent in recent years, with such acts as Smashing Pumpkins and Urge Overkill.

“It’s great — no, fantastic being from there,” Cleland said. “The city is so busy musically that most beginner bands get to play right away. Smashing Pumpkins are a great inspiration to us being that we’re both from Chicago, although we’re a little more dance-oriented than they are.”

As far as the band’s heavy touring schedule is concerned, the Drovers are willing to put forth the effort.

“We want to continue to be creative as possible, keep up communication with the fans, get better and especially reach more people,” Cleland said.

But everything revolves around The Drovers’ sound.

“Since it’s hard to categorize our music, we like to come up with our own descriptions,” Cleland said. “I’ve decided that we’re rhythmical, melodic and organic. I like to hear what kind of words people use to describe us.”

Students can decide for themselves Saturday night when The Drovers play two all-ages shows at the M-Shop at 7:30 and 10:30 pm. Tickets are $7, $6 for students and are available at all TicketMaster outlets.