Jack Dillman admits he's not very Irish, but he's more than capable of providing Saint Patrick's Day entertainment Saturday at Cherry's in downtown Lancaster.

"We can pack 'em in," said the guitarist/singer of The Jack Dillman Band. "We're good — really good — and that's all that matters."

The songwriter, who attended Conestoga Valley High School and Millersville University, has opened for the likes of Rusted Root, Tim Reynolds (of the Dave Matthews Band) and the Graham Colton Band.

"It's been difficult getting my name out there, but all the hard work is worth it," Dillman said. "I've grown as musician over the years, and I guess my style is sort of James Taylor meets Jim Croce meets David Gray. Club owners have gotten to know me over time, and they keep calling me back — which makes me feel good."

His favorite venues include the Historic Blue Star Tavern, The Chameleon Club and Annie Bailey's.

"Chameleon's got the best stage in the city, but Annie Bailey's — oh, man, what a great place," Dillman said. "Bailey's always brings out the most energetic audiences."

The 28-year-old, who also performs as a solo acoustic artist, has recorded three live CDs: "Live @ the Blue Star" (2001), "Making my Way" (2003) and "Lights, Cameras, Music" (2005).

"I want the fourth CD to be a studio project," Dillman said. "I already have enough material, and the band is ready for it. I think we're in good shape."

He said the Jack Dillman Band's first lineup was more rock-oriented, while the current lineup (drummer Tom Chaffin, guitarist Sam Gorgone and bassist Joe Stengle) produces a sound that's more bluesy.

"Especially with Sam's style of playing," Dillman said. "And my voice has gotten raspier over the years. It started to freak me out, but people said they liked it."

He said he got his first guitar at age 8 by saving money from a paper route. Dillman practiced and practiced, then finally got a teacher — Don Peris from The Innocence Mission.

"Then, I learned to write my own songs," he said.

"Mostly, they're stories about me or people I know," he said. "I don't sift through a dictionary, I just tell stories."

And while Dillman said he's up to any musical challenge, people shouldn't be surprised if he never turns up on "American Idol."

"I hate that show," he said. "Though my wife loves it.

It's taken the creativity out of everything. They just want good-looking people who sing Barry Manilow and Abba songs.

"A person with a guitar and their own material doesn't cut it," Dillman said. "I don't believe in that system, though I do think Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are talented."

He said the only thing he covets from "American Idol" winners are their record deals.

"I want to get on a label, sure," Dillman said. "It's part of the dream — and the journey. I want the whole thing."

The Jack Dillman Band, Sat., 10 p.m., Cherry's Back Alley Bar and Grill, 320 W. Cherry St., 293-9597.

E-mail Carla DiFonzo at cdifonzo@lnpnews.com.