Spirited reels and jigs, and haunting ballads of days gone by, harmonious strains and exuberant rhythms of new music born of deep roots - such are the pleasures of The Thistle & Shamrock. Now in its 20th year of national distribution, the one-hour weekly Celtic music series embraces the spirit and character of America's thriving cultural influences.

Hosted by Fiona Ritchie, one of the most engaging hosts on the radio, Thistle comes to listeners from Edinburgh, Scotland, via NPR member stations. Ritchie beckons listeners to her radio soundstage, in the rich warm accent of her homeland. There, for an hour each week, music, legend and the sturdy fiber of Celtic culture are woven into a richly embroidered tapestry. While The Thistle & Shamrock's magical strands reach back thousands of years, they also reflect an integral part of contemporary life in the Celtic fringe of Europe.

Thistle's copious assembly of recordings showcase artists of today and yesterday and performances captured on location. Ritchie also presents exclusive in-studio appearances by leading Celtic music performers from both sides of the Atlantic.

The object of considerable critical acclaim and admiration from folk music communities, Thistle was conceived by Ritchie as a way to share the vibrant, joyful and authentic sounds of Celtic music with pubic radio listeners. Ritchie selected the show's title to evoke the cozy pubs and lounges in which Celtic tunes are heard most often.

Thistle & Shamrock Home Page

January 10 -New Year, New Voices

Open your heart to fresh sounds from some unforgettable voices and discover why Celtic singers and songs have such international appeal. Listen for Pauline Scanlon, Bodega, Cara Dillon, and Loreena McKennitt.

January 17 -John Doyle

Guitar master, singer, and producer John Doyle is one of the most versatile artists in Irish music. Find out about his signature rhythmic guitar style, how he develops his irresistible arrangements and his life as a transplanted Dubliner in the mountains of North Carolina.

January 24 -Berry Pickers, Song Makers

They camped across the land performing seasonal farm labor and repair work for the settled community. Along the way they picked up songs and stories and became a great source of traditional balladry and storytelling. We hear the music of the traveling folk of Scotland and Ireland this week.

January 31 -Eternal Burns

Join us in marking the annual celebration of the birth of the Scotland's National Bard with an hour of musical innovation and tradition inspired by Robert Burns' legacy.

February 7 - What's New?

The new releases come thick and fast to our radio show mailboxes in the U.S. and Scotland. This week we catch up on the latest music from your favorites and discover the new artists to win deserved airtime with their debut releases.

February 14 - Alison Brown and Garry West

Get the insider's perspective on the music business from the cofounders of an independent record label, and hear how banjo player Alison Brown has pushed her instrument into new musical territory to secure an international following from fans of jazz, bluegrass, and new acoustic music.

February 21 - New Gaelic Voices

Explore the branches of contemporary song sprouting from the roots of ancient vocal traditions with Alyth McCormack, Nuala Kennedy and Julie Fowlis.

February 28 - Welsh Roots

Check out some of the emerging roots music from Wales with established and emerging artists, including master of the Welsh triple harp Robin Huw Bowen and singer songwriter Meic Stevens.

March 7 - Fiddle Styles

Sample the tasty fiddle flavors of music from Celtic roots with Catriona Macdonald, Pete Clark and Celtic Fiddle Festival.

March 14 - Dáithí Sproule

"One of Irish music's greatest guitar accompanists" - All Music Guide
Meet one of the gentle architects of today's Irish music sound. Join Fiona and the intimate audience gathered at the Swannanoa Gathering during its Traditional Song Week to enjoy musical insights, conversation and song with Dáithí Sproule, as he talks about working with Skara Brae, Liz Carroll Trian and Altan.

March 21 - Mando Banjo Magic

Stringed instruments of all sorts help forge this music's identity. This week we feature two that have become central to its sound with Seamus Egan, Jane Rothfield, and Gerry O'Connor.

March 28 - The Silver Collection

From timeless vinyl to pioneering MP3s, enjoy an hour of musical masterpieces from over 25 years of Thistle with Liz Carroll, Alan Stivell, Christy Moore and Lúnasa.

April 4 - Atlantic Bridge

From dance tunes to Gaelic airs, the musical links between old world and new come alive with Scotland's Alasdair Fraser, Cape Breton's Dougie MacDonald, Ireland's Maeve Donnolly and more.