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 2 - American Original: The Wisdom of Pete Seeger

Hear reflections of one of the great figures of American folksong, along with music from a remarkable life, recorded during Fiona's visit with Pete Seeger.

January 9 - Cherish The Ladies

Celebrate the New Year in the company of this immensely popular band, a collection of globetrotting instrumentalists and singers who perform close to 200 gigs each year. This show features vintage concert highlights.

January 16 - Northern Highlights

This week, music from Scandinavian artists and their soul mates in the most northerly reaches of the Celtic world. Listen for the Orkney duo Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley, Aly Bain and Ale Moller, Vartina, Vasen, and the inspired pairing of English accordion player Karen Tweed with Finnish pianist Timo Alakotila.

January 23 - Celtic Piano

Antoni O'Breskey, Mícháel Ó'Súilleabháin (pron: O'Sullivan), and Triona Ní Dhomhnaill (pron: Nee Gonnel) headline an hour of Celtic piano music.

January 30 - Songs Of Robert Burns

Hear various artists in the intoxicating embrace of the Scottish bard's songs, including Rod Paterson and Eddi Reader.

February 6 - A Broader Canvass

We shift the spotlight away from Irish and Scottish music this week to illuminate traditions from Celtic roots in Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Galicia, Asturias, Wales and Brittany.

February 13 - Dougie MacLean

Hear of the life and times of Scottish singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean, who joins us to chat and share some of his back catalog.

February 20 - A Different Kind Of Love Song

Move beyond the traditional notion of romantic love this week to hear of a love of landscape, of whisky, and of the natural world. Listen for contributions from Shooglenifty, Maura O'Connell, Tony McManus, Danu, Lunasa, Ceolbeg (pron: Kull-beg) and many more.

February 27 - Wales

Explore the diverse indigenous musical traditions of Wales with 4 Yn Y Bar, Sian James, Carreg Lafar, Gwerinos, and the roving ambassador of Welsh music, harper Robin Huw Bowen.

March 6 - Live And Kicking

Live performances electrify this hour of music with Donal Lunny, Jim Malcolm, Skolvan, and Capercaillie.

March 13 - Irish Pairs

Few musical sounds make a more honest and direct statement than duos in the Irish tradition. So we feature pairs this week: the fiddle of Martin Hayes in dialog with Dennis Cahill's guitar, the late Frankie Kennedy whose flute soars in partnership with Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh's fiddle (pron: Nee Weeney), the intertwined voices of sisters Maighread and Triona Ní Dhomhnaill (pron: Nee Gonnel) and Claire Mann on flute, whistle and fiddle, teaming up with bouzouki player and guitarist Aaron Jones.

March 20 - Tomorrow, Today

There have never been more youngsters playing traditional music than there are today, and this trend stretches from Scotland to Ireland and across North America. It is finally cool to learn fiddle, pipes, harp and all the rest, and the performance standards continue to rise. The future for this music is exciting. And it starts today.

March 27 - Canada

Travel to Cape Breton, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and beyond to hear the authentic Celtic traditions of Canada with Leahy, Loreena McKennitt, Mary Jane Lamond, Natalie MacMaster, and more.

April 3 - Jim Malcolm

Meet a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, once a member of Old Blind Dogs, who now plies his musical trade as a solo performer.