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

April 6 - The Songs of Robert Burns

A variety of artists play their versions of the Scottish bard's songs, including Rod Paterson, Dougie MacLean and Eddi Reader.

 

April 13 - Thistlepod Artists

Hear the full tracks of songs previewed in Thistle & Shamrock's podcast. Artists include the Kathryn Tickell Band, multi-instrumentalist Robin Bullock, and Lau.

 

April 20 - Thistlepod Artists

Hear the full tracks of songs previewed in Thistle & Shamrock's podcast. Artists featured this week include fiddler Pete Clark, singer songwriter Luka Bloom, and Kate Rusby.

 

April 27 - John Doyle

Guitar master, singer, and producer John Doyle is one of the most versatile artists in Irish music. On this program, he talks 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.

 

May 4 - Raise Your Voice

Solo singing is revered in traditional circles, but layers of harmony and massed voices create stunning arrangements of traditional and folk songs. This week features choirs from Scotland and Brittany and some of Thistle & Shamrock's favorite bands in fuller voice.

 

May 11 - Welsh Roots
This week discover roots music from Wales with established and emerging artists, including master of the Welsh triple harp Robin Huw Bowen and singer-songwriter Meic Stevens.

 

May 18 - Words and Music
We uncover musical connections with Stevenson, Yeats, Scott and other literary figures in the company of Bonnie Rideout, Loreena McKennitt, Battlefield Band and Jean Redpath.

 

May 25 - Passing the Torch
Glimpse the future of Celtic music in recordings from emerging artists paired with the masters who inspired them, including North Carolina native Andrew Magill and the great Chicago fiddler Liz Carroll.

 

June 1 - New Anthems

The process is mysterious, has nothing to do with critical acclaim, and can take years to build momentum. But some songs eventually capture the hearts of people from all walks of life who claim them as their own. Hear the Celtic anthems that inspire mass choruses in pubs and sporting venues, and the ones that may do so in years to come.

 

June 8 - Berry Pickers, Song Makers

This week features the music of the traveling berry-picking folk of Scotland and Ireland. 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.

 

June 15 - Together We Sing

In difficult times, music has a special role to play, whether as a fundraising tool for local and international relief or in bringing people together to soothe wounded souls and ease broken hearts. This week features music of hope and healing, including "Hands Across the Water ? A Benefit for the Children of the Tsunami," and other caring collections.

 

June 22 - Celtic Roots Down Under

Australia and New Zealand have thriving Celtic musical communities led by bands Colcannon and Rua, and instrumentalists, including Peter Neumegan, Mark Sanders, Dougal Adams and Ormonde Waters. Aussies Luke Plumb and Steve Cooney have reverse-migrated to the northern hemisphere to settle in Scotland and Ireland and make fine music there.

 

June 29 -  Alison Brown and Garry West

The co-founders of an independent record label offer an insider's perspective on the music business, and banjo player Alison Brown demonstrates how she has pushed her instrument into new musical territory, securing an international following from fans of jazz, bluegrass, and new acoustic music.