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

June 6 - All Women

We focus this time upon music from some of today's leading women artists, including Òran na Mnà (a Woman's song), original Gaelic compositions by Maggie MacInnes "linking the voices and feelings of women from centuries past to the present day."

June 13 - New Releases and Debuts (part 1)

Catch up on the latest releases from favorite artists who regularly appear in the Thistle playlist, and discover new rising names in roots-based music.

June 20 - New Releases and Debuts (part 2)

There's more! We continue unwrapping the outstanding new music incoming to the Thistle mailbox.

June 27 - Bridges

There are loads of songs and tunes commemorating the landmarks that span our rivers and railways. Every bit as powerful as these physical structures, music is our bridge across time and place and our way to connect with one another. Cross all forms of bridges with us this week.

July 4 - Sheila Kay Adams

For seven generations her family has passed down English, Scottish and Irish ballads that crossed the Atlantic with their ancestors in the 1700s. Join Fiona and the intimate audience gathered at the Swannanoa Gathering during its Traditional Song Week to enjoy the Appalachian ballads and stories of the unique singer, author and tradition-bearer Sheila Kay Adams.

July 11 - Summer Isles

Na h-Eileanan Samhraidh, The Summer Isles, is an archipelago lying at the mouth of a loch in the Highlands of Scotland. This is our notional departure point for a musical voyage through Hebrides in the light and warmth of the season.

July 18 - Soundtracks

The Chieftains created an Oscar award-winning soundtrack to the 1975 movie Barry Lyndon. In the decades since, the film industry has provided a platform for many commissions of new music drawn from Celtic roots and traditions. We listen to some memorable contributions for the cinema and small screen.

July 25 - Armorica

The peninsula that became Brittany was first named "Armorica" after the Roman conquest of ancient Gaul. Migration from Britain created a distinct community in culture and language and this is reflected in the music and song of today's "Bretagne" or Brittany. Join us to discover the intoxicating music of this coastal area.

August 1 - Song of the Times

An old ballad may offer a fascinating glimpse of the past but what do today's songwriters have to say about our contemporary concerns? Find out this week.

August 8 - Little Windows

Meet Julee Glaub and Mark Weems, who mix Appalachian and Irish music and relish the beauty of two unaccompanied voices in close harmony. Hear them weave their timeless harmonies and talk about the power of communal song.

August 15 - New Waves

Celtic music is constantly evolving and finding new pathways. Join us for new music from the crest of the wave.

August 22 - One, Two...

Enjoy this hour dedicated to some of the great solo artists and duos whose craft is uncluttered, crystal-clear acoustic music.

August 29 - ...And Three

In guitar, fiddle, accordion trios and other three-way instrumental combinations, you can really hear the interplay between artists. This hour features classic and newly formed musical threesomes weaving their melodies and rhythms together in an intoxicating blend.

September 5 - Dáithí Sproule

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.

September 12 - What's New?

Our Thistle mailbox is never empty. Join Fiona as she opens some of the recent deliveries and plays them on the radio for the first time.

September 19 - Pulse of the City

Our music often evokes wild landscapes and open spaces but not this week. Hear an hour of music from where most people live and work in our celebration of some well-loved and well-worn cityscapes.

September 26 - Hands Across the Water

This week's music is all-American, revealing the quality and range of music from Celtic roots that thrives in communities across the United States.

October 3 -  What in the World

Circumnavigate the world of Celtic music with Afro-Balkan-Latin-Urban-Country-Celtic fusion!