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NPR logo NPR Music
Special Series

The Thistle & Shamrock

Host Fiona Ritchie explores Celtic roots music on her weekly radio program
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Alasdair Fraser is featured on this week's show.

Alasdair Fraser is featured on this week's show. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock: Dance Time

December 1, 2014 • The rhythms of Celtic music work their way down into your feet; before you know it, you're dancing.

Listen Loading… 57:57
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Maggie MacInnes.

Maggie MacInnes. John Slavin/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption John Slavin/Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock: Islanders

November 21, 2014 • From Shetland and Orkney to the Hebrides, the Isle of Man and Rathlin Island, this week's diverse choice of music is far from insular.

Listen Loading… 57:58
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Luka Bloom.

Luka Bloom. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock: Jazz

November 12, 2014 • Luka Bloom and Karan Casey are best known for singing traditional and contemporary folk songs. Hear them and others as they work with jazz artists to craft a different style of music.

Listen Loading… 57:59
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Alan Stivell.

Alan Stivell. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock: Brittany

November 6, 2014 • Intoxicating melodies fill the air this week, with Breton bands Kornog and Skolvan, vocalist Annie Ebrel and the father of contemporary Celtic music in Brittany, Alan Stivell.

Listen Loading… 57:21
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The Thistle & Shamrock: Tales For All Hallow's Eve

October 31, 2014 • Hear music for the season and spine-chilling Scottish tales, narrated by host Fiona Ritchie.

Listen Loading… 57:59
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Crooked Still.

Crooked Still. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption Courtesy of the artist

New Fall Sounds 2

October 24, 2014 • Join host Fiona Ritchie as she showcases new music from established artists and emerging talent.

Listen Loading… 57:59
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Alan Kelly Gang.

Alan Kelly Gang. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock: New Fall Sounds 1

October 15, 2014 • Join Fiona Ritchie as she explores the latest batch of releases, hearing what's new from established artists and uncovering the emerging talent.

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Archie Fisher.

Archie Fisher. Stephanie Tristam/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption Stephanie Tristam/Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock: Lowlands

October 10, 2014 • From shipyards and farmlands to mills and mining villages, the Scottish Lowlands have been a hive of activity for centuries. Tour the musical landscape with Archie Fisher, Deaf Shepherd, and more.

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Tony McManus.

Tony McManus. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock: Canada

October 1, 2014 • Travel to Cape Breton, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and on into the west to hear the authentic Celtic-rooted music of Canada.

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Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill.

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill. Erin Baiano/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

itoggle caption Erin Baiano/Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock: Irish Pairs

September 24, 2014 • Few musical sounds make a more honest and direct statement than duos in the Irish tradition. Enjoy them combining their voices, guitars, fiddles, flutes and more acoustic instruments.

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