Spirited reels and jigs, and haunting ballads of days gone by, harmonious strains and exuberant rhythms of “new music" born of tradition — such are the gentle pleasures of The Thistle & Shamrock.   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.

Airs:  8 p.m. Sunday on KSTX 89.1 FM
Website:  www.npr.org/programs/thistle/