thistleradio.com

I was fortunate to live in the Deep South and catch Thisle and Shamrock when it first went National in the mid-80s.  Mum is from Moss Park (Glasgow); she and her Scots family instilled a deep love and reverence for Celtic music.  'Thistle' replenished that love and introduced me to wonderfully varied gaelic-inspired folk music from around the world. The show is full of delightful and unexpected performances, thanks to Fiona's clever programming and comentary.

I am so glad I have found a place where I can indulge my Celtic music enjoyment. I particularly enjoyed '20 Questions' with Karen Casey, have been capticated by her voice since Solas. Any more features coming up on Karen?

Regards

Marie at Real Ghosts

you're nice, just love u...

:)

Hi Fiona,

Wow what can I say?  I adore your show and love Celtic music. It's so refreshing to hear especially given all the manufactured reality TV rubbish they pass off as music these days.

I love the ambience and structure of Celtic music, it's beautiful. I wish you all the best and hope your show continues for many years.

All the best, Simon from Boating Holidays UK

Just a note to say we've forwarded the posting below "Is this Irish?" to NPR News. The Thistle & Shamrock radio production is completely unconnected to the NPR News Department. Consequently we have nothing whatsoever to do with their broadcasts or editorial agenda. But we are dedicated listeners! 

Ok, so... what about the music?

Still love you after all these years!  You could never know how important your shows and interviews are in connecting Celts  ( and Celtiphles) world over to  music that means more than words can say!  May we never take you for granted..

Thanks, as usual,

Sherry Keith

P.S. Thrill of a lifetime to really meet you at the 2009 Perthshire Amber Festival.. At Birnam... at  the fiddle contest! 

Fiona,

I love your show!  It's introduced me to many artists.  I support your show on my local public radio station, but most often I'm able to listen to it on this website.

I am impatient though - the last two shows aren't up on the "listen again" page, and I can't wait to listen to them!  I hope they'll be available soon!

Kristy

Fiona,

As a "transplanted American" as my friend calls it; I absolutely LOVE the show. I was first introduced to it by my big sister when I was about six or so. I've listened ever since then. My best friend used to call me from the Bandera, TX because the NPR station there played the show, and I'd listen over the phone for years because ours doesn't have it that I can find. Through the show, I learned of so many artists that no one around here had known, and rediscovered some my grandparents had listened to. In other words "thistle" is my happy place. I absolutely love the Listen again on the site!!!! no more listening over the telephone! :D

HUGE HUGS and MAANY THANKS; it's a refuge this Aspie. (person with a light form of Autism called "Asperger's Syndrome)

~Eilidh Hanrahan

Fiona,

Your show is fabulous! I am transported back to the Emerald Isle everytime I listen...such a soothing way to unwind and imagine myself far away. Keep up your beautiful work!

-Molly

(Upstate New York)

Fiona, thank you very much for your program, which we have here on Saturday evenings on NPR. I love the rich potpourri of the music and musicians you present, but my favorite part has always been listening to your voice - your accent is a trip! ("Accent? What accent? Isn't this how normal people talk?" Yes, I know.  We ALL have accents, yours is just a lot more colorful than most.) And (if I may say it), you're as beautiful as your voice.

It was really fascinating reading your biography on this site. Who knew you came from such a background? Well, your career choice was psychology's loss but music's gain. Keep up the good work.

NPR, Fiona, et al,

I've been listening to NPR for a few years now, but had never heard this show until just yesterday!  As a fan of traditional Celtic music I was very pleasantly surprised.  I'm so glad that NPR has this show, and I will definitely try to catch it every week now!

 Thank you!

How about those 'designer watches' spam postings?  Phew! I do try to keep them filtered out so I can read all your great feedback and generous words. Thank you so much.  As I make these radio shows an ocean apart from most of you listeners, the Guestbook has become a lovely way to know it's all reaching the ears of those who most enjoy the music.  So, thanks again for listening and taking the time to get in touch via the website.  And sorry if you came here to buy a watch... we're all out. :)

Yours, Fiona

Fiona, NPR et al,

Thank you for the show. I've been listening now for about 4 years in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana area. I am often astounded by the variety of music, from the slow, hauntingly beautiful ballads to the fast, celebratory instrumentals. I am glad that you have made the discovery and delivery of this music your passion, we all benefit from your diligence.

Joe

Greetings from America!

Many thanks for the wonderful show you've been putting on for so long. It encouraged me to research family history and find out where my people came from. I was delighted to discover that I am a Highlander (Clan MacDonald of Keppoch), and now I wear the kilt with true Scottish Pride. Bless you for all you do!

Alex McPhillips

I listen to NRP any time I'm in my car, but have never gotten a chance to hear this program. This past saturday was the first time I had and I was blown away. It was only to be a quick trip to the store and back (5 mins) ended up being a 45 min trip, due to the fact that I just sat in my drive way for 40 mins listening.

my wife is vary mad at you LOL.

but I'll be back listening again every sat from now on.

Liam

Stevensville, Ontario. Canada

Every Thursday night at Dargan's on State Street in Santa Barbara, a wonderful band called Dannsair plays from 6:30 - 8:30.  I was able to catch the last hour of their gig and was impressed.  They did a couple of covers -- Cherish The Ladies "Bonkers from Yonkers", Solas "Wind That Shakes The Barley", along with some traditional jigs and reels from their annual treks to Ireland.  So much delighted with what I heard, I bought their latest CD "The Galway Train" and was not disappointed.  They have a website (http://www.dannsair.com) that you can check out. 

The food at Dargan's was great!! I had the Irish Stew and sampled the Shepherds Pie.  Both savory and served piping hot. When you get great comfort food on a business trip, it is noteworthy.

Until next time!

Gary 

Hello Fiona;

I have been listioning to your program for years, and every year it becomes more precious to me. When I look back at my childhood, the music defined certain memories for me, and I think that the music helped me to be calm when I felt lost or uncared for. Thank you so much for being apart of this radio program. It means so much to so many of us. My children listion as well, have a blessed day.

Sincerely; Mrs. Sarajane Pence

Dear Fiona,

I've  been listening to Thistle & Shamrock for years and enjoying it every bit but tonight, with Bonnie Ridout & John (I'm sorry .. I've forgotten his surname) was especially grand!  Thanks for always bringing us such interesting and evocative music.

 Derrith 

   Lovely in form, in voice, and in heart.

   Here on the Blue Ridge, where winds bring the music of the trees to my ears, I listen weekly and more to you, dear Fiona.

    Have you done anything with Celtic Rock, such as the bad boys, Enter the haggis:

http://www.enterthehaggis.com/

     Their bold combination of traditional and contemporary music makes my heart sing.

       As does your voice!

                              Arne

Dear friends:  Thanks for all the wonderful support and feedback in these Guestbook postings.  That's what's kept me doing this through all the years.  For thosel of you who lament the show's absence from your local public radio station in MN, LA and anywhere else, all I can suggest is that you write and support your station to see if they'll bring it back.  Know a local business who could underwrite the NPR fee for The Thistle & Shamrock?  That may help.

As with the music business and media in general, the landscape of radio has been changing at a staggering pace in recent years.  Even public radio stations, though ever true to their core values, feel the pressure of market forces.  This is why they sometimes streamline program schedules and one-hour programs like mine can suddenly disappear.  But Thistle can be reinstated just as suddenly when there's enough interest.  So don't give up!

Thanks for being the most amazing listeners in radio history. :)

Warmest wishes from Scotland,

Fiona 

I used to listen to Thistle & Shamrock on a public radio station here in MN as a child.  Every Sunday night, everything else would be shut off for an hour and my father would turn on the show.  It was something I looked forward to each week, and I still remember our shock and disappointment when we turned on the radio one Sunday and it was no longer there.

I never forgot it, though, and it cultivated my love for this music.  Sure do wish it would come back.

You put on a fabulous program Fiona....

I listened locally here in Los Angeles for years, even taping you shows (for personal use) and then you disappeared....is there a chance you may be carried here again soon?

All the best and Thanks again,

Sandy

Wow, Great music..

aerobic exercise

sorry, here's the link:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbTw61sr82I

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbTw61sr82I

This is great music--I really enjoy it!!

The concert in DC had to be moved from the Lyceum in Alexandria to McGinty's Pub in Arlington.  There were very few no shows and the space was "cozy."  John and Karan were relaxed and created an atmosphere of warmth to go with the comfort food of Shepherd's Pie, Lamb Stew, and delicious Merlot served by McGinty's. 

Karan and John performed nearly all the songs from their new CD "Exiles Return." The performance highlighted Karan's musicality and interpretation of John's compositions.  The CD is equally satisfying and captures the essence of the deep, profound connection between Ireland and the US through John's songwriting style. Their show was a treat and highly recommended.

There are only a few dates left that you can catch them in the US this spring.  Check out Karan's website, http://www.karancasey.com for more info. 

Could not be better. I will not even tell you how many years I have listen to your program. Every Sunday night you and I had a date. I enjoyed your show and found out some very good music and bands from you. Till some time ago they either changed your  playing hours or the local station dropped you. I still follow a lot of the  bands but was not the same with your comments and history. If fact I use to hike to walking songs, till one night you told me they were working songs. Don't tell anyone I still hike to them.

Now just before Valintines Day I found you again on the internet. so we'll have a date again soon as I find out your new hours and station. I am in love again LOL.. Will

Hi Fiona,

Will you be attending Swannanoa this year? 

The snow is brutal in DC.  Hoping that the Karen Casey-John Doyle concert is on for tomorrow nite!  Will write a review for you.

Gary

Hi,

I have enjoyed your show for 20 years from my living room in Montana.

Thanks,

Fiona

Fiona,

I've been listening since the 80's wherever I have lived.  Your show brings a touch of joy and soul to life each week.  Thank you for bringing this into our lives.

I missed you, Fiona! I used to listen to you on WHYY in Philadelphia, but your show used to appear much earlier on Saturday evenings. Now it's on at 11 p.m. I'm glad to have found thistleradio.com and am now listening to some of your earlier shows, including Irish Classics.

I have bookmarked your Web site and will be back often.

Bob Mitchell, King of Prussia, PA

Fiona,

I just wanted to give my thanks to you for bringing so much music to my life. I first heard your show in 1984 when the only contact I had to the outside world was WHRO Public Radio out of Norfolk, VA.

I follow you where ever I am, which is now WAMU in Washington DC. 

Happy New Year Fiona!

I have enjoyed your show for 15 years, here in Havelock, NC (Eastern Carolina @ Public Radio East/NPR). Thank you so much for the years of bring us such great music and culture. Blessings.

I missed the Pete Seeger broadcast. I wish there was a way to listen to it now.

Love you show. Our family has Callahan, McDonald, McEver, and other DNA from the British Isles.  Keep up the good work.

Happy New Year to all.

Dear Fiona, Thank you so much for your program.  I was originally a listener in a suburb of Phila. PA, now use the listen again feature on your site to listen here in Saylorsburg, PA over the internet.  I so enjoyed the Nollaig/Xmas show.  Connemara show was very impressive too.  I look fwd to hearing the music, and you too!   

I missed the Pete Seeger broadcast, whenever it was, and am SO enjoying listening to it.  And of course singing along.  I love all kind of Celtic music, but Pete is a part of my teenage years.

Fiona, your show is the best on NPR.

Fiona

you have a great show, My NPR station stopped playing your show. are you on the NPR station on Sirus/XM?

I enjoy listening to Celtic Music it reminds me of my great trip to Scotland in 2007. I hope to return again 

After being a faithful listener for many years (I even taped the show and listened to it every day of the following week in my car) I moved to the Netherlands 5 years ago and was so upset that I couldn't listen any longer.

I have just found the Thistle website and I am so happy that I can listen again.

Keep it coming Fiona!

While driving home from a family Christmas, I was flipping channels and found your music!  I am a MacLeod. Although I was born in the states, I am very proud of my heritage. I was thrilled to have found it and will be a loyal listener.  Will pass it on as well.

Blessings to you!

Have been listening to Thistle and Shamrock, and Thistlepod too, courtesy of my wife, who has  been a long time listener.  Thankfully there are plenty of stations that streaming at whichever time on whatever day that we can listen.... anywhere from Carolina to Hawaii, from Texas to Alaska, WOW!

It's a delight to hear the music and your comments.   Thanks for bringing the music that is in our blood.

Aloha

I so enjoy your radio program here in Haiku Maui in Hawaii.

Mahalo"Thank You".

Just want to say how much all your positive feedback means to me.  I really enjoyed producing the Pete Seeger show and feel his message is both timeless and timely.  Glad so many of you were able to hear it.  Look out for the show on this site in 'Listen Again'.

Thanks again to everyone.

Fiona

The show featuring Pete Seeger that was broadcast on Thanksgiving weekend was wonderful. While it may have been one of the least "Celtic" shows, it will certainly be one of the most memorable. I'm blogging about it in hopes a few more people might get to hear it.

I've been listening to the show since the 1980s. I used to do a folk show on WICN in Worcester, Massachusetts that ran just before The Thistle & Shamrock. Now I'm hearing the show on KOPB in Portland, Oregon. If I can't listen when they broadcast it, it's good to know I can catch it via another station's streaming audio or through the Listen Again feature.

Thanks for doing such a great show for all these years!

I was driving back from the farm and caught your show for the first time.  After 36 hours on a combine and tractor it was such a godsend.  I'm glad there is a program out there stepping away from the main stream.  Thank you for introducing me to Michelle Burke.  I love her version of Molly Bawn.

Amanda

Saw CTL this past Sunday in Frederick, MD with a nearly sold out house. The energy from the audience was much higher there than what I experienced at Wolf Trap 2-1/2 years before.  The audience on Sunday responded readily to Joanie and her lively banter.  After nearly 25 years together I can certainly understand that a person can forget where you've played before. My fiancee, Deirdre, had seen them in Frederick before but none of the girls could remember.  Joanie in classic style was able to turn that oversight into a humorous link throughout the concert, occasionally checking to see if a particular jig or reel had been repeated from the previous performance.  Their new vocalist, Michelle Burke who hails from Co. Cork was brilliant in her renditions and presentation.  The most poigniant part was after the intermission with Joanie remembering the passing of her Dad and of Mary's Dad in the recent past and telling a short story about them.   It is worth the ticket price to truly classic traditional celtic band having the virtuosity to keep the music fresh for new generations and every audience.

Gary

Having trouble getting you on local stations here in Northern VA. So glad to see I can now get at least a few shows on the internet. Now I can listen any time (even at work!)

Thanks for all the great music and shows over the last 25 years or so. Can't remember when I started listening.

Best regards and keep up the good work.

Dear Fiona,

My husband and I were traveling home this Sunday evening and came across your radio boardcast on Lansings Public Radio here in the U.S. We just looked at each other and smiled when we heard the music. I have a love for everything celtic and my dream vacation is to take a trip to Scotland someday. Thank you so much for making it possible for us to share your wonderful music from miles away...  =)

Dear Fiona and the Thistle team!

 Thank you so much for all the wonderfully rich treasure chest -full of music you have shared with us over the years.  I have been a great but infrequent fan since tuning in by chance on WLRN in Miami ages ago.  Thank you for teasing out the threads of our celtic heritage woven through the musical history of Europe and the Americas.

Thanks for all the hard work that you put into this show.

love the show been a fan for years

duck 

Hi Fiona

Liz gave me this link sometime ago, but my message seems to have disappeared, maybe you thought it was "Robert spam". Anyway now that we've joined the diaspora thought I would give it a listen. Hope your enjoying your indian summer!

I have been listening to your program for years. Thank goodness for streaming. It's interesting to learn the roots and origin of the music you play.

It's always nice to accidentally find you on the radio when I am on the road!

I love your accent, Fiona!

 Tapadh leat!

The Guestbook has returned after a rest from spammers and web-wandering robots! Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments and feedback.

Thistleradio team

Woops! Sorry about the sudden flood of robot-sent messages and spam here on the Guestbook. We're looking into better filtering and I've deleted all the rubbish leaving space for me to say: thanks again for all the great encouragement and support in your Guestbook postings.

Have a great summer

Fiona

Discovering great artists like Bodega and Carlos Nunez would not have been possible without your show. How much more musically rich my life is now! Thank you for all the beautiful programs.

Fiona,

Keep up the great work.  Been listening for years.  Your probram is a bright spot in my week.

Lon Lutz

Long time listener - the wife knows not to disturb me during our time together (she listens too).  Enjoying the new site!

Jim

These guestbook messages are gifts that give me purpose on late night recording sessions. Thanks so much for iistening and for sharing your joy in the music.

Fiona

I loved listening to your show while at college in San Luis Obispo in the 80's and have missed it since graduating and coming to L. A. County.

I'm glad you now stream your show to those of us in the wasteland that is "the media capital of the world". :)

Huzzahs and thanks lass! 

Dear Fiona,

My family and I have been listening to the Thistle and Shamrock since 1989 on Nashville Public Radio (WPLN).  We have enjoyed so many hours of songs you've picked out for us to hear.  It inspired us to make the 2 week trip to Ireland in 2001 to visit towns like Milltown Malbay, Lisdoonvarna, and Doolin, County Clare.  We even met Leo, Enya's father, in the town of Gweedore, Co. Donegal.  We support public radio, as do our children, and your voice each Saturday night is something we still look forward to.  Hope you continue the spark to find more music.  All the best,

Rick and Ann Marie Mullen

You've done a great job with this show!!!

Turned 21 in Dumfries while on a NSF grant at the Crichton Royal Hospital.  The local folk were wonderful, and I continue to have special memories of that that summer.

Thanks everyone for the lovely feedback here on the Guestbook. So glad to know you're enjoying what you hear on Thistle. It all feeds my enthusiasm to keep it up and, yes, you are officially the best radio listeners in the universe!

Feel free to join me on Twitter to exchange ideas or... nothing in particular .

Cheers,

Fiona

Fiona

I'm so glad that I just discovered "thistleradio.com"!!!  There have been many times that I've missed the show but, now I can go back and listen to some of the ones I've missed.  I was raised by my Grandmother who was born in Kentucky, but we lived in Idaho.  She could play just about any musical intrument and as a young boy I remember Saturday nights when a few people got together and played music so much like you play! Thank you for your show!

i love the show...i'm of Scottish/Appalachian heritage...i hear the voice of my ancestors in the music featured on T&S

the show featuring Little Windows was one of the best things i've ever heard on NPR...and that is saying quiet a lot...

keep up the great work...

Hey Jenny R - you are entry number 100 in the Guestbook so thanks and you'll get a prize when we launch the new products! xx

Hey Fiona

Keep up the good work with the show! Bring out purple polo shirts i will buy one!!

much love wp

xxxx

Your guest book entries are so interesting, fun and rewarding to read. Makes me feel grateful for the opportunity to connect offered by the good ole web.

Cheers to all!

Happy Tartan Day to you.

The best time of the week is Saturday night when your show is on WHYY here in Philly.

It  stirs memories of my birthplace in Hendersonville, N C, and my exposure to the music of the mountains.  My maternal grandmother Lily McCarson grew up in a log cabin there.  Corn, McCarson, heck, you can't get more Celtic than that; no wonder I like the music.

Regards,

Duane Corn 

Saturday Night.....11:00 pm  End Of the Week end Day

Throw one more log on the fire. A splash of the Powers.

Retire to bed with the Comforting sounds of Celtic Music.

Ahh...The THISTLE.

Dubhshlaine

Dear, Fiona

   I live in the US. My last name is Ritchie. I have green eyes, red hair, and freckles. I have been looking for my roots. I have a daughter who has cystic fibrosis, I heard it affects the Irish and Scottish more than anyone. I have been doing fundraising for the Cf foundation at www.cfireland.ie and www.cff.org There is a new research center in Chapel Hill, NC devoted to CF research and genetic engineering. I have been contacting any radio host anywhere who will listen, to help fundraise and raise awareness. I only have one child to lose. So, If you have any info you can give me to help. It would be greatly appreciated.

                                           Sincerely, Kathleen Ritchie

This is the first time I have listened to this show. 

Fantastic show tonight! Solas is so amazing I've got tears in my ears from listening bliss! 

I'm glad this website was given out on public radio (KUHF here in Houston). Now I can really connect to this wonderful music all the time. I'm in Sugar Land (same as Houston) Texas. Huge fan of Irish music! Where can I buy their music? Keep up the great work.

Sarah (below) and everyone!  Thanks so much for listening through the years and click here to celebrate St. Patrick's Day all week long with a four full episodes of Thistle exclusively on NPR Music.

Also - we will very soon announce a way for you to Listen Again to each week's show right here on our website. 

Hang in there and thanks for getting in touch :)

I have gone over 3 years without being able to hear the show, and miss it horribly!  I grew up listening to Thistle & Shamrock in Richmond, VA, but when we moved down to Florida, I haven't been able to find a station that broadcasts it in the Tampa area.  I found the website, which got me really excited, and I just subscrbed to the Thistlepod podcast on itunes, but would love to be able to hear the full show each week.  Any recommendations?

I'm glad you're still at it, Fiona!  I know every one else compliments you, too, but I get absolutely entranced by your voice!  Thanks!

Hi all!

Thanks for the lovely comments and great feedback.  Glad to know you are finding the website useful too.

Thanks again for listening and when you don't have your radio on, stay in touch through my updates on Twitter!

All the very best,

Fiona

love your show when i get to hear on sundays at 5 pm when i get the chance ! also love your voice. its very beautiful!

well here goes i was born of the clan wright, also clan dunaway and irvings, also the shepherds. and i have a lot of famous singer in my family distant cousins like waylon a. jennings since my great grandmother was a jennings. but im also a mixture of alqonquin and scotch irish and more which my family hailed from that area of north carolina and virginia and kentucky  we are all johnnie rebs to the hilt!

I love you Fiona and your show.  I first fell in love with your voice in 1995, then I seen you were also very beautiful.

Keep up the good work.  Life would be very droll without the Thistle and Shamrock.

We left behind eleven years of WGBH's Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donavan in the Boston area and now we're sitting here in Wyoming listening to, lo and behold, Thistle and Shamrock, something we haven't heard for decades.  I'm sorry it's not three hours long like Brian's show but hey, I'll be happy with the one.  Thank you so much for enduring!

Love the show.

Thank you so much for the wonderful music!  Our young family has listened to you since we moved from South Florida to Salisbury, NC (just outside Charlotte) almost ten years ago.  Then, we only had one three year old little boy, now we have three amazing boys aged 2, 8, and 12.  Your show has sparked interest in the boys for Celtic music and even inspired the 8 year old to play the violin just so he could play "irish music".  You have become a staple in our house, making staying in "cool".  Thank you , thank you, thank you!!!

Jason, Shakeisha, Zane, Gage, and Griffin

Your greetings for 2009 and lovely comments about Thistle are greatly appreciated.  Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to sign the Guestbook and here's to a good year ahead for us all.

Love and peace,  Fiona

ps

I'm now using the social networking site Twitter to send out quick updates, including brief music reviews, radio listening tips etc.  Seems like another good way to connect without me cluttering up your Guestbook or the website in general with my wee bits of chat. You can sign up for free and receive my Tweets at twitter.com/fionasays.  We'll see how this goes!

Looks like I'm lucky to have the first comment for '09.  Glad I can express my thanks for the many years of pleasure listening to Fiona and her music- at least 20 years after getting hooked on Celtic music.  Always found a station that carried it, CA, WI, now IL.  Love all the different regional music styles.  Even celtic jazz!  This is interesting and hope it grows.  T&S is the highlight of my week.  I even have a coworker named Fiona I share celtic CDs with.  And another Chinese couple at work named their baby Fiona (they're not a listener but the baby will be I bet).   Go Fiona!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

Looking forward to your company for another year of sharing great music

Fiona, keep up the wonderful music (especially the thistle).   Love the music, bagpipes, plaid, etc.   If you ever do a tour of Scotland, I'm in.

Heard a song awhile back on the show, and of course can't recall artist or title now.

It told a story of a young man meeting a young woman at a fair, then waking up the next day without any money or clothes, and having to go back to his ship wearing her dress...? 

Thanks for any help here. 

Thanks for featuring such beautiful music that gets into my heart and body.  It gives my chills and makes me dance!

Excellent guest and web site.. I like it..

babu

www.quickinfo247.com/7385520.47/Overview

Thanks you so much fiona! I am not directly of celtic decent although I have scottish and irish as well as english ancestry--amongst the myriad (you could not tell by my dark skin and curly hair) but I feel a great viceral connection to the music on your show, much as a do with native american music. Thank you again for presenting humanity with beauty.

Dante

I would like to ask a question of anyone who can provide an answer. In 1988, I heard a song, "Glencoe," on a tape whose composer and singer were and are unknown to me. There was also an additional song on the tape having to do with "centipedes," which I believe was from the same artist. Is there a remote possibility that anyone can name the album (perhaps now a CD) and pass the information my way? Thank you.

 Sincerely,

Mike

Can I just say thank you for all the lovely comments posted here.  It's all very uplifting to me as I plan each week's show.  Right now, I'm watching snow fall outside my window here in Scotland and thinking... soon time for some seasonal tunes!

All the best to everyone who shares these radio hours.

Fiona

"Thistle and Shamrock" has to be the fastest hour program on the air! Excellent! Thank you, Fiona!

While on a very long trip from Michigan to California, my CD player went on the fritz. I had been listening to Silly Wizard at the time. I was somewhere between Arizona and Nevada. All I could find on the radio was country and hip hop/rap. So I would drive in silence for awhile and try again. I was about to give up hope of finding something decent to listen to, when through a lake of static I heard familiar sounds. It wasn't Clannad or Silly Wizard, but it was comforting and eased my frazzled nerves. I was only able to catch the last 15 or 20 min of the braodcast.

Sadly  I have not been able to find Thistle Radio out where I am, getting any radio station is problematic. But I do have my Silly Wizard, Clannad and Steele Eye Span.

Thank you

Well, a Happy Thanksgiving, even if this is belated - - but this weekend is a double holiday, as it finishes with St. Andrew's day. Happy St. Andrews Day to all! So top your leftover turkey with a heaping helping of haggis (yes, I've had it before). And, um...   gee, what else do you have at a Celtic holiday feast?

Anyhow, a grand holiday to all!

WOW! I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED THE PARTY ABOUT THE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING! IT'S A WHOLE OTHER THING ID NEVER REALIUZED EXISTED.

BUT I DEFINITELY LOVE THE FIDDLES,AND THE MORE I HEAR THE MORE I LIKE IT.....

LET'S FACE IT..... I LOVE IT ALL!

THIS IS THE MOST INTERESTING HOUR OF RADIO(OR ANY) LISTENING IVE EXPERIENCED! 

Fiona,

Wow...I can't believe I've only been listening since 91. I thought I'd discovered your amazing program. I used to tape your program on cassette and mail it to my husband as it was not aired on any radio in his area at that time. What wonderful memories! Thank you for bringing all the celtic music - traditional, new, vocals, instrumentals, etc. Thank you!!!

 This is the only weekly calendar event I have programed on my cell phone calendar.  I listen from KUNC in Greeley Colorado have listened for years.   In the 80's while in Moscow Idaho I listened to a folk show called "Inland Folk" from Washington State University

Please produce more The best of Thistle CD's

 Love it

Ive listened from the 80's all thru to now,originally in Chicago,and now down here in Celtic bereft Northern Louisiana,where few bands if an ever tour and i have to get my CDs and be happy with that.

At any rate love your program,especially the new Scots gaelic ands irish gaeic singers,plus the breton and gallician music.

I REALLY LOVE THE GAELIC SINGING,SO DIFFERENT FROM THE ETHEREAL BALLADS......LOVE ESP CHRISTINE PRIMROSE,JULIE FOWLIS AND THE OTHER SCOTS LASSIES.IN FACT FELL IN LOVE WITH CHRISTINES VOICE AND SENT HER A POEM! 

Listening to your show for the 1st time. It is absolutely beautiful! (Sat Nov 1 show). I'll have to put your show on my calendar. Listening from Portland OR, USA. I'm a Scot, and I love Celtic music.

My wife and I used to listen to your program on our local NPR station, and thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of your program.

I wish it were still on, its been years.

Hope to find it again someday on a local station here is Southern California.

Thank you for the wonderful music, and the education.

Your show may be the incentive to break down & get an mp3 player. The T & S don't stop in DC or Northern Virginia anymore. T & S used to be my background track for making Sunday morning pancakes. No sooner had I contributed to keep it on then they moved it t Sunday evening. I got used to that. Now it's gone from DC radio.

Thanks for the pod cast.

I wish to thank you for the great things you said about my dad Greg Duffy.  Music was one of his passions and to be remenbered on this site would please him so much

Thank you

Beth Bradley 

Everytime thistle & shamrock comes on, I can't help but grin.

I love this station =]

I remember listening to these shows in 1984 when Fiona first started them at UNCC. It has been truely at great series of shows over the years. Many of the early shows seemed to be a slice of the old tyme music of western North Carolina that I remembered hearing my grandparent's friends play when I was a young lad. Much of the Scottish Culture that came into the mountains from the colonial period actually survived up until the early 1970's. Prior to the 1970's it wasn't uncommon for friends and neighbor's to gather at each other's house and play the fiddle, banjo, and dulicmer, and sing songs that their parents had taught them. It seems so difficult to catch the radio shows these days. I am glad to see that the show is starting to migrate to the media of the new era (the podcast).

From one 49'er to another,

Greetings and good health to ya. 

By all means, use what you like from my posting. I'm happy to report any concerts that I attend here in the DC area.  Just finished listening to Appalachian Connection whilst drying out from Tropical Storm Hanna. Helping my oldest prepare for grad school at University of Glasgow. She's looking forward to the experience and it gives Dad a chance for another visit!

Best to All!  Gary

Fiona! I've guess I've been listening off and on for the last twenty years! I was lucky to see the 1990 traveling show in Los Angeles when I lived there. I'm in Montana now, where there is great appreciation for all things Celtic. LOVE IT!

Although I don't get to listen to every program, I always learn something new when I do. I'm glad to get the playlists from the website and I purchase the artist's music when I have a few extra dollars.

Thanks for all the great years of fabulous music, education and lots of fun!

Bless you for all you do! Hugs from Eve in Montana.

Many thanks for that great review Gary (below). Might copy and paste it into the "Your Hot Picks" section of the website if that's ok. FYI - a track from this new Solas album "For Love and Laughter" kicks off The Thistle & Shamrock Fall Fundraising program to air soon on many stations.

Tune in, enjoy and support!

When I am able, I love to listen to your program

I usually cannot listen because I am in church at that time but when I can, I listen

 The website is great!  Don't  you love  it ?

Thank you for sharing your  knowledge and love of Celtic music and culture with the world!  We are so much better for it!

I needen't tell you how much you are appreciated.  Many thanks!

Love your show!  We listen on WAMC, 91.7 FM. 

Would love to be able to listen to an entire show via online streaming from your website.  This way we would never miss a broadcast.  ;-)

Keep up the good and interesting work!

  ~ Nancy

Please, we will pay an annual fee for the podcasting, I bet we can ensure ALL the artists get a taste if they play, we pay!

Seriously, humorously, absolutely, happily: seduce the inner capitalists in them, charm their girlfriends, their boyfriends, do what it takes, and get them to agree to let us pay them for full podcasts.  We enjoy listening as much as they do playing, Bring It!

Fiona,

I absolutely adore you and The Thistle & Shamrock. You have inspired so many people to explore vibrant, brilliant and beautiful sounds and location. I listen to your program weekly and it uplifts and renews. I could not think of anything more special to look forward to every week. I was reading your biography on this new site (very nice, by the way) and was especially interested in the note at the bottom about your book exploring Scotland and Appalachian connections. I was born and raised in West Virginia. Another musical and cultural resource I absolutely love is Mountain Stage, which is based there. So many people of Appalachia truly are cousins to the people of Ireland and Scotland, and this is reflected so positively through the folk music produced from all over the Appalachian mountains. The culture explored through your program feels so familiar and comfortable. I just wanted to thank you for your inspirational efforts, and for helping to share these wonderful cultures, sounds and people with us all.

Sincerely,

Jesse Heady

I've been listening now for about fifteen years to The Thistle and Shamrock and I adore it. Always passing the knowledge onto anyone who loves Celtic music. Tappadh leat Fiona. Mar sinn liebh an-drasda.

                            Garth

Dear Mr. Holmes,

Does this cheer you up?:

This summer I went swimming, this summer I might have drowned. But I held my breath and I kicked my feet and threw my arms around.

This summer I swam in a public place and a reservoir to boot. At the latter I was informal, at the former I wore my suit, I wore my swimming suit.

(Will try to squeeze it into the radio program again sometime later in the summer. For now, Splash On...!)

Fiona

fiona please play wistful skinnydipping song i have not heard in four

years.. im sure you have played it,....im feeling a little meloncoly...

realy great work ..ps..i like the new page..  good times

Love your work and want to be encouraging here...  I am perhaps not knowing how to track and buy artist...  or CD/DVD works that you feature... "Wonderful MUSIC..." .   I want to support your work... are you considering an online store... ?

It is Saturday night... NPR's playing and I want to buy the earlier piece that I tuned in on... OPPS.  It was perhaps "Nova Scotia Sounds..." and it came before Van Morrison.

How can I track it to purchase it... or is part of the "China assist CD".... or is that available ?  

Tom - 850.293-5556

Dear Fiona and all the staff,

THANK YOU so much for all of your hard work in bringing this beautiful music and wonderful program to your listeners.

You will never know how much it is appriciated.

I have been listening for about 2 years and count myself fortunate to have found your program.

Please continue,

A Thousand Thank-you's,

AB 

Do you have npr air time in the Detriot area?  We have numerous celtic artists

that visit. I love Cape Breton N.S. fiddler Kimberley Fraser, listening to tunes

from her cd "Falling on New Ground" makes one wonder why we haven't heard

 more from this talented artist. The jigs and reels are amazing. I checked out

her web site the cd won an ECMA. She is scheduled to perform in Asheville 

N.C. 7-07-08 to 7-18-08 at the Swannanoa Gathering. My cousin lives in

Waynesville guess were we are vacationing this summer! Keep spreading the great music. 

Fiona,although we have never met in person,i feel as if we are old friends,i have been listening to thistles and shamrocks since,i believe the 1980's and am a great fan of irish traditional music and celtic music in general,keep the music coming.

your most devoted fan in alabama,Wolf

...for all these lovely postings! You are very kind and all the thank yous have been passed along to Margaret Kennedy who also works hard for you in the US Thistle office.

We're developing a space here on the site for me to reply to questions and post announcements of my own without clogging up the guestbook. That's coming soon... along with a family portrait for the Gallery as requested below by Stephen (oh - it was a Doctor of Humane Letters (Honorary) awarded by St. Andrews College, Laurinburg NC in 1999).

All the best to all of you and do check back soon.

Fiona

Greetings, Fiona.

I'm very impressed with this new Thistle and Shamrock website. Glad to see that Thistle is still going strong!

And the updated Gallery! A doctor in the house? Doctor Fiona? I see that your hood had white trim - sorry, I don't remember what field that represents. PhD in what? And say - maybe all us Thistleheads would like to see a family portrait?

Thanks a lot, all the best, salud, nostrovye!

Dear Fiona,

 I truly enjoy your program of Celtic and Irish music.

 Thanks for bringing it to Nebraska.

I've visited Wales 3x and am in love with the beauty of that country.

 Can't wait to go back again. Hearing your show keeps my
spirits up till I can go back.

Hello Fiona,

I have been listening to your show now for about 10 yrs. and really love it.  I am of a Scot/Irish family and love getting to know about our musical roots.  However, I just resently move from Lake Butler FL. to Jacksonville FL. and I can no longer pick up the Station.  I haven't be able to find the radio link to allow me to listen in on Sunday-nights.  Could you please help me?

Sincerely,

Joseph Webster 

Hi all and thanks so much for all the generous feedback on the website. I'm getting together soon with the tech team to put some new content up here, including photos and listening opportunities. Meanwhile, glad to know you are enjoying what you hear on the radio.

Toni- thanks for the UNCC memories!

Back to the studio now to work on the next edition of "Thistle"....

Cheers,

Fiona in Scotland

Thanks for such a great show! May I ask the title and artist for one of the early songs you played? I only caught a few of the lyrics:

She comes to me... (then I can't recall)
She comes to me lin an eagle, she comes to me like a swan.

Incredibly beautiful.

Thank you!
Jim

Thoroughly loved the music of Patsy Seddon broadcast 3-30-08. First time I heard of her - terrific, natural sounding vocals and overall outstanding musicianship.  Wish they would tour the U.S. but at least we can hear the music on your show.  Because of the music broadcast on The Thistle and Shamrock, I have placed Ireland, Scotland and Wales on my list of places to visit - for the overall culture, music, and scenery.  Many thanks for such a well done music program that features songs from a heartfelt place - quite a welcome relief from the boom-boom-bang of rap and rock and country here in the States.  Keep up such a wonderful radio show!

R de la Sea

Nashville, Tennessee

Fiona, I'm sure you don't remember me, but we knew each other briefly back with you broadcast out of the basement of the Cone Center at UNCC.  I was working on the student newspaper down there.

 Just wanted to say hello, and that I'm delighted to see that you're still doing good work.

Toni L.P. Kelner

Formerly Toni Perry 

For your encouragements, recommendations, cheers, and feedback - thanks - to long-time friends and new listeners all!  I'm really enjoying being able to read your kind thoughts and questions here.  It's fun to have a new website that is so much more interactive.  

So if/when it happens, we'll announce it first at thistleradio.com!

Dear Fiona:

Hi. I am hoping you will assist me in obtaining the titles and performers of two artists featured on the Thistle & Shamrock between Apr-Jul 2007.  The first artist was a male but I failed to catch the title of the selection; however, part of the lyric was "will you loo (sp?) me?  The following week a female artist apparently sang the same song, albeit in English, and the corresponding lyric was "will you love me?"  Thank you very much for any assistance.

 Also, will Thistle & Shamrock ever store its past programming on the internet, thus enabling streaming replay at one's discretion?

Finally, I think your program is neat, and I wish you well.

Sincerely,

Mike Govia

I've been a fan of the program for over 15 years.  I had heard Celtic music but had no idea what it was until Enya's "Shepherd Moon" album was playing in a local music store in Utah.  If you would be kind enough to play a sampling of the Royal Scots Dragoons album, "Spirit of the Glen" for your listeners in a future program. These soldiers are talented musicians along with being skilled at running tanks in Iraq and Afghanistan in service to the crown.  I saw them in concert in Virginia and it was nothing less than spectacular. 

Are you coming to America in the future for concerts or NPR events? Continue everything that you do!  We love it!

Cheers!

Gary I (living in Virginia)

Great web site Fiona.

I've been a faithful listener to T&S since the late '80s, when I was first discovering Celtic music. For the last 20 years (my gosh, has it been that long?!) the show has been my touchstone, anchoring my Sunday afternoon and keeping me informed about all the new currents in Celtic music.

Fiona, your cheery voice has become ingrained as part of my weekend ritual, and I feel completely dislocated on those rare Sundays when I have to miss the show. Thankfully, technology has reduced the number of times that happens now--I can usually find a radio station somewhere that is streaming an episode I've missed.

I'm thrilled to see that T&S now has a Website of its own and I look forward to exploring it. I also look forward to AT LEAST another 20 years of exciting Celtic music. Thanks so much, Fiona, for making this your work--I don't think you can ever know how much the show means to so many of us.