This week we pay tribute to legendary trad-punk singer, poet, and multi-instrumentalist Shane McGowan. Famous for his role in bands like the Nips, and the Pogues, this larger than life figure made a lasting impact on the face of Irish traditional music forever.

A cracking, though rarely played, reel based on a Scottish folk tale of female empowerment.

A rousing tune named after the island at the "edge of the world" and its (maybe) marriage traditions.

Join me in celebrating the life of the recently passed, legendary accordion player, Joe Burke. An award winning musician that has left us an incredible catalogue of music and the gift of tunes to generations of people. Thanks for the tunes Joe.

A curious gypsy fiddle with a long lost brother, discussing the resurgence of Cremona in contemporary violin making and a family lineage that destined him to be a player and maker of violins. Rich Maxham regales us with a variety of stories that is sure to have something for everyone! Artistic advisor: J. Calvert Orem

A tricky little hornpipe written for? by? a wonderful Irish poet and member of the Catholic parish. As usual, the the history gets tricky as we uncover not one, but TWO Father Dollards. Its a two for one episode as we head to Canada for a poetry reading.

Up the Banner County as we take a look at a heralded group of Wild Geese fighting on French soil. Stumbled across in an old Irish Song book, this gallant ballad recounts the deeds of the musket wielding foot soldiers fighting for the Jacobite cause.

A wonderfully classic folk tune written for the media figure from the 1960s. Or was it....?

Need help with your New Years goals? How about taking a page from the man who built a legendary road by himself, over treacherous terrain with nothing more than hand tools and determination? It now stands as a living testament to will power and a personal code of ethics that would not be deterred.

A haunting tribute to Irish soldiers who served in foreign wars, this (maybe?) O’Carolyn piece has a twisty history that takes us all the way from the Sliabh Luachra region of Ireland to the banks of the rolling Danube in Austria. Artistic advisor: J. Calvert Orem

Known for his personal kindness and warmth that manifested itself in his playing, lets take a look at this contemporary Cape Breton fiddler and composer. Artistic adviser: J. Calvert Orem

We change tone from last week to look at this fun tune named after a British Royal Air Force pilot. Written by Phil Cunningham, this is a tune guaranteed to get your toes tapping, replete with an clever side joke from the composer to the tunes subject.

A celebration turned to tragedy in the 1800s near Galway, Ireland. A small fishing boat sinks leaving a small village devastated. Artistic advisor: J. Calvert Orem

Paddy was a living legend, a Galway based composer and fiddler with a foot in two centuries. He had a unique style and was a master of his craft.

A quaint little Neil Gow tune written in memoriam of Scotch Whisky and one of Scotland's early periods of prohibition. Artistic advisor: J. Calvert Orem

One of the great composers of Scottish Folk music. The sometimes divisive figure was more than just a one trick pony, also claiming the title of Dance Master and expert fiddler. Hear about his life and times here!

The tragic tale of a national hero and his crew. Their story lives on in the verse of a popular English ballad that bares the name of the once knighted man sailor.

The folk songs and music that has survived for centuries often has stories to tell beyond the lyrics. Sometimes, there might not even be lyrics, but behind them lie unbelievable tales. I hope to bring the history of this music to life, as well as travel around the country and world to collaborate and speak with folk musicians have a couple tunes together, and maybe even a pint or two.