NPR’s Fiona Ritchie at Warren Wilson College recently to work on book

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Fiona Ritchie, host of NPR’s The Thistle & Shamrock Celtic music show, visited Black Mountain and Swannanoa recently. Ritchie reported via Twitter that she’s working on a new book exploring the musical connections between Scottish and Appalachian cultures with former Warren Wilson College president Douglas Orr. Ritchie was also in the area for some of the Swannanoa Gathering, a series of week-long workshops in various folk arts, including music.

Here’s some of what Ritchie tweeted about her visit:

One eye on #Wimbledon men’s final, the other on stuff I’m getting ready for our trip to the NC mountains. Good music, fine friends up ahead.

Happy Swannanoa reunions w Claudine Langille, dear pal from NC days, Julee & Mark Weems, Jim & Beth Magill & all. Early nights not forecast.

Singin In Swannanoa w Julie Glaub, Mark Weems, Rev. Robt Jones, Matt Watroba, Laurie Lewis, Pete Sutherland, Josh Goforth, Sheila Kay Adams

Singin on the porch with Claudine Langille, Julee Glaub Weems, Pete Sutherland, Mark Weems, @peterasiegel and @Lissafiddle Google them all!

@hhold6 I hear Celtic Week at #Swannanoa got off to a roaring start. Hope your daughter has a great time.

Off we go again! Glad to be @ Warren Wilson College w Doug Orr to work on our book exploring Scottish/Appalachian musical connection

@ajc123 The Drip is a top coffeehouse! Also love lunching at The Veranda and shopping at the Town Hardware and General Store #BlackMountain