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Sierra Ferrell seems to have always known where she was headed

Sierra Ferrell performs live at the 2021 XPoNential Music Festival Megan Matuzak/WXPN hide caption

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Megan Matuzak/WXPN

World Cafe

Sierra Ferrell seems to have always known where she was headed

XPN

In this session, Sierra Ferrell talks about her life and adventures so far. Plus, you'll hear live recordings of her performances from last years XPoNential Music Festival.

Seirra Ferrell on World Cafe

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Ruthie Foster on Mountain Stage

Ruthie Foster performs during a live taping of the NPR program 'Mountain Stage' at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 24, 2021. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for NPR) Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Mountain Stage hide caption

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Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Mountain Stage

Mountain Stage

Ruthie Foster on Mountain Stage

Ruthie Foster makes a return to the Mountain Stage.

Ruthie Foster on Mountain Stage

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Hiss Golden Messenger's 'O Come All Ye Faithful' is full of bittersweet hope

Hiss Golden Messenger performs live for World Cafe John Vettese/WXPN hide caption

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John Vettese/WXPN

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Hiss Golden Messenger's 'O Come All Ye Faithful' is full of bittersweet hope

XPN

MC Taylor acknowledges that this time of year isn't all jingle bells and snowmen and flying reindeer.

Hiss Golden Messenger on World Cafe

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The Felice Brothers sing about anxiety with a reassuring warmth

The Felice Brothers Shervin Lainez/Courtesy of the Artist hide caption

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Shervin Lainez/Courtesy of the Artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

The Felice Brothers sing about anxiety with a reassuring warmth

XPN

On their latest album, From Dreams To Dust, brothers Ian and James Felice sing about anxieties, pressures and a world that makes less and less sense.

The Felice Brothers on World Cafe

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Music is woven through Josh Ritter's new book, 'The Great Glorious God**** of It All'

Josh Ritter Laura S. Wilson/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Laura S. Wilson/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Music is woven through Josh Ritter's new book, 'The Great Glorious God**** of It All'

XPN

You may know Josh Ritter primarily as a songwriter and musician, but did you know he's also a novelist? He put out his first book a decade ago, and now he's returned with a new one.

Josh Ritter on World Cafe

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The Thistle & Shamrock: In Flight

American composer and multi-instrumentalist Tim Cummings is featured in this week's episode. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock

The Thistle & Shamrock: In Flight

This week's episode of The Thistle & Shamrock explores how songs travel to new places and back again, just like the migration of birds.

The Thistle & Shamrock: In Flight

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Neil Young breaks down 'Barn,' track-by-track

Neil Young & Crazy Horse Danny Clinch/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Danny Clinch/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe

Neil Young breaks down 'Barn,' track-by-track

XPN

Surrounded by an intimate group of trusted friends and musicians in a Colorado barn, Neil Young was able to make a new album just the way he wanted.

Neil Young on World Cafe

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Charley Crockett tells stories about his life, his music and his mentor, James Hand

Charley Crockett performs live for KUTX and World Cafe KUTX hide caption

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KUTX

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Charley Crockett tells stories about his life, his music and his mentor, James Hand

XPN

In this session, hear songs that Crockett recorded live in front of a virtual World Cafe audience, from that tribute album and from another recent album of his called Music City USA.

Charley Crockett on World Cafe

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The Thistle & Shamrock: Windfall, flat-picking with Chris Newman and more

British guitarist Chris Newman is featured in this week's episode. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

The Thistle & Shamrock

The Thistle & Shamrock: Windfall, flat-picking with Chris Newman and more

This week's episode of The Thistle & Shamrock features Simon Mayer and Hilary James, The Gothard Sisters, and Chris Newman.

The Thistle & Shamrock: Windfall, flat-picking with Chris Newman and more

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Jade Bird's 'Different Kinds of Light' spotlights her skill as a lyricist

Jade Bird performs live for a WXPN Free At Noon Concert Paige Walter/WXPN hide caption

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Paige Walter/WXPN

World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Jade Bird's 'Different Kinds of Light' spotlights her skill as a lyricist

XPN

Much like Jade Bird in real life, the songs are accessible, thoughtful and nuanced. She has a gift as a singer-songwriter to write in a universal way.

Jade Bird on World Cafe

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