World Cafe Playlist for 08/31/2026

The Chieftains and Riverdance join hosts Stephen Kallao and Raina Douris

In 1962, Paddy Moloney formed The Chieftains. His goal was to share the sound of Ireland with the world. Now, The Chieftains are cultural icons. On the World Cafe, we revisit the band in Dublin for a jaw-dropping, foot-stomping live performance, recorded in 2019 – two years before Paddy passed away at the age of 83. Plus, a visit to Riverdance to talk to one of the principal dancers, Jason O’Neill, about what it takes to become a part of the revered Irish dance phenomena, 30 years after its US debut.

This is an ENCORE

Today’s Playlist

Glass Animals “Pools” Zaba

The Chieftains “Medley” Recorded Live for the World Cafe

The Chieftains “Here’s A Health To The Company” Recorded Live for the World Cafe

Ray Lamontagne “The Changing Man” Recorded Live for the World Cafe

The Chieftains “Cotton-Eyed Joe” Recorded Live for the World Cafe

The Chieftains “Full Of Joy” Recorded Live for the World Cafe

The Chieftains “Medley: Mo Ghile Mear (‘Our Hero), Rocky Road To Dublin, The Kerry Reel” Recorded Live for the World Cafe

Bell X1 “Amelia” Blue Lights on The Runway

Bill Whelan “Reel Around The Sun” Riverdance 25th Anniversary: Music From The Show

Armstrong Dance “Hard Shoe Routine” YouTube Clip

Bill Whelan “Riverdance” Riverdance 25th Anniversary: Music From The Show

Bill Whelan “Riverdance at the Eurovision Song Contest” YouTube Clip

Bill Whelan “Riverdance at the Eurovision Song Contest” YouTube Clip

Bill Whelan “American Wake” Riverdance 25th Anniversary: Music From The Show

Hour Two

Dave Matthews Band “Tripping Billies” Crash

Fontaines D.C. “Marianne” Dopamine Chamber

Tears for Fears “Sowing The Seeds Of Love” The Seeds Of Love

The Beatles “Strawberry Fields Forever” Magical Mystery Tour

Paul McCartney “Maybe I’m Amazed” McCartney

Fitz & The Tantrums “MoneyGrabber” Recorded Live for World Cafe

The Airborne Toxic Event “Sometime Around Midnight” Recorded Live for World Cafe

Michigander “YYY” Over Before You Know It

INXS “New Sensation” Kick

CMAT “When a Good Man Cries” Euro-Country

Andrew Bird “Fitz & The Dizzyspells” Nobel Beast

Low Cut Connie “Can’t Be Wrong” Livin’ In The USA

Levon Helm “When I Go Away” Electric Dirt

Tedeschi Trucks Band “Bound For Glory” Revelator

Mt. Joy “Coyote” Hope We Have Fun