Tent Show Radio

Joyann Parker: The Music of Patsy Cline Sep 28, 2023

Enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time as Joyann Parker beautifully weaves the stories of Patsy Cline’s life and career in and out of the music you know and love. In this powerful tribute performance, Parker and her seasoned band showcase the most popular and best loved of Pasty’s songs. Vintage costumes and ambiance enhance Joyann’s uncanny and authentic channeling of Cline’s classic vocals. Hear Patsy’s iconic songs like “Crazy,” “Walking After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Faded Love,” “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray,” “She’s Got You” and many more! A northern Wisconsin native, Joyann Parker, like many artists, discovered her love of music at a very young age. While the multifaceted and versatile performer found her authentic voice later in life, she has created her inimitable blend of roots music that fuses soul, gospel, R&B, and traditional blues - combined with a voice that is booming and soulful - Joyann Parker is establishing herself as a masterclass performer. Steadily a rising star on the Midwest music scene, with two critically acclaimed studio albums under her belt, 2018's Hard to Love, and 2021's Out of the Dark, numerous award nominations, and opening for award-winning artists like Robert Cray and Elvin Bishop, Parker is now bringing her full range of talent as an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist and songwriter to national and international stages. This episode features recordings for Joyann Parker's 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Madison Cunningham and The Foxgloves Sep 21, 2023

Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Madison Cunningham takes a literate, harmonically nuanced approach to folk and pop music. She first grabbed attention with the release of her debut EP, Love, Lose, Remember in 2017. Expanding upon her textured, sometimes jazz-inflected indie folk, her first full-length, Who Are You Now, arrived in 2019 and her sophomore album, 2022’s Revolver earned Cunningham her first Grammy award for Best Folk Album. Rolling Stone describes Cunningham’s sound as “a new spin on West Coast folk-rock, with classical tendencies, electric guitars, jazz-school chord changes and alt-rock strut all living beneath the same roof.” Her unique melodies, elastic voice, honest storytelling, and deft approach to the electric guitar, quickly earned her a dedicated fan base and saw her open shows for notable artists like Harry Styles, Punch Brothers, and Lake Street Dive. The Foxgloves are an all-female Americana band from the Twin Cities featuring Maura Dunst (Vocals/Fiddles/Mandolin), Liz DeYoe (Guitar), Steph Snow (Vocals/Ukulele/Banjo), Nikki Lemire (Vocals/Harp), Sara Tinklenberg (Vocals/Percussion), and Nyssa Krause (Bass). With songs you won’t be able to stop humming. Their engaging presence, rich instrumentation, compelling storytelling songwriting, four-part harmonies, and creatively reimagined covers render them a force to be reckoned with. This powerful band is making moves you’ll want to witness. A little bit of country, a little bit of folk, a little bit of classical, and a whole lot of heart — your toes will tap of their own accord. This episode features recordings from The Foxgloves’ July 2022 performance and Madison Cunningham’s August 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Gaelic Storm Sep 15, 2023

It’s hard to imagine Gaelic Storm coming into its own after 20 years of success, but that’s precisely what makes the group a true anomaly. Founded in 1996, the band’s first major career breakthrough arrived before they had even recorded their first album. Appearing as the "steerage band" entertaining passengers with “An Irish Party in Third Class” in James Cameron's massive 1997 blockbuster Titanic, Gaelic Storm were widely embraced by audiences when they released their self-titled debut album a year later. Led by founding members Patrick Murphy and Steve Twigger, the acclaimed multi-national Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and as you can imagine, after two decades and over 2000 shows (13 of which have been on the Big Top stage), it is a true force to be reckoned with. With their energetic mix of Irish and Scottish traditional fare, drinking songs, and playful original material they have developed a fanatic and well-diversified fan base. Country Music fans adore their storytelling, Bluegrass fans love the instrumentals, Celtic fans love their devotion to tradition, and rock fans simply relish the passion they have for their instruments. Throughout their multi-decade career, Gaelic Storm has amassed more than 250 million streams, racked up numerous Top 10 spots on the Billboard World Charts, and released 13 studio albums including How Are We Getting Home?, Bring Yer Wellies, and What’s The Rumpus. With their most recent release Go Climb A Tree, their music has never sounded more representative of themselves as musicians and as live performers. In addition to Murphy and Twigger, the band features percussionist Ryan Lacey, piper Peter Purvis, and fiddle player Natalya Kay. This episode features recordings from Gaelic Storm's July 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Don McLean Sep 08, 2023

Grammy Award Nominee, Songwriter Hall of Fame Member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don Mclean hit the road last year to celebrate 50 years since the release of one of the most iconic songs and albums of all time. The legendary performer, known for mega-hit songs like "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” and “And I Love You So,” entertained fans across North America during the American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour, performing songs from the iconic album and other fan-favorite hits. Since the eight-and-a-half-minute ballad “American Pie” hit number #1 on the billboard charts in 1971, the song has since been inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, named a top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America, and inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame. With 22 studio albums under his belt, numerous accolades, countless mega-hit songs, McLean has cemented himself as one of the most significant and influential performers of all time. This episode features recordings from McLean's June 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Home Free Aug 31, 2023

No instruments. No tracks. No fillers. Praised by the likes of American Songwriter, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, award winning a cappella sensation Home Free returned to Big Top in September 2022 for their third appearance under the tent. Their high-energy and electrifying performances fuse Nashville standards with country-dipped pop hits, resulting in a truly unique and incredible sound. Declared “Country Music fans’ favorite a cappella group,” Home Free rose to fame after winning the fourth season of NBC’s vocal competition The Sing Off. Following their time on the show, the group committed themselves to producing music and video content while crafting and touring their incredible live shows. The group has released 12 albums, five of which have been Christmas records including 2020’s Warmest Wishes. A number of their albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts, including their debut album 2014’s Crazy Life, 2015’s Country Evolution, and most recently 2021’s Dive Bar Saints rose to the #4 spot. The extraordinary world-class vocalists have garnered a large following, selling nearly 600,000 albums, embarking on major international tours, and amassing 500+ million views and 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Michael Perry (Stories & Songs) Aug 24, 2023

In an evening reminiscent of the VH1 Storytellers television series, Tent Show Radio host Michael Perry is joined onstage by his longtime bandmate and sometimes personal pilot Evan Middlesworth and additional special guests. In addition to the side-splitting laughs and fresh stories fans have come to expect from Perry, he and Middlesworth will perform stripped-down versions of several songs from Perry's musical catalog and share the backstory behind the songs...in addition to a few tales from the tour van. This episode features recordings from Michael Perry's August 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Riders In The Sky Aug 16, 2023

Regarded as one of the “most historically significant acts in the history of American music” by Billboard magazine, the GRAMMY award-winning quartet of Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, Too Slim, and Joey the Cowpolka King, have kept the heritage of Western music alive as they have entertained audiences across the world for more than 40 years. Riders In The Sky kick off each performance with their trademark greeting, “Mighty fine and a great big Western ‘Howdy,’ all you buckaroos and buckarettes,” their live shows showcase each player’s masterful musicianship with an added dose of broad, quick-witted humor as they pay tribute to the classic cowboy songs of the 1930s and ‘40s. Since their start in 1977, Riders In The Sky have released more than 40 albums, starred in the anthology television series “Tumbleweed Theater,” wrote and starred in their NPR syndicated radio program “Riders Radio Theater,” hosted their own children’s program on CBS, and have made more than 7,000 appearances all over the world. The Grand Ole Opry and Western Music Hall of Fame inductees have become well-known to new generations for their work with Disney & Pixar, notably their tune “Woody’s Roundup” from Toy Story 2 and the full-length GRAMMY award-winning companion albums for Toy Story 2 and Monsters, Inc. This episode features recordings from their September 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire Aug 12, 2023

While sitting through COVID lockdowns Chris Castino of Minnesota-based rock'n'roll jam band The Big Wu teamed up with Milwaukee-based bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire to reimagine some of his catalog into impeccably fitting bluegrass tunes. These songs were transformed and resulted in their collaborative album Fresh Pickles. Fresh Pickles is just the beginning of a heartfelt and fulfilling voyage into bluegrass— it features stomping rippers and sweet, harmonic ballads, as well as a taste of genre-shifting psychedelic rides. Always true to the tradition and authentic in presentation, this collaboration is packed with great pickin' excitement and most importantly joy. Fresh Pickels is a triumphant musical collaboration that was pulled right out of the ground by its Midwestern roots, from traditional folk to blends of contemporary bluegrass and jammy deliciousness. The joyous album-making process produced many special guest appearances from several GRAMMY-winning artists in the bluegrass and Americana world including Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Andy Hall, Vince Herman, Nick Forster, Keller Williams, and Adam Greuel. With the help of many of Chris’s lifelong musical heroes, the record has that classic 70’s and 80’s alt-bluegrass sound, while never too far from the traditional bluegrass style that defines the genre. This episode features recordings from Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire's July 2022 performance under the tent and serves as a special experience for audiences of bluegrass purists and all lovers of great tunes.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Pickin' on Rock Aug 02, 2023

Take a classic rock song, add Big Top Chautauqua's famed house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and the result is something that is sure to move an audience. Led by Molly Otis & Ed Willett, Pickin' on Rock debuted at the tent in the summer of 2022 and immediately became an audience favorite. In this rousing show, classic rock songs are interpreted into the bluegrass and alternative string stylings of the Blue Canvas Orchestra. From Led Zeppelin, Queen, Guns N ’Roses, to Heart, The Beatles, and more. You’ve heard these songs before, but not quite like this. This episode features: Molly Otis, Ed Willett, Severin Behnen, Randy Wydra, Scott Kirby, Stevie Matier, Nori Schwenzfeier, and Harrison Olk.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Steve Earle & The Dukes Jul 26, 2023

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a high-voltage hour featuring the rough-neck poetics of troubadour Steve Earle and The Dukes. He has run a lot of roads and run ragged, but the singer-songwriter has never run out of things to say or songs to sing. Over the course of twenty studio albums, Earle has distinguished himself as a master storyteller, and his songs have been recorded by a vast array of artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, the Pretenders, and more. Earle’s 1986 debut album, Guitar Town, is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre, and subsequent releases like The Revolution Starts...Now (2004), Washington Square Serenade (2007), and TOWNES (2009) all of which received Grammy Awards. This episode features recordings from Earle's 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Charlie Parr and The Depot Jazz Quartet Jul 21, 2023

Charlie Parr is an incorruptible outsider who writes novelistic, multi-layered stories that shine a kaleidoscopic light on defiant, unseen characters thriving in the shadows all around us. With a sound deeply tied to the blues and folk traditions of an earlier era, Parr has released 14 studio albums and tours the globe performing at legendary venues like Newport Folk Festival, The Kennedy Center, The Troubadour, and Bowery Ballroom. But he hasn’t moved to LA or Nashville; he’s stayed in the cold grey north of Minnesota, because that’s his home. The Depot Jazz Quartet features legendary piano player Paul Ierino, John Thorene on bass, Rick Bruner on drums, and Randy Lee leads the group on various woodwinds. An accomplished musician, Randy Lee's various professional bands and associations have found him accompanying artists including Wayne Newton, Riudus Reid, Paul McKee, and the Mills Brothers to name of few. Notably, he has performed and toured alongside legendary superstars of Motown the Four Tops and the Temptations. This episode features recordings from both acts' 2022 performances under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Punch Brothers Jul 14, 2023

One of the most ambitious string bands to emerge in the early 21st century, Punch Brothers built their sound on a platform of virtuosic instrumentalism and dazzling arrangements. The GRAMMY Award-winning band consisting of Chris Thile, Chris Eldridge, Paul Kowert, Noam Pikelny, and Gabe Withcer, has spent more than a decade changing the face of acoustic music, stretching the limitations of instruments, and influencing a generation of young musicians. Formed in the late 2000s, Punch Brothers' amalgam of bluegrass energy, classical complexity, and jazzy improvisation have earned them numerous accolades and garnered a dedicated following. Staples of the label, all but one of the band's albums have topped the Billboard Bluegrass charts while also making strong crossover showings on the pop, rock, and folk charts.

This episode features recordings from their August 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Forever Young: A Neil Young Retrospective Jul 07, 2023

Led by Corey Carlson & Severin Behnen, the team that brought you “Big Top Does the Beatles” and “Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock”, take on the work of Neil Young in this Big Top original show. One of the most celebrated artists in popular music history, the Canadian-born, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's music blurs the lines between rock, folk, & country with hints of other musical genres as well. His musicianship, lyrical style, and signature tenor voice have defined Young's career and cemented him as one of the most influential artists of his generation. This retrospective celebrates some of Young's popular hits and will dive deep into his legacy songs, bringing to light some of his lesser-known works.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Rodrigo y Gabriela Jul 07, 2023

Originally from Mexico City Rodrigo y Gabriela, the acoustic guitar duo of Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero, met as teenagers while playing in a thrash metal band called Tierra Acida. By 2000 the formally became a duo act and moved to Dublin Ireland, where with the support of musician Damian Rice, the talented pair participated in the renowned Oxegen music festival in Ireland, where they attracted significant attention. From the beginning, their reputation as killer musicians - Rodrigo with the faster-than-lightning lead guitar and Gabriela with her unique, rhythmic, strumming-and-drumming style - started to spread across the country. The high-energy international duo's music harnesses the flash, power, and speed of death metal filtered through the passion, soul, technique, and discipline of nuevo flamenco. Their showy, emotional sound is marked by Quintero's syncopated, hooky, percussive rhythms and rapid-fire strummed vamps framing Sanchez's incendiary, melodic, single-and dual-string leads. Following a successful live album in 2004, their debut self-titled studio album, produced by John Leckie of Radiohead and Stone Roses fame, was released by Rubyworks in February 2006 and charted at Number One on the Irish national charts, keeping the Arctic Monkeys off the top spot. Having established themselves in their adopted home, the duo started to spread their magic across the rest of the world. They headlined the Jazz World stage at Glastonbury in 2007, which was broadcast live on BBC TV. The Rodrigo y Gabriela album went on to sell over 100,000 records in the UK. This episode features recordings from the acclaimed duo's 2019 performance at Big Top Chautauqua.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Shakey Graves Jun 24, 2023

Americana singer-songwriter and guitarist Shakey Graves returned to Big Top following the celebratory reissue of his acclaimed debut album of Roll The Bones X. With his breakthrough debut album, Roll The Bones, self-released in 2011, Shakey Graves quickly developed a cult following, and began his extensive touring career, sharing stages with artists like Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Mumford & Sons and Old Crow Medicine Show. Roll The Bones, catapulted the singer/songwriter into national visibility and lead to the artist signing to Dulatone Records for future studio releases which included 2014's And The War Cameand 2018's Can't Wake Up. In subsequent years, Shakey Graves has continued to experiment with his approach to the songwriting process and has explored more expansive full-band sounds while venturing into more psychedelic territory through many smaller EP releases including Look Alive, release in 2021. His knack for storytelling and an enigmatic stage presence immediately draws listeners into his strange narrative world. The musician has captivated audiences and critics alike with his gnarly composite of blues and folk, variety of idiosyncratic techniques, drastic register shifts, and his off-kilter lyric sensibility masked with old-timey Western imagery, the Austin native is truly a one-man-band of epic sonic proportions. This episode features recordings from Shakey Grave's 2022 performance at Big Top Chautauqua.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Lake Street Dive Jun 18, 2023

Since forming in 2004, Lake Street Dive have matched their sophisticated musicianship with a fearless refusal to limit their sound. As shown on their most recent album, 2021’s critically acclaimed Obviously, the Boston-bred band also possess a keen talent for combining socio-political commentary with immediately catchy pop gems. Over the years, they’ve captivated massive audiences at such esteemed festivals as Newport Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Toronto Jazz Festival, in addition to headlining tours all across the globe and sharing stages with acts like Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow. And through their fierce commitment to constantly elevating their artistry, Lake Street Dive have ultimately emerged as one of the most compelling voices in alternative music today, both reliably sublime and thrillingly unpredictable. With their current lineup comprised of founding members Rachael Price (vocals), Bridget Kearney (bass), and Michael Calabrese (drums)—as well as keyboardist/vocalist Akie Bermiss and touring guitarist James Cornelison—Lake Street Dive continue to create joyously soulful rock & roll with equal parts ingenuity, intelligence, and irresistible abandon. In recent years, Lake Street Dive have brought even more boldness to their kaleidoscopic sound while deliberately expanding their songcraft. To that end, Obviously finds the band examining such complex matters as gender inequality (on “Being a Woman”) and the monumental challenges faced by younger generations (on “Making Do”), shaping each track with a profound intentionality and ineffable mastery of melody and groove—a process Price refers to as “putting these messages into three and a half minute snippets, dropping whatever truth we can and hoping it’s the type of thing that people want to ruminate on.” Made with producer Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Mary J. Blige), the result is an endlessly illuminating body of work that’s earned praise from the likes of Rolling Stone (who noted that “at a moment when pop strives for lo-fi, solitary-world intimacy, the jazz-pop whatever band refuses to think small”). This episode features recordings from Lake Street Dive's 2022 performance at Big Top Chautauqua.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver Jun 09, 2023

Since 2002 the combined talents of Jim Curry and his band have brought John Denver's Music back to thousands upon thousands of people. As a life-long fan, Curry has dedicated himself to continuing John Denver’s legacy of songs and his message of love and caring for our planet to future generations. Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver is the ultimate tribute experience. Curry's heartfelt delivery envelops the crowd as multi-platinum hits such as "Rocky Mountain High," "Annie's Song" and "Country Roads'' fill the atmosphere. Superimposed with multi- media images of wildlife photos and videos, this show truly fills up your senses. Jim Curry has emerged as the top performer of John Denver's music today, often performing with Denver’s former band members, Jim Curry's tribute is the first and only full-length John Denver tribute to headline in Las Vegas and is celebrated nationally and internationally. This episode features recordings from Jim Curry's 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Tanya Tucker and Molly & The Danger Band Jun 09, 2023

Edgy. Classic. Country. A defining voice of music and a modern-day legend, GRAMMY award winner, Tanya Tucker is known for some of country music’s biggest hits such as" "Soon," "Two Sparrows in a Hurricane," "It's a Little Too Late," "Trouble," "Texas (When I Die)," "If It Don't Come Easy" and "Strong Enough To Bend." Since the auspicious start of her career at the age of 13 when she released the classic county hit, "Delta Dawn" in 1972, Tanya has cemented herself as one the most admired and influential performers in county music. Tucker has amassed 23 Top 40 albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 10 No. 1 songs on the Billboard country charts, numerous accolades including two CMA's, two ACM's, three CMT awards, and in 2020 she won her first two GRAMMY Awards for Best Country Album.

Molly & The Danger Band started in 2006 when Molly Otis crawled onto a three foot wide ledge, hovering eight feet above a glass top bar at the Pavilion in downtown Hayward WI. You probably had heard or seen Molly Otis as the front person for Warner recording artists Molly and the Heymakers. She is a powerful vocalist and plays multiple instruments including fiddle, mandolin and guitar. Randy Wydra sings, lays down the bass lines, adds acoustic guitar and even plays drums with his feet. You could call them a rock/country/jazz/bluegrass band, but they are really an Americana band. The blending of different American roots music creates a unique musical cocktail, with a twist of Irish. From classic covers, traditional and original music, no matter what you call it, you're bound to have a good time.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Lil' Mike & Funny Bone May 27, 2023

Oklahoma City brothers Lil' Mike and Funny Bone, together known as Mike Bone, travel the world as motivational speakers, dancers, and rappers. Though both brothers stand a little over 4 feet tall, what they lack in height they more than make up for with their talent and determination. Through their powerful & inspiring music the Pawnee nation brothers strive to be positive influences for youth, promoting that a positive attitude and hard work can make dreams come true, but getting to that point hasn't been easy. From homelessness to gang violence, to "size-ist" discrimination, the brothers have hustled and flowed their way from nothing to something. The brothers spent years making the rounds at clubs, casino's, arena's, and private parties as they developed their skills not just as rappers but as performance artists & motivational speakers. Through their years of hustling, they've produced all their music independently, got their songs on radio stations around the world, opened for internationally renowned artists, and have left their mark on popular culture with their unforgettable television appearances on programs such as America's Got Talent and their recurring roles on Hulu's hit series Reservation Dogs.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Warren Nelson & Friends May 20, 2023

Warren Nelson began his entertainment career playing folk music with various groups he had formed in his hometown of Fairmont, MN in the early 1960's. His first professional experience came when his my group Nellie’s Folk played a 10-week stand in the Burning Hills Amphitheater in Medora, ND. In 1968, as they became more and more successful the group's name was changed to The 10th Story Window. The folk group performed pop tunes of the day as well as original songs written by Nelson, and for the next few years tour extensively across the national which included opening for acts like the Ike and Tina Turner Revue and Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders. After moving to Bayfield County, WI in 1980, Nelson performed across the Northland as a member of the Lost Nation String Band. After founding Big Top Chautauqua in 1986, Warren performed as a founding member of the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and his original productions co-created with Betty Ferris were beloved by fans and are still performed at the tent every summer season. Tune in as Warren Nelson and his musical friends, as they celebrate the release of his new book SHOWTIME! Autobiography of a Songster, with a concert of his songs from his 55 years as a professional entertainer/songwriter and creator of musicals. Warren Nelson is joined by Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians Ed Willet, Otis McLennon, Randy Sabien, Jack Gunderson, Severin Behnen with special guests Ron Lundquist, Rex Loker, Petra Marquart, and Dave Nordby, original members of his group The 10th Story Window.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Cloud Cult May 20, 2023

Minnesota’s Cloud Cult has a rich eleven-album history of bucking the mainstream music industry in favor of independently releasing music via their environmentally conscious record label Earthology Records. Hailed as one of the Top 10 Green Bands by Rolling Stone, the band’s philosophical lyrics and alternative-orchestral-folk-rock sound has been lauded by critics as "insane genius" (Pitchfork) and "an invocation of the lifeforce" (New York Times). Cloud Cult began as Craig Minowa's solo studio project after the unexpected loss of his son and has grown to the present day with an evolving lineup of incredible musicians. Known for incorporating live painting into their concerts, Cloud Cult are pioneers of multimedia artistry, most recently highlighted with the feature film release of The Seeker – starring Josh Radnor & Alex McKenna – which accompanied the band’s 2016 album, landed the group on Entertainment Weekly’s Must List, and garnered prestigious awards on the indie film festival circuit. This episode features recordings from Cloud Cult's 2022 performance at Big Top Chautauqua.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

The Music of Riverpants May 05, 2023

If you’re “fishing” for a good time and want to “reel” with “lunker” laughs, this knee slappin’ musical written by Warren Nelson is sure to do the trick. Energetic musical numbers, hearty fishing songs, mirthful interludes, and classic bits and skits makeup Big Top Chautauqua's musical comedy revue Riverpants. Returning to the tent in 2022 after more than a decade, stars of the Blue Canvas Orchestra delighted audiences in this beloved original production. Warren Nelson's Anglin’ Wayne guided the audience on his top fishing tips & trips, Jack Gunderson, Liz Woodworth, & Tom Mitchell shined as Midwest Folk characters Ole Lena, and Sven, and Ed Willet, Severin Behnen, Phil Anich, Otis McLennon, Betty Ferris, Randy Sabien, and Billy Knoblauch were on hand for additional hijinks and to provide the driving music behind the production.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Heavy Gus and Sasha Mercedes Apr 28, 2023

Born of the stark beauty and bittersweet desolation of the high desert, California trio Heavy Gus blurs the lines between grungy garage band fare, hazy surf, and dreamy indie rock on their captivating full-length debut, Notions. Bristling with live-wire electricity, the collection is lean and spare, fueled by distorted guitars and a driving rhythm section, and the performances are loose and organic to match, captured spontaneously in the moment with little room for overthinking or second-guessing. While all three bandmates come to Heavy Gus from very different worlds—Ulvang from The Lumineers, drummer Ryan Dobrowski from Blind Pilot, and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dorota Szuta from an unlikely combination of marine science and music—they fit together like puzzle pieces here, bound by the kind of love and trust that can only grow from years of deep kinship. The result is a record all about distance and connection from a band built on intimacy and personal chemistry, a mesmerizing debut that calls to mind everything from Meat Puppets and The Breeders to Yo La Tengo and Acetone in its artful balance of hope and fatalism, loneliness and desire, strength and vulnerability. Originally hailing from the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Sasha Mercedes writes image-provoking songs and delivers them with passion and conviction. Her powerful voice turns heads, as she beats on her guitar, brow furrowed and snarling! Mercedes has released five Americana solo albums, and though there will always be a soft spot in her heart for singer-songwriter stylings, Mercedes hasn't been tethered to any genre. She was the front-woman for Twin Cities-based rock band, Hot Pink Hangover, as well as the hook writer and fellow performer in Minneapolis hip hop trio, Channeling Grey. She has traveled the world making music and drawing inspiration out of every experience, which is evident in the lyrics of her brilliantly crafted compositions. She has shared the stage with TLC, Badflower, Dar Williams, Don Mclean, Tracy Bonham, Guy Davis, Pete Seeger, and others. She may seem hard on the outside but Mercedes has always believed that rugged shores can polish even the roughest of stones.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

The Greatest Piano Men Apr 21, 2023

Created and Produced by Donnie Kehr, best known for his originated roles in Broadway's Jersey Boys and Billy Elliot, The Greatest Piano Men is an electrifying production that celebrates the world’s greatest piano icons and showmen in music history - from the 50s and 60s hits of Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Ray Charles to the 70s and 80s hits of Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Billy Joel - and even the legendary works of Beethoven and Liberace. The Greatest Piano Men features Pete Peterkin - a singer, actor, dancer, comic, master impressionist, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his appearance on Season 4 of “America’s Got Talent,” Bill Conners - the gold standard when it comes to impersonating Sir Elton John, perfectly captures the voice, mannerisms, and fabulous showmanship of the rock icon, as well as David K. Maiocco - award-winning musical director, pianist, and actor, considered one of the most well recognized Liberace tribute artists. This electrifying music celebration features a rockin’ 8-piece band, sensational back-up vocalists, and captivating multimedia storytelling, as The Greatest Piano Men bring along 25 hit songs including, “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Superstition,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Hit the Road Jack,” “New York State of Mind,” and many more!

This episode features recordings from The Greatest Piano Men's July 2022 performance at Big Top Chautauqua.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Larry McCray and Phil Anich & Friends Apr 14, 2023

For more than 30 years, rust belt blues shouter and guitar slinger Larry McCray's greatness has been hiding in plain sight. A native of Magnolia, Arkansas, Larry McCray discovered his love of music at a young age through his sister Clara, who introduced him to the guitar and the transformative music of Blues legends like B.B. King. After moving to Michigan at 12, he spent his teen years harnessing his guitar skills, adding rock riffs to the traditional blues style he loved. After high school, he began playing the local circuit, and by the late 80's he attracted the notice of Virgin Records and was signed as the inaugural artist to their blues label Point Blank Records. In 1990, McCray released his critically acclaimed debut album, aptly named — Ambition. A stunning debut, the record was a convincing hybrid of blues, rock, and soul, with McCray combining the interrelated idioms in sizzling fashion. Throughout the 1990's, he continued to help define blues rock, releasing several albums including 1993's Delta Hurricane, and 1998's Born to Play the Blues. After starting his own record label, Magnolia Records, the bluesman remained active throughout the 2000's, releasing 2001's Believe It and Blues Is My Business, 2006's Live on Interstate 75, and his self-titled album Larry McCray in 2007. He toured extensively, playing with blues greats like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Keb' Mo and Joe Bonamassa, and worked with rock legends like the Allman Brothers, Levon Helm, Chris Robinson, Dickie Betts and countless others. Somewhere along the way, though, his path to the top of the blues world was derailed. During the recording process of his latest release, McCray felt "reborn" as he developed a newfound drive and passions for his career. In 2021, McCray released his first original material in nearly 15 years, Blues Without You, an album that showcases his power as an instrumentalist and a vocalist. The 12-track record, produced by Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive label, garnered McCray even more critical acclaim with Blues Rock Reviews calling it "the record of a lifetime and the best project of his career." Born and raised in Ashland, WI, Phillip Anich served as Big Top Chautauqua's Operations Manager and member of the Blue Canvas Orchestra for nearly 30 years. Phil was a vocalist in UWEau Claire’s singing Statesmen and then launched a career in the US postal service. But, a performer at heart, he couldn’t resist the invitation to join the troupe performing the shows written by Warren Nelson & Betty Ferris about the history of the local Lake Superior region. Every summer since Big Top's founding in 1986, Phillip Anich has continued to perform in shows at the tent including, Riding The Wind, Big Top Opry, Wild Woods & Waters, and most recently In Spite of Ourselves: The Music of John Prine & Nanci Griffith. Last August, Phillip Anich, Dale Engquist, Brian Russ, and Mason Pavel performed together as "Phil Anich & Friends" playing the opening set for legendary country swing band Asleep At The Wheel. Mason Pavel is the son of the late, great bandleader of the Blue Canvas Orchestra, Don Pavel. Dale and Brian are long time musical friends from Fairmont, now Minneapolis, MN. This episode features recordings from each artists' August 2022 performances at Big Top Chautauqua.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

In Spite of Ourselves: The Music of John Prine & Nanci Griffith Apr 05, 2023

Led by Molly Otis & Ed Willet, the Blue Canvas Orchestra take on the work of John Prine and Nanci Griffith in this Big Top original show. John Prine and Nanci Griffith were both humble masters of the story. They dug deep into the places where we were afraid to go. Emotional depth, keen observations and wry humor brought their music to life and hit an emotional bone. These are the writers who gave us “Angel from Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” “Love at the Five & Dime,” “Trouble in These Fields, and many more. It’s the Blue Canvas Orchestra's great honor to present a tribute to our lost songsmiths. Both John and Nanci performed at the Big Top several times – amazing memories! This episode features Blue Canvas Orchestra members Ed Willett, Molly Otis, Severin Behnen, Phil Anich, Tom Mitchell, Jack Gunderson, Billy Knoblauch, Danielle Diamond, Betty Ferris, Yazmin Bowers, and Scott Kirby.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Joyann Parker: The Music of Patsy Cline Mar 30, 2023

Enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time as Joyann Parker beautifully weaves the stories of Patsy Cline’s life and career in and out of the music you know and love. In this powerful tribute performance, Parker and her seasoned band showcase the most popular and best loved of Pasty’s songs. Vintage costumes and ambiance enhance Joyann’s uncanny and authentic channeling of Cline’s classic vocals. Hear Patsy’s iconic songs like “Crazy,” “Walking After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Faded Love,” “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray,” “She’s Got You” and many more! A northern Wisconsin native, Joyann Parker, like many artists, discovered her love of music at a very young age. While the multifaceted and versatile performer found her authentic voice later in life, she has created her inimitable blend of roots music that fuses soul, gospel, R&B, and traditional blues - combined with a voice that is booming and soulful - Joyann Parker is establishing herself as a masterclass performer. Steadily a rising star on the Midwest music scene, with two critically acclaimed studio albums under her belt, 2018's Hard to Love, and 2021's Out of the Dark, numerous award nominations, and opening for award-winning artists like Robert Cray and Elvin Bishop, Parker is now bringing her full range of talent as an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist and songwriter to national and international stages.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Madison Cunningham & The Foxgloves Mar 23, 2023

The Foxgloves are an all-female Americana band from the Twin Cities featuring Maura Dunst (Vocals/Fiddles/Mandolin), Liz DeYoe (Guitar), Steph Snow (Vocals/Ukulele/Banjo), Nikki Lemire (Vocals/Harp), Sara Tinklenberg (Vocals/Percussion), and Nyssa Krause (Bass). With songs you won’t be able to stop humming. Their engaging presence, rich instrumentation, compelling storytelling songwriting, four-part harmonies, and creatively reimagined covers render them a force to be reckoned with. This powerful band is making moves you’ll want to witness. A little bit of country, a little bit of folk, a little bit of classical, and a whole lot of heart — your toes will tap of their own accord. Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Madison Cunningham takes a literate, harmonically nuanced approach to folk and pop music. She first grabbed attention with the release of her debut EP Love, Lose, Remember in 2017. Expanding upon her textured, sometimes jazz-inflected indie folk, her first full-length album Who Are You Now, arrived in 2019 and her sophomore album, 2022’s Revolver earned Cunningham her first Grammy award for Best Folk Album. Rolling Stone describes Cunningham’s sound as “a new spin on West Coast folk-rock, with classical tendencies, electric guitars, jazz-school chord changes and alt-rock strut all living beneath the same roof.” Her unique melodies, elastic voice, honest storytelling, and deft approach to the electric guitar, quickly earned her a dedicated fan base and saw her open shows for notable artists like Harry Styles, Punch Brothers, and Lake Street Dive. This episode features recordings from The Foxgloves’ July 2022 performance and Madison Cunningham’s August 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Gaelic Storm Mar 21, 2023

It’s hard to imagine Gaelic Storm coming into its own after 20 years of success, but that’s precisely what makes the group a true anomaly. Founded in 1996, the band’s first major career breakthrough arrived before they had even recorded their first album. Appearing as the "steerage band" entertaining passengers with “An Irish Party in Third Class” in James Cameron's massive 1997 blockbuster Titanic, Gaelic Storm were widely embraced by audiences when they released their self-titled debut album a year later. Led by founding members Patrick Murphy and Steve Twigger, the acclaimed multi-national Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and as you can imagine, after two decades and over 2000 shows (13 of which have been on the Big Top stage), it is a true force to be reckoned with. With their energetic mix of Irish and Scottish traditional fare, drinking songs, and playful original material they have developed a fanatic and well-diversified fan base. Country Music fans adore their storytelling, Bluegrass fans love the instrumentals, Celtic fans love their devotion to tradition, and rock fans simply relish the passion they have for their instruments. Throughout their multi-decade career, Gaelic Storm has amassed more than 250 million streams, racked up numerous Top 10 spots on the Billboard World Charts, and released 13 studio albums including How Are We Getting Home?, Bring Yer Wellies, and What’s The Rumpus. With their most recent release Go Climb A Tree, their music has never sounded more representative of themselves as musicians and as live performers. In addition to Murphy and Twigger, the band features percussionist Ryan Lacey, piper Peter Purvis, and fiddle player Natalya Kay.

This episode features recordings from Gaelic Storm's July 2022 performance under the tent. Catch their return to Big Top Chautauqua this August! Tickets are on sale now at www.bigtop.org

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Don McLean Mar 21, 2023

Grammy Award Nominee, Songwriter Hall of Fame Member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don Mclean hit the road to celebrate 50 years since the release of one of the most iconic songs and albums of all time. Since the eight-and-a-half-minute ballad “American Pie” hit number #1 on the billboard charts in 1971, the song has since been inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, named a top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America, and inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame. The 50th Anniversary American Pie Tour will see McLean entertain fans across North America as he performs songs from the iconic album and other fan-favorite hits. With 22 studio albums under his belt, numerous accolades, and mega-hit songs like "Vincent (Starry Starry Night) “And I Love You So,” “Castles in the Air,” and “Crying,” McLean has cemented himself as one of the most significant and influential performers of all time. Grammy Award Nominee, Songwriter Hall of Fame Member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don Mclean is hitting the road to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of “American Pie.” The legendary performer, known for mega-hit songs like "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” and “And I Love You So,” entertained fans across North America as he performed songs from the iconic album, proving that “bye-bye, Miss American Pie” will forever remain a classic staple in American music. This episode features recordings from McLean's June 2022 performance under the tent.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Home Free Mar 04, 2023

No instruments. No tracks. No fillers. Praised by the likes of American Songwriter, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, award winning a cappella sensation Home Free return for their third appearance on the Big Top stage this September. Their high-energy and electrifying performances fuse Nashville standards with country-dipped pop hits, resulting in a truly unique and incredible sound. Declared “Country Music fans’ favorite a cappella group,” Home Free rose to fame after winning the fourth season of NBC’s vocal competition The Sing Off. Following their time on the show, the group committed themselves to producing music and video content while crafting and touring their incredible live shows. The group has released 12 albums, five of which have been Christmas records including 2020’s Warmest Wishes. A number of their albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts, including their debut album 2014’s Crazy Life, 2015’s Country Evolution, and most recently 2021’s Dive Bar Saints rose to the #4 spot. The extraordinary world-class vocalists have garnered a large following, selling nearly 600,000 albums, embarking on major international tours, and amassing 500+ million views and 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube. This episode of Tent Show Radio features recordings from Home Free's September 2022 performance under the tent.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Michael Perry (Stories & Songs) Feb 24, 2023

In an evening reminiscent of the VH1 Storytellers television series, Tent Show Radio host Michael Perry is joined onstage by his longtime bandmate and sometimes personal pilot Evan Middlesworth and additional special guests. In addition to the side-splitting laughs and fresh stories fans have come to expect from Perry, he and Middlesworth will perform stripped-down versions of several songs from Perry's musical catalog and share the backstory behind the songs...in addition to a few tales from the tour van. This episode features recordings from Michael Perry's August 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Riders In The Sky Feb 17, 2023

Regarded as one of the “most historically significant acts in the history of American music” by Billboard magazine, the GRAMMY award-winning quartet of Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, Too Slim, and Joey the Cowpolka King, have kept the heritage of Western music alive as they have entertained audiences across the world for more than 40 years. Riders In The Sky kick off each performance with their trademark greeting, “Mighty fine and a great big Western ‘Howdy,’ all you buckaroos and buckarettes,” their live shows showcase each player’s masterful musicianship with an added dose of broad, quick-witted humor as they pay tribute to the classic cowboy songs of the 1930s and ‘40s. Since their start in 1977, Riders In The Sky have released more than 40 albums, starred in the anthology television series “Tumbleweed Theater,” wrote and starred in their NPR syndicated radio program “Riders Radio Theater,” hosted their own children’s program on CBS, and have made more than 7,000 appearances all over the world. The Grand Ole Opry and Western Music Hall of Fame inductees have become well-known to new generations for their work with Disney & Pixar, notably their tune “Woody’s Roundup” from Toy Story 2 and the full-length GRAMMY award-winning companion albums for Toy Story 2 and Monsters, Inc. This episode features recordings from their September 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire Feb 11, 2023

While sitting through COVID lockdowns Chris Castino of Minnesota-based rock'n'roll jam band The Big Wu teamed up with Milwaukee-based bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire to reimagine some of his catalog into impeccably fitting bluegrass tunes. These songs were transformed and resulted in their collaborative album Fresh Pickles. Fresh Pickles is just the beginning of a heartfelt and fulfilling voyage into bluegrass— it features stomping rippers and sweet, harmonic ballads, as well as a taste of genre-shifting psychedelic rides. Always true to the tradition and authentic in presentation, this collaboration is packed with great pickin' excitement and most importantly joy. The album is a triumphant musical collaboration that was pulled right out of the ground by its Midwestern roots, from traditional folk to blends of contemporary bluegrass and jammy deliciousness. This joyous album-making process produced many special guest appearances from several GRAMMY-winning artists in the bluegrass and Americana world including Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Andy Hall, Vince Herman, Nick Forster, Keller Williams, and Adam Greuel. With the help of many of Chris’s lifelong musical heroes, the record has that classic 70’s and 80’s alt-bluegrass sound, while never too far from the traditional bluegrass style that defines the genre. This episode features recordings from Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire's July 2022 performance under the tent and serves as a special experience for audiences of bluegrass purists and all lovers of great tunes.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Pickin' on RocK Feb 04, 2023

Take a classic rock song, add Big Top Chautauqua's famed house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and the result is something that is sure to move an audience. Led by Molly Otis & Ed Willett, Pickin' on Rock debuted at the tent in the summer of 2022 and immediately became an audience favorite. In this rousing show, classic rock songs are interpreted into the bluegrass and alternative string stylings of the Blue Canvas Orchestra. From Led Zeppelin, Queen, Guns N ’Roses, to Heart, The Beatles, and more. You’ve heard these songs before, but not quite like this. This episode features: Molly Otis, Ed Willett, Severin Behnen, Randy Wydra, Scott Kirby, Stevie Matier, Nori Schwenzfeier, and Harrison Olk.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Steve Earle & The Dukes Jan 27, 2023

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a high-voltage hour featuring the rough-neck poetics of troubadour Steve Earle and The Dukes. He has run a lot of roads and run ragged, but the singer-songwriter has never run out of things to say or songs to sing. Over the course of twenty studio albums, Earle has distinguished himself as a master storyteller, and his songs have been recorded by a vast array of artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, the Pretenders, and more.

Earle’s 1986 debut album, Guitar Town, is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre, and subsequent releases like The Revolution Starts...Now (2004), Washington Square Serenade (2007), and TOWNES (2009) all of which received Grammy Awards.

This episode features recordings from Earle's 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Charlie Parr & the Depot Jazz Quartet Jan 20, 2023

Charlie Parr is an incorruptible outsider who writes novelistic, multi-layered stories that shine a kaleidoscopic light on defiant, unseen characters thriving in the shadows all around us. With a sound deeply tied to the blues and folk traditions of an earlier era, Parr has released 14 studio albums and tours the globe performing at legendary venues like Newport Folk Festival, The Kennedy Center, The Troubadour, and Bowery Ballroom. But he hasn’t moved to LA or Nashville; he’s stayed in the cold grey north of Minnesota, because that’s his home. The Depot Jazz Quartet features legendary piano player Paul Ierino, John Thorene on bass, Rick Bruner on drums, and Randy Lee leads the group on various woodwinds. An accomplished musician, Randy Lee's various professional bands and associations have found him accompanying artists including Wayne Newton, Riudus Reid, Paul McKee, and the Mills Brothers to name of few. Notably, he has performed and toured alongside legendary superstars of Motown the Four Tops and the Temptations. This episode features recordings from both acts' 2022 performances under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Punch Brothers Jan 12, 2023

One of the most ambitious string bands to emerge in the early 21st century, Punch Brothers built their sound on a platform of virtuosic instrumentalism and dazzling arrangements. The GRAMMY Award-winning band consisting of Chris Thile, Chris Eldridge, Paul Kowert, Noam Pikelny, and Gabe Withcer, has spent more than a decade changing the face of acoustic music, stretching the limitations of instruments, and influencing a generation of young musicians. Formed in the late 2000s, Punch Brothers' amalgam of bluegrass energy, classical complexity, and jazzy improvisation have earned them numerous accolades and garnered a dedicated following. Staples of the label, all but one of the band's albums have topped the Billboard Bluegrass charts while also making strong crossover showings on the pop, rock, and folk charts. This episode features recordings from their August 2022 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUAhttps://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Forever Young: A Neil Young Retrospective Jan 07, 2023

Led by Corey Carlson & Severin Behnen, the team that brought you “Big Top Does the Beatles” and “Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock”, take on the work of Neil Young in this Big Top original show. One of the most celebrated artists in popular music history, the Canadian-born, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's music blurs the lines between rock, folk, & country with hints of other musical genres as well. His musicianship, lyrical style, and signature tenor voice have defined Young's career and cemented him as one of the most influential artists of his generation. This retrospective celebrates some of Young's popular hits and will dive deep into his legacy songs, bringing to light some of his lesser-known works.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

EPISODE CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUAhttps://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent

FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRYhttps://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/

Holiday Special | Episode 22-53 Dec 31, 2022

In this very special episode of Tent Show Radio, Big Top's very own Blue Canvas Orchestra does Christmas "Chautauqua" style. Tune in to hear your favorite BCO musicians cover Holiday favorites as they present a "Blue Canvas Christmas.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Michael Perry, Host Phillip Anich, Announcer Matt Jugenheimer, Engineer & ProducerGina Nagro, Marketing Support

TENT SHOW RADIO IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY: Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau, Bayfield County Tourism, The Bayfield Inn, Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, Green Bay Packers Foundation, Wisconsin Public Radio

Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock | Episode 22-52 Dec 24, 2022

Enjoy an electric hour of the Blue Canvas Orchestra’s beloved tribute to the Woodstock Music Festival on this episode of Tent Show Radio. In 1969, nearly half a million people gathered on a dairy farm northwest of New York City for a three-day rock concert and celebration of peace, love, and music that became one of the most defining moments of their generation. Featuring the Blue Canvas Orchestra, this multimedia event pays tribute to the festival, the artists, and to the spirit of the sixties that was epitomized by the legendary event.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Michael Perry, Host Phillip Anich, Announcer Matt Jugenheimer, Engineer & ProducerGina Nagro, Marketing Support

TENT SHOW RADIO IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY:Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau, Bayfield County Tourism, The Bayfield Inn, Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, Green Bay Packers Foundation, Wisconsin Public Radio

Richie Havens & Robert Cray | Episode 22-51 Dec 19, 2022

On this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio, savor an hour featuring archived recordings of music legends Richie Havens and Robert Cray. Richie Havens, known for his ragged voice, percussive musicianship, and soulful sensibility, is considered as one of the most influential artists of the 1960’s. From playing Woodstock to Carnegie Hall, Havens had an extensive touring career that lasted up until the year before his passing in 2013. This episode features recordings from Haven's 2009 performance under the tent. Regarded as one of the most commercially and critically successful blues artist of his generation, Robert Cray has remained a dominant force for over forty years due to his soulful and creative guitar work, alongside uniquely blended elements of rock, soul, pop, and traditional rhythm and blues. A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has written and performed with everyone from Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan to Tina Turner and Chuck Berry, has made numerous appearances in TV and film, released 20 acclaimed studio albums and a bundle of live albums that punctuate the Blues Hall of Famers career. This episode features recordings from Cray’s 2009 performance under the tent.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Michael Perry, Host Phillip Anich, Announcer Matt Jugenheimer, Engineer & Producer

TENT SHOW RADIO IS SPONSORED BY: Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau, Bayfield County Tourism, The Bayfield Inn, Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, Green Bay Packers Foundation, Wisconsin Public Radio

Home Free | Episode 22-50 Dec 14, 2022

On this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio hosted by Michael Perry enjoy a special recording from the archives featuring award-winning acapella sensation Home Free. With praise rolling in wide ranges from the likes of Billboard and Rolling Stone, their incredible liveshows showcase each member's vocal talent, their combined rich harmonies, and quick-witted-humor - bringing audiences to their feet time and time again. The extraordinary world-class vocalists have garnered a large following, selling nearly 600,000 albums, embarking on major international tours, and amassing 500+ million views and 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube. Their high-energy and electrifying performances fuse Nashville standards with country-dipped pop hits, resulting in a truly unique and incredible sound.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Michael Perry, Host Phillip Anich, Announcer Matt Jugenheimer, Engineer & Producer

Tent Show Radio is sponsored by: Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau, Bayfield County Tourism, The Bayfield Inn, Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, Green Bay Packers Foundation, Wisconsin Public Radio

Michael Perry | Episode 22-49 Dec 03, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a full episode featuring the best of host Michael Perry. A celebrated New York Times best-selling author, musician, and humorist, Michael Perry shares tales of life in Wisconsin with an eye toward how his stories of the past connect us to the future.

Shakey Graves | Episode 22-48 Nov 30, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy an unforgettable episode from the archives, featuring eclectic Americana singer-songwriter Shakey Graves.

Playing a smoky, spectral fusion of blues, folk, and rock in a stripped-down one-man-band style, Shakey Graves is the stage name of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Alejandro Rose-Garcia. Originally from Austin, his esoteric bedroom recordings quickly developed a cult following, and he soon began performing live as a one-man band, with a knack for storytelling and an enigmatic stage presence that immediately draws listeners into his strange narrative world.

Best of the '21 BCO | Episode 22-47 Nov 30, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, experience 35 years of love featuring the best of the 2021 Blue Canvas Orchestra. The Blue Canvas Orchestra has graced the Big Top stage countless times since its 1986 founding, Through their 36 year history, the band has had many iterations, and has performed on stages around Wisconsin, played across the airwaves on Tent Show Radio. As they honor their history, listeners will experience love, comradery, loss, and change, but the music, tent, and the images behind it all remain a constant in our beloved northwoods.

This episode of Tent Show Radio features highlights from the Blue Canvas Orchestra’s many performances of our 35th Anniversary season.

Cloud Cult and Charlie Parr | Episode 22-46 Nov 12, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy the distinctive artistry of Minnesota songwriters and musicians Cloud Cult and Charlie Parr.

Known for incorporating live painting into their performances, Cloud Cult’s experimental style, philosophical lyrics, and alternative-orchestral-folk-rock sound has been lauded by critics and has garnered a dedicated following. With a sound deeply tied to the blues and folk traditions of an earlier era, Charlie Parr’s boundary-pushing roots music showcases novelistic, multi-layered stories that shine a kaleidoscopic light on defiant, unseen characters living in the shadows around us.

This episode of Tent Show Radio features recordings from Cloud Cult’s 2015 performance and Charlie Parr’s 2018 performance under the Big Top tent.

Gaelic Storm | Episode 22-45 Nov 05, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy an electric episode from the archives featuring multi-national Celtic juggernaut Gaelic Storm.

Since forming in 1997, Gaelic Storm has risen from hometown pub performers to a world-famous touring and recording act that continues to grow stronger with each live performance. The band’s first major career breakthrough came with their appearance in the 1997 Blockbuster Film Titanic as the “steerage band” where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class.” Throughout their career, Gaelic Storm has racked up numerous Top 10 spots on the Billboard World Charts, released 13 studio albums including Bring Yer Wellies which reached #2 on the World charts, What’s The Rumpus which reached #1 on the World charts, and their most recent release 2017’s Go Climb A Tree, in addition to amassing more than 250 million streams across platforms.

This episode of Tent Show Radio features recordings from Gaelic Storm’s 2017 performance under the Big Top tent.

Steve Earle & The Dukes / Episode 22-44 Oct 29, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a high-voltage hour featuring the rough-neck poetics of troubadour Steve Earle and The Dukes.

He has run a lot of roads and run ragged, but the singer-songwriter has never run out of things to say or songs to sing. Over the course of twenty studio albums, Earle has distinguished himself as a master storyteller, and his songs have been recorded by a vast array of artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, the Pretenders, and more. Earle’s 1986 debut album, Guitar Town, is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre, and subsequent releases like The Revolution Starts...Now (2004), Washington Square Serenade (2007), and TOWNES (2009) all of which received Grammy Awards.

This episode of Tent Show Radio features recordings from Steve Earle & The Dukes 2021 performance under the Big Top tent.

Dear Earth: A Love Song-Letter of Hope | Episode 22-43 Oct 22, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, we celebrate Earth Day, with performances from the Big Top Chautauqua original show Dear Earth: A Love Song - Letter of Hope. This episode features our very own Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians and singers as they perform original songs and sentiments that celebrate the planet we all call home.

Created by Ed Willet & Betty Ferris, Dear Earth: A Love Song-Letter of Hope pulls original music from the deep, creative well of BCO songwriters and ignites the Blue Canvas Orchestra in song stories of inspiration, courage, and perseverance. This original program, which debuted in 2021, celebrates the fascinating and unexpected tales of some of the game changing thinkers, authors, and conservationists from Wisconsin and beyond who gave their hearts, minds, and sweat to keeping our Earth beautiful. Among the many stories contained in this multimedia concert experience, a well deserved spotlight is shown on Wisconsin’s own Gaylord Nelson, the "happy boy" from Clear Lake who grew up to birth the grand idea of a nationwide Environmental Teach-In, a day still celebrated each April 22 around the world as 'Earth Day’.

Buffy Sainte-Marie - Part Two | Episode 22-42 Oct 15, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a very special two-part episode from the archives. Enjoy electric folk-rock from the powerful, unyielding, and ultimately uplifting Buffy Sainte-Marie, as she performs tunes from across her career.

Since her groundbreaking debut, 1964’s It’s My Way!, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. Sainte-Marie has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982 she became the only Indigenous person to win an Academy Award; she spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. She’s been blacklisted and silenced. She’s written pop standards sung and recorded by the likes of Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Donovan, Joe Cocker, and Jennifer Warnes. She penned “Universal Soldier,” the definitive anti-war anthem of the 20th century. She is an icon who keeps one foot firmly planted on either side of the North American border, in the unsurrendered territories that comprise Canada and the USA.

This episode features recordings from Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 2016 performance on the Big Top stage.

Buffy Sainte-Marie - Part One | Episode 22-41 Oct 08, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a very special two-part episode from the archives. Enjoy electric folk-rock from the powerful, unyielding, and ultimately uplifting Buffy Sainte-Marie, as she performs tunes from across her career.

Since her groundbreaking debut, 1964’s It’s My Way!, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. Sainte-Marie has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982 she became the only Indigenous person to win an Academy Award; she spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. She’s been blacklisted and silenced. She’s written pop standards sung and recorded by the likes of Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Donovan, Joe Cocker, and Jennifer Warnes. She penned “Universal Soldier,” the definitive anti-war anthem of the 20th century. She is an icon who keeps one foot firmly planted on either side of the North American border, in the unsurrendered territories that comprise Canada and the USA.

This episode features recordings from Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 2016 performance on the Big Top stage.

The Mavericks - Part Two | Episode 22-40 Oct 01, 2022

Relive an electric night under the tent in this special two-part episode of Tent Show Radio, featuring Grammy award-winning country-rock band The Mavericks.

Founded in 1989 in Miami, Florida, The Mavericks - revered for their unique sound that fuses Tex-Mex, neotraditional country, Latin, and rockabilly influences - became one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful groups of the early 1990s with culture-crossing hits like “What A Crying Shame” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” They conquered Europe with their feel-good party classic ‘Dance The Night Away’ which went on to sell 400,000 copies in the United Kingdom. After taking a hiatus, the group reunited in 2012, and re-establish themselves as one of the most exciting and joyfully entertaining touring acts on the planet. The Mavericks are true American originals, heirs to the great songwriting traditions of Cuba and Miami, of Nashville and San Antonio and Memphis.

This episode features recordings from The Mavericks' 2021 performance on the Big Top stage as play songs from across their iconic career.

The Mavericks - Part One | Episode 22-39 Sep 24, 2022

Relive an electric night under the tent in this special two-part episode of Tent Show Radio, featuring Grammy award-winning country-rock band The Mavericks.

Founded in 1989 in Miami, Florida, The Mavericks - revered for their unique sound that fuses Tex-Mex, neotraditional country, Latin, and rockabilly influences - became one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful groups of the early 1990s with culture-crossing hits like “What A Crying Shame” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” They conquered Europe with their feel-good party classic ‘Dance The Night Away’ which went on to sell 400,000 copies in the United Kingdom. After taking a hiatus, the group reunited in 2012, and re-establish themselves as one of the most exciting and joyfully entertaining touring acts on the planet. The Mavericks are true American originals, heirs to the great songwriting traditions of Cuba and Miami, of Nashville and San Antonio and Memphis.

This episode features recordings from The Mavericks' 2021 performance on the Big Top stage as play songs from across their iconic career.

John Hiatt with the Jerry Douglas Band | Episode 22-38 Sep 17, 2022

Relive the night the two legendary musicians came together for an unforgettable performance on this week's episode of Tent Show Radio.

Master lyricist and musician John Hiatt is revered for delivering songs filled with tales of redemption, relationships, and surrendering on his own terms. With a sound based in acoustic blues, rock, and American roots music, Hiatt’s songs have been recorded by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and more. 14-time Grammy award winner Jerry Douglas is a freewheeling, forward-thinking musician known as the bandleader of The Jerry Douglas Band and acclaimed bluegrass band The Earls of Leicester. Also celebrated for his award-winning solo career, Jerry Douglas has been regarded as one of the most innovative artists in the music industry today. The acclaimed performers teamed up for their first collaborative album, 2021’s Leftover Feelings, which was recorded at the historic RCA Studio B in Nashville. The album showcases Hiatt’s skills as a songwriter and Douglas’ talents as a composer and producer.

This episode features recordings from John Hiatt & The Jerry Douglas Band’s 2021 performance on the Big Top stage as they play songs from Leftover Feelings and iconic songs from across Hiatt’s career.

Joyann Parker Band | Episode 22-37 Sep 16, 2022

Enjoy a soulful hour of Tent Show Radio featuring performances from the Joyann Parker Band. A northern Wisconsin native Parker, like many artists, discovered her love of music at a very young age. She harnessed her talents in the Baptist church and as a young adult built a solid foundation of music theory and technique as she pursued a degree in music education. While the multifaceted and versatile performer found her authentic voice later in life, she has created her inimitable blend of roots music that fuses soul, gospel, R&B, and traditional blues - combined with a voice that is booming and soulful - Joyann Parker is establishing herself as a masterclass performer. Steadily a rising star on the Midwest music scene, with two critically acclaimed studio albums under her belt, a celebrated Patsy Cline tribute show, numerous award nominations, and opening for award-winning artists like Robert Cray and Elvin Bishop, Parker is now bringing her full range of talent as an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist and songwriter to national and international stages.

Recorded live during Joyann Parker’s 2021 performance at Big Top Chautauqua, this episode showcases her commanding powerhouse vocals as she performs songs from her triumphant sophomore album, 2021's Out of the Dark. Highly praised by critics the album's sound ranges from Latin-influenced blues, Funk and Country, to old school R&B as Parker delivers a collection of liberating and electric songs.

Warren Nelson & Friends | Episode 22-36 Sep 03, 2022

Enjoy an hour of stirring performances from Big Top Chautauqua Founder Warren Nelson featuring the Blue Canvas Orchestra and additional special guests on this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio. Long admired for his songwriting, script works, and stage presence, the musician and entertainer has been performing since thelate 1960’s. After forming the Lost Nation String Band alongside the late Don Pavel, Nelson moved to northern Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula where he founded Lake Superior Big Top Chautauquain 1986. For many years, Nelson served as the artistic director, resident writer, and ringmaster of the organization that has become famous for his prototype of unique performance pieces that combine history, storytelling, songwriting,and big screen visuals. Joined by Blue Canvas Orchestra members Tom Mitchell, Severin Behnen, Ed Willet, and Jack Gunderson,Warren and his musical friends perform songs from Nelson’s vast repertoire of original compositions and BigTop productions

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band | Episode 22-35 Aug 27, 2022

This weekend on Tent Show Radio, savor the return of legendary country-rock group Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, with a look back on their 2021 performance at Big Top Chautauqua. This episode features performances of Bob Dylan’s “You Ain’t Going Nowhere,” “Buy For Me The Rain,” Bob Dylan’s “You Ain’t Going Nowhere,” John Prine’s “Grandpa Was A Carpenter,” “Fishin’ In The Dark,” and “Mr. Bojangles.”

Originally founded in 1965 as a small jug band, by 1969 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had become a cornerstone of the burgeoning country-rock music scene. Their career breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of their album Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy, which saw the band embrace a straight, traditional country and bluegrass sound. The album included one of the band’s best-known hits, a cover version of Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles” which spent 36 weeks on the charts and rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. The following year, the band released their 7th studio album, the critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated, and certified platinum Will The Circle Be Unbroken. The record featured collaborations with numerous country, folk, and bluegrass legends like Earl Scruggs, Mother Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, Jimmy Martin, Doc Watson, and others. The critically acclaimed project has since been revered as a landmark recording in American music. Other notable hits include, “Am American Dream,” “Make a Little Magic,” Billboard No. 1 hit “Long Hard Road (The Share Cropper’s Dream),” Billboard No.1 hit “Modern Day Romance,” and Certified Platinum Billboard No. 1 hit “Fishin’ In the Dark.”

In 2015, the group acknowledged their incredible history by filming a 50th-anniversary concert at the Ryman Auditorium, which later aired on PBS, that included appearances from many special guests including John Prine, Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, and many more. The band continues touring and since 2018 operates as a six-piece ensemble that includes Jeff Hanna (guitar & lead vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums), Bob Carpenter (keyboards), Jim Photoglo (bass, guitar), Ross Holmes (fiddle & mandolin), and Jaime Hanna (guitar.) With a refreshed lineup and newfound energy, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music.

Tin Can Gin & Molly and The Danger Band | Episode 22-34 Aug 20, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio: Enjoy an hour featuring fast-paced upbeat tunes from alternative Bluegrass string band Tin Can Gin, then Molly & The Danger Band present a unique musical cocktail of American roots music. Tin Can Gin was launched in Duluth, MN in 2011 by childhood pals Harrison Olk and Trevor Marrin with mandolinist Bryan Nelson. First up, Tin Can Gin, a Duluth area band launched in 2011 by childhood pals Harrison Olk and Trevor Marrin with mandolinist Bryan Nelson. A few years later they added Neil Krause on bass and Blue Canvas Orchestra player Nori Schwenzfeier on fiddle to complete their sound. A combination of quirky songwriting and vocal gymnastics creates an experience in sound that is sure to tickle your musical palate while you tap your toes in unbridled pleasure.

Later in the episode enjoy Molly & The Danger Band, led by Blue Canvas Orchestra player Molly Otis, with Randy Wydra on bass and Blue Canvas Orchestra player Tom Draughon on guitar. Molly Otis -known for serving as the front-woman of Warner recording artists Molly & The Heymakers- has the ability to reach us deeply, with performances that can move us from emotionally unguarded honesty to getting up and dancing to their driving rock and bluegrass-infused sound.

Ani DiFranco | Episode 22-33 Aug 13, 2022

Savor a transportive hour of soulful rock and roll and boundary-pushing music of Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco, recorded live at Big Top in August 2021. With 22 studio albums and more than three decades of touring under her belt, DiFranco demonstrates the enduring power any artist can possess: the rare ability to give a voice — both personal and political — to our deepest frustrations and tensions simply with her words and chords. The trailblazing musician performs songs from her transcendent new album Revolutionary Love, where she takes on the unrest and anxieties of the current social climate and transforms confusion and pain into clarity and perseverance with her poetic lyrical prowess, ever-commanding vocal work, and elaborate arrangements.

Charlie Berens & Adam Greuel | Episode 22-32 Aug 06, 2022

Enjoy an electric hour of comedy and music on this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio, featuring comedian Charlie Berens and “Horseshoes & Hand Grenades” Adam Greuel. Now a New York Times Best-Selling author, Charlie Berens is perhaps best known for his viral comedic news series, “Manitowoc Minute” and his frequent collaborations with “Funny or Die.” Fresh off the release of the Berens & Greuel Bluegrass comedy album “Unthawed,” this episode revisits Charlie’s 3 night residency at Big Top in July 2021. Together, Berens & Greuel share anecdotes from their college days, poke fun at Wisconsin culture, and perform original songs that cover subjects ranging from types of cheese to famous gangsters of the North Woods.

Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story | Episode 22-31 Jul 30, 2022

Celebrate the rich culture, history, and spirit of the Anishinaabe people in a musical theatre experience that honors the indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes region, in this poignant episode of Tent Show Radio. The acclaimed original show “Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story,” which debuted in 2021, features Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette and Severin Behen, members of the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and artists from Red Cliff, Bad River, LCO, and Fond du Lac. Observe, as talented indigenous artists and tribal elders, weave compelling stories with profound and lucid narrations that convey their rich oral traditions and moments of significant history in their culture - the establishment of treaty rights and the protection of indigenous children. Traditional and modern music merge with ancient storytelling that meets spoken word and hip-hop while you journey through the legends, history, and hardships of the Anishinaabe people.

Them Coulee Boys | Episode 22-30 Jul 23, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, experience Them Coulee Boys and their innovative brand of Americana that blends folk, punk, bluegrass, and rock & roll. Soren Staff & Beau Janke formed the group back in 2011, and with the addition of Jens Staff on Mandolin, played their first gig as the rough-around-the-edges folk band, “Them Coulee Boys,” in 2013. Since then, the group has added Neil Krause on guitar & bass, and Stas Hable on drums, as they have evolved into the full-on Americana rock band whose music “creates community through the shared experience of joy and giving a shit.” This episode revisits their 2021 performance under the tent as they straddle the line between soul-stirring harmonies and high voltage takes on countrified rock & roll with tunes from across their career, including their 4th studio album, released in 2021, “Namesake.”

New First Night | Episode 22-29 Jul 16, 2022

This week, enjoy a marvelous hour of Tent Show Radio while we revisit our grand reunion under the tent for the first show of our 35th Anniversary Season, “New First Night.” As our host, Michael Perry weaves his humor and stories throughout this special recording, experience the heart and soul of Big Top Chautauqua, the Blue Canvas Orchestra. Ed Willet leads our famed house band that has graced the Chautauqua stage since its founding in 1986, as they kick things off performing fan-favorite BCO songs and stories. Later, enjoy fresh perspectives as they debut pieces from new original shows that will premiere throughout the 2021 season. Rejoice in an hour featuring an eclectic blend of string instruments, driving rhythm section, and stunning voices that together rock the tent with their unique fusion of bluegrass, folk and jazzy blues.

Chris Kroeze | Episode 22-28 Jul 09, 2022

Enjoy genuine-country soul and alluring vocal delivery from NBC’s THE VOICE 2018 runner-up Chris Kroeze on this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio, recorded live from Big Top in 2021. Kroeze's vocal abilities, guitar skills, and small-town charm connect with both the hearts and minds of audiences across various generations, performing more than 200 shows across the world every year. The Wisconsin-born artist performs tunes from his 2020 album “We All Sing Along,” and his 2019 self-titled album “Chris Kroeze,” before treating the audience to a delightful cover of “Six Days on the Road.” Later in the episode, Kroeze is joined by Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Joyann Parker for a special performance.

Glenn Miller Orchestra | Episode 22-27 Jul 02, 2022

Enjoy a lively hour of the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on this episode of Tent Show Radio.

After the legendary composer's death in 1944, the band re-formed and continued performing Miller's classic pieces including In the Mood, Chattanooga Choo Choo, A String of Pearls, Moonlight Serenade, and Tuxedo Junction. Now regarded as the most sought-after big band in the world, the Glenn Miller orchestra has played an average of 300 shows a year since 1956. This episode revisits the group's 2021 performance under the tent.

Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock | Episode 22-26 Jun 25, 2022

Enjoy an electric hour of the Blue Canvas Orchestra’s beloved tribute to the Woodstock Music Festival on this episode of Tent Show Radio.

In 1969, nearly half a million people gathered on a dairy farm northwest of New York City for a three-day rock concert and celebration of peace, love, and music that became one of the most defining moments of their generation. Featuring the Blue Canvas Orchestra, this multimedia event pays tribute to the festival, the artists, and to the spirit of the sixties that was epitomized by the legendary event.

See Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock live at Big Top Chautauqua this July! Tickets are $26 for Adults and ½ Price for Youth 17 & Under. Head over to www.bigtop.org for tickets.

Richie Havens & Robert Cray | Episode 22-25 Jun 18, 2022

Press "p" to play "Richie Havens & Robert Cray | Episode 22-25" from "Tent Show Radio"

Richie Havens & Robert Cray | Episode 22-25

From: Tent Show Radio Series: Tent Show Radio Length: 58:56

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Read the full description.

Piece Audio

00:00:00

TrackBufferSeekPlayhead

00:58:56

Play

Mute

Also in the Tent Show Radio series Home Free | Episode 22-24 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Michael Perry | Episode 22-23 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Shakey Graves | Episode 22-22 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Best of the '21 BCO | Episode 22-21 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Cloud Cult & Charlie Parr | Episode 22-20 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Gaelic Storm | Episode 22-19 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Steve Earle & The Dukes | Episode 22-18 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Dear Earth | Episode 22-17 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Buffy Sainte-Marie Part Two | Episode 22-16 (58:59) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Buffy Sainte-Marie Part One | Episode 22-15 (59:00) From: Tent Show Radio

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big ...

Related Pieces

(modify search terms)

The Wire Episode 1: Hallo, Hallo (52:54) From: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

First episode of The Wire, discussing the experience of music as it was affected by the invention of electricity.

Interview with Kathy Chiavola, Nasville singer/songwriter (28:33) From: Candace Corrigan

Interview & performances with Kathy Chiavola, Nasville singer/songwriter

Interview with Will Barrow, Nashville pianist & composer (28:58) From: Candace Corrigan

Interview with Will Barrow, Grammy-winning Nashville pianist & composer

Interview with Dave Haley, Compass Records (29:02) From: Candace Corrigan

Interview with Dave Haley, Compass Records

Interview with Dave Sinko, Nashville audio engineer (29:27) From: Candace Corrigan

Interview with Dave Sinko, Nashville audio engineer, featuring some great music he worked on.

Piece Description

On this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio, savor an hour featuring archived recordings of music legends Richie Havens and Robert Cray.

Richie Havens, known for his ragged voice, percussive musicianship, and soulful sensibility, is considered as one of the most influential artists of the 1960’s. From playing Woodstock to Carnegie Hall, Havens had an extensive touring career that lasted up until the year before his passing in 2013. This episode features recordings from Haven's 2009 performance under the tent.

Regarded as one of the most commercially and critically successful blues artist of his generation, Robert Cray has remained a dominant force for over forty years due to his soulful and creative guitar work, alongside uniquely blended elements of rock, soul, pop, and traditional rhythm and blues. A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has written and performed with everyone from Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan to Tina Turner and Chuck Berry, has made numerous appearances in TV and film, released 20 acclaimed studio albums and a bundle of live albums that punctuate the Blues Hall of Famers career. This episode features recordings from Cray’s 2009 performance under the tent.

Enjoyed this episode? See The Robert Cray Band live at Big Top this August! Tickets are on sale now at www.bigtop.org.

Home Free | Episode 22-24 Jun 11, 2022

On this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio hosted by Michael Perry enjoy a special recording from the archives featuring award-winning acapella sensation Home Free. With praise rolling in wide ranges from the likes of Billboard and Rolling Stone, their incredible liveshows showcase each member's vocal talent, their combined rich harmonies, and quick-witted-humor - bringing audiences to their feet time and time again. The extraordinary world-class vocalists have garnered a large following, selling nearly 600,000 albums, embarking on major international tours, and amassing 500+ million views and 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube. Their high-energy and electrifying performances fuse Nashville standards with country-dipped pop hits, resulting in a truly unique and incredible sound.

Enjoyed this episode? See Home Free live at Big Top this September! Tickets are on sale now at www.bigtop.org.

Michael Perry | Episode 22-23 Jun 04, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a full episode featuring the best of host Michael Perry. A celebrated New York Times best-selling author, musician, and humorist, Michael Perry shares tales of life in Wisconsin with an eye toward how his stories of the past connect us to the future.

Shakey Graves | Episode 22-22 May 28, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy an unforgettable episode from the archives, featuring eclectic Americana singer-songwriter Shakey Graves.

Playing a smoky, spectral fusion of blues, folk, and rock in a stripped-down one-man-band style, Shakey Graves is the stage name of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Alejandro Rose-Garcia. Originally from Austin, his esoteric bedroom recordings quickly developed a cult following, and he soon began performing live as a one-man band, with a knack for storytelling and an enigmatic stage presence that immediately draws listeners into his strange narrative world.

See Shakey Graves live at Big Top October 6th, 2022! Tickets are on sale now at www.bigtop.org.

Best of the ' 21 BCO | Episode 22-21 May 21, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, experience 35 years of love featuring the best of the 2021 Blue Canvas Orchestra. The Blue Canvas Orchestra has graced the Big Top stage countless times since its 1986 founding, Through their 36 year history, the band has had many iterations, and has performed on stages around Wisconsin, played across the airwaves on Tent Show Radio. As they honor their history, listeners will experience love, comradery, loss, and change, but the music, tent, and the images behind it all remain a constant in our beloved northwoods.

This episode of Tent Show Radio features highlights from the Blue Canvas Orchestra’s many performances of our 35th Anniversary season. Visit www.bigtop.org to see our famed houseband live this summer.

Cloud Cult & Charlie Parr | Episode 22-20 May 14, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy the distinctive artistry of Minnesota songwriters and musicians Cloud Cult and Charlie Parr.

Known for incorporating live painting into their performances, Cloud Cult’s experimental style, philosophical lyrics, and alternative-orchestral-folk-rock sound has been lauded by critics and has garnered a dedicated following. With a sound deeply tied to the blues and folk traditions of an earlier era, Charlie Parr’s boundary-pushing roots music showcases novelistic, multi-layered stories that shine a kaleidoscopic light on defiant, unseen characters living in the shadows around us.

This episode of Tent Show Radio features recordings from Cloud Cult’s 2015 performance and Charlie Parr’s 2018 performance under the Big Top tent. Don’t miss these two acts live at Big Top Chautauqua September 17! Tickets are on sale now at www.bigtop.org.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

Gaelic Storm | Episode 22-19 May 07, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy an electric episode from the archives featuring multi-national Celtic juggernaut Gaelic Storm.

Since forming in 1997, Gaelic Storm has risen from hometown pub performers to a world-famous touring and recording act that continues to grow stronger with each live performance. The band’s first major career breakthrough came with their appearance in the 1997 Blockbuster Film Titanic as the “steerage band” where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class.” Throughout their career, Gaelic Storm has racked up numerous Top 10 spots on the Billboard World Charts, released 13 studio albums including Bring Yer Wellies which reached #2 on the World charts, What’s The Rumpus which reached #1 on the World charts, and their most recent release 2017’s Go Climb A Tree, in addition to amassing more than 250 million streams across platforms.

This episode of Tent Show Radio features recordings from Gaelic Storm’s 2017 performance under the Big Top tent. Don’t miss Gaelic Storm live at Big Top Chautauqua July 7th! Tickets are on sale now at www.bigtop.org.

Steve Earle & The Dukes | Episode 22-18 Apr 30, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a high-voltage hour featuring the rough-neck poetics of troubadour Steve Earle and The Dukes.

He has run a lot of roads and run ragged, but the singer-songwriter has never run out of things to say or songs to sing. Over the course of twenty studio albums, Earle has distinguished himself as a master storyteller, and his songs have been recorded by a vast array of artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, the Pretenders, and more. Earle’s 1986 debut album, Guitar Town, is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre, and subsequent releases like The Revolution Starts...Now (2004), Washington Square Serenade (2007), and TOWNES (2009) all of which received Grammy Awards.

This episode of Tent Show Radio features recordings from Steve Earle & The Dukes 2021 performance under the Big Top tent.

Dear Earth | Episode 22-17 Apr 23, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, we celebrate Earth Day, with performances from the Big Top Chautauqua original show Dear Earth: A Love Song - Letter of Hope. This episode features our very own Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians and singers as they perform original songs and sentiments that celebrate the planet we all call home.

Created by Ed Willet & Betty Ferris, Dear Earth: A Love Song-Letter of Hope pulls original music from the deep, creative well of BCO songwriters and ignites the Blue Canvas Orchestra in song stories of inspiration, courage, and perseverance. This original program, which debuted in 2021, celebrates the fascinating and unexpected tales of some of the game changing thinkers, authors, and conservationists from Wisconsin and beyond who gave their hearts, minds, and sweat to keeping our Earth beautiful.. Among the many stories contained in this multimedia concert experience, a well deserved spotlight is shown on Wisconsin’s own Gaylord Nelson, the "happy boy" from Clear Lake who grew up to birth the grand idea of a nationwide Environmental Teach-In, a day still celebrated each April 22 around the world as 'Earth Day’.

See Dear Earth: A Love Song - Letter of Hope live at Big Top Chautauqua July 8, 2022! Tickets are $26 for Adults and ½ Price for Youth 17 & Under. Head over to www.bigtop.org for tickets.

Buffy Sainte-Marie Part Two | Episode 22-16 Apr 16, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy part two of a very special episode from the archives. Enjoy electric folk-rock from the powerful, unyielding, and ultimately uplifting Buffy Sainte-Marie, as she performs tunes from across her career.

Since her groundbreaking debut, 1964’s It’s My Way!, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. Sainte-Marie has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982 she became the only Indigenous person to win an Academy Award; she spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. She’s been blacklisted and silenced. She’s written pop standards sung and recorded by the likes of Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Donovan, Joe Cocker, and Jennifer Warnes. She penned “Universal Soldier,” the definitive anti-war anthem of the 20th century. She is an icon who keeps one foot firmly planted on either side of the North American border, in the unsurrendered territories that comprise Canada and the USA.

This episode features recordings from Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 2016 performance on the Big Top stage.

Buffy Sainte-Marie Part One | Episode 22-15 Apr 09, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy part one of a very special episode from the archives. Enjoy electric folk-rock from the powerful, unyielding, and ultimately uplifting Buffy Sainte-Marie, as she performs tunes from across her career.

Since her groundbreaking debut, 1964’s It’s My Way!, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. Sainte-Marie has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982 she became the only Indigenous person to win an Academy Award; she spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. She’s been blacklisted and silenced. She’s written pop standards sung and recorded by the likes of Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Donovan, Joe Cocker, and Jennifer Warnes. She penned “Universal Soldier,” the definitive anti-war anthem of the 20th century. She is an icon who keeps one foot firmly planted on either side of the North American border, in the unsurrendered territories that comprise Canada and the USA.

This episode features recordings from Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 2016 performance on the Big Top stage.

The Mavericks - Part Two | Episode 22-14 Apr 02, 2022

Relive an electric night under the tent in this special two-part episode of Tent Show Radio, featuring Grammy award-winning country-rock band The Mavericks.

Founded in 1989 in Miami, Florida, The Mavericks - revered for their unique sound that fuses Tex-Mex, neotraditional country, Latin, and rockabilly influences - became one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful groups of the early 1990s with culture-crossing hits like “What A Crying Shame” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” They conquered Europe with their feel-good party classic ‘Dance The Night Away’ which went on to sell 400,000 copies in the United Kingdom. After taking a hiatus, the group reunited in 2012, and re-establish themselves as one of the most exciting and joyfully entertaining touring acts on the planet. The Mavericks are true American originals, heirs to the great songwriting traditions of Cuba and Miami, of Nashville and San Antonio and Memphis.

This episode features recordings from The Mavericks' 2021 performance on the Big Top stage as play songs from across their iconic career.

The Mavericks - Part One | Episode 22-13 Mar 26, 2022

Relive an electric night under the tent in this special two-part episode of Tent Show Radio, featuring Grammy award-winning country-rock band The Mavericks.

Founded in 1989 in Miami, Florida, The Mavericks - revered for their unique sound that fuses Tex-Mex, neotraditional country, Latin, and rockabilly influences - became one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful groups of the early 1990s with culture-crossing hits like “What A Crying Shame” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” They conquered Europe with their feel-good party classic ‘Dance The Night Away’ which went on to sell 400,000 copies in the United Kingdom. After taking a hiatus, the group reunited in 2012, and re-establish themselves as one of the most exciting and joyfully entertaining touring acts on the planet. The Mavericks are true American originals, heirs to the great songwriting traditions of Cuba and Miami, of Nashville and San Antonio and Memphis.

This episode features recordings from The Mavericks' 2021 performance on the Big Top stage as play songs from across their iconic career.

John Hiatt with The Jerry Douglas Band | Episode 22-12 Mar 19, 2022

Relive the night the two legendary musicians came together for an unforgettable performance on this week's episode of Tent Show Radio.

Master lyricist and musician John Hiatt is revered for delivering songs filled with tales of redemption, relationships, and surrendering on his own terms. With a sound based in acoustic blues, rock, and American roots music, Hiatt’s songs have been recorded by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and more. 14-time Grammy award winner Jerry Douglas is a freewheeling, forward-thinking musician known as the bandleader of The Jerry Douglas Band and acclaimed bluegrass band The Earls of Leicester. Also celebrated for his award-winning solo career, Jerry Douglas has been regarded as one of the most innovative artists in the music industry today. The acclaimed performers teamed up for their first collaborative album, 2021’s Leftover Feelings, which was recorded at the historic RCA Studio B in Nashville. The album showcases Hiatt’s skills as a songwriter and Douglas’ talents as a composer and producer.

This episode features recordings from John Hiatt & The Jerry Douglas Band’s 2021 performance on the Big Top stage as they play songs from Leftover Feelings and iconic songs from across Hiatt’s career.

Joyann Parker Band | Episode 22-11 Mar 12, 2022

Enjoy a soulful hour of Tent Show Radio featuring performances from the Joyann Parker Band. A northern Wisconsin native Parker, like many artists, discovered her love of music at a very young age. She harnessed her talents in the Baptist church and as a young adult built a solid foundation of music theory and technique as she pursued a degree in music education. While the multifaceted and versatile performer found her authentic voice later in life, she has created her inimitable blend of roots music that fuses soul, gospel, R&B, and traditional blues - combined with a voice that is booming and soulful - Joyann Parker is establishing herself as a masterclass performer. Steadily a rising star on the Midwest music scene, with two critically acclaimed studio albums under her belt, a celebrated Patsy Cline tribute show, numerous award nominations, and opening for award-winning artists like Robert Cray and Elvin Bishop, Parker is now bringing her full range of talent as an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist and songwriter to national and international stages.

Recorded live during Joyann Parker’s 2021 performance at Big Top Chautauqua, this episode showcases her commanding powerhouse vocals as she performs songs from her triumphant sophomore album, 2021's Out of the Dark. Highly praised by critics the album's sound ranges from Latin-influenced blues, Funk and Country, to old school R&B as Parker delivers a collection of liberating and electric songs.

Warren Nelson & Friends | Episode 22-10 Mar 05, 2022

Enjoy an hour of stirring performances from Big Top Chautauqua Founder Warren Nelson featuring the Blue Canvas Orchestra and additional special guests on this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio. Long admired for his songwriting, script works, and stage presence, the musician and entertainer has been performing since the late 1960’s. After forming the Lost Nation String Band alongside the late Don Pavel, Nelson moved to northern Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula where he founded Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua in 1986. For many years, Nelson served as the artistic director, resident writer, and ringmaster of the organization that has become famous for his prototype of unique performance pieces that combine history, storytelling, songwriting, and big screen visuals.

Joined by Blue Canvas Orchestra members Tom Mitchell, Severin Behnen, Ed Willet, and Jack Gunderson, Warren and his musical friends perform songs from Nelson’s vast repertoire of original compositions and Big Top productions.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program showcasing the best live recordings from acclaimed music acts and entertainers who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. In the program's nearly 30-year history it has featured artists like Johnny Cash, B.B King, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Don McLean, and many more. Hosted by celebrated New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry-who weaves stories and humor throughout each episode - Tent Show Radio features performances from renowned national & regional artists, with regular appearances featuring Big Top’s own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by its acclaimed house band, The Blue Canvas Orchestra. Tent Show Radio is independently produced by Big Top Chautauqua, a non-profit performing arts organization, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band | Episode 22-09 Feb 26, 2022

This weekend on Tent Show Radio, savor the return of legendary country-rock group Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, with a look back on their 2021 performance at Big Top Chautauqua. This episode features performances of Bob Dylan’s “You Ain’t Going Nowhere,” “Buy For Me The Rain,” Bob Dylan’s “You Ain’t Going Nowhere,” John Prine’s “Grandpa Was A Carpenter,” “Fishin’ In The Dark,” and “Mr. Bojangles.”

Originally founded in 1965 as a small jug band, by 1969 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had become a cornerstone of the burgeoning country-rock music scene. Their career breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of their album Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy, which saw the band embrace a straight, traditional country and bluegrass sound. The album included one of the band’s best-known hits, a cover version of Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles” which spent 36 weeks on the charts and rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. The following year, the band released their seventh studio album, the critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated, and certified platinum Will The Circle Be Unbroken. The record featured collaborations with numerous country, folk, and bluegrass legends like Earl Scruggs, Mother Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, Jimmy Martin, Doc Watson, and others. The critically acclaimed project has since been revered as a landmark recording in American music. Other notable hits include, “Am American Dream,” “Make a Little Magic,” Billboard No. 1 hit “Long Hard Road (The Share Cropper’s Dream),” Billboard No.1 hit “Modern Day Romance,” and Certified Platinum Billboard No. 1 hit “Fishin’ In the Dark.”

In 2015, the group acknowledged their incredible history by filming a 50th-anniversary concert at the Ryman Auditorium, which later aired on PBS that included appearances from many special guests including John Prine, Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, and many more. The band continues touring and since 2018 operates as a six-piece ensemble that includes Jeff Hanna (guitar & lead vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums), Bob Carpenter (keyboards), Jim Photoglo (bass, guitar), Ross Holmes (fiddle & mandolin), and Jaime Hanna (guitar.) With a refreshed lineup and newfound energy, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music.

Tin Can Gin - Molly & The Danger Band | Episode 22-08 Feb 19, 2022

This week on Tent Show Radio: Enjoy an hour featuring fast-paced upbeat tunes from alternative Bluegrass string band Tin Can Gin, then Molly & The Danger Band present a unique musical cocktail of American roots music. Tin Can Gin was launched in Duluth, MN in 2011 by childhood pals Harrison Olk and Trevor Marrin with mandolinist Bryan Nelson. First up, Tin Can Gin, a Duluth area band launched in 2011 by childhood pals Harrison Olk and Trevor Marrin with mandolinist Bryan Nelson. A few years later they added Neil Krause on bass and Blue Canvas Orchestra player Nori Schwenzfeier on fiddle to complete their sound. A combination of quirky songwriting and vocal gymnastics creates an experience in sound that is sure to tickle your musical palate while you tap your toes in unbridled pleasure. Later in the episode enjoy Molly & The Danger Band, led by Blue Canvas Orchestra player Molly Otis, with Randy Wydra on bass and Blue Canvas Orchestra player Tom Draughon on guitar. Molly Otis -known for serving as the front-woman of Warner recording artists Molly & The Heymakers- has the ability to reach us deeply, with performances that can move us from emotionally unguarded honesty to getting up and dancing to their driving rock and bluegrass-infused sound.

Ani DiFranco | Episode 22-07 Feb 12, 2022

Savor a transportive hour of soulful rock and roll and boundary-pushing music of Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco, recorded live at Big Top in August 2021. With 22 studio albums and more than three decades of touring under her belt, DiFranco demonstrates the enduring power any artist can possess: the rare ability to give a voice — both personal and political — to our deepest frustrations and tensions simply with her words and chords. The trailblazing musician performs songs from her transcendent new album Revolutionary Love, where she takes on the unrest and anxieties of the current social climate and transforms confusion and pain into clarity and perseverance with her poetic lyrical prowess, ever-commanding vocal work, and elaborate arrangements. Additonal Crediting: Michael Perry-Host, Matt Jugenheimer-Sound Engineer, Ani DiFranco & Righteous Babe Records-Photos

Charlie Berens & Adam Greuel | Episode 22-06 Feb 05, 2022

Enjoy an electric hour of music & comedy on this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio, featuring comedian Charlie Berens and musician & singer Adam Greuel (Horseshoes & Hand Grenades). Now a New York Times Best-Selling author, Charlie Berens is perhaps best known for his viral comedic news series, “Manitowoc Minute” and his frequent collaborations with “Funny or Die.” Fresh off the release of the Berens & Greuel Bluegrass comedy album “Unthawed,” this episode revisits Charlie’s 3 night residency at Big Top in July 2021. Together, Berens & Greuel share anecdotes from their college days, poke fun at Wisconsin culture, and perform original songs that cover subjects ranging from types of cheese to famous gangsters of the North Woods.

Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story | Episode 22-05 Jan 29, 2022

Celebrate the rich culture, history, and spirit of the Anishinaabe people in a musical theatre experience that honors the indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes region, in this poignant episode of Tent Show Radio. The acclaimed original show “Anishinaabe Dibaajimowin: An Ojibwe Story,” which debuted in 2021, features Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette and Severin Behen, members of the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and artists from Red Cliff, Bad River, LCO, and Fond du Lac. Observe, as talented indigenous artists and tribal elders, weave compelling stories with profound and lucid narrations that convey their rich oral traditions and moments of significant history in their culture - the establishment of treaty rights and the protection of indigenous children. Traditional and modern music merge with ancient storytelling that meets spoken word and hip-hop while you journey through the legends, history, and hardships of the Anishinaabe people.

Them Coulee Boys | Episode 22-04 Jan 22, 2022

In this episode of Tent Show Radio, experience Them Coulee Boys and their innovative brand of Americana that blends folk, punk, bluegrass, and rock & roll. Soren Staff & Beau Janke formed the group back in 2011, and with the addition of Jens Staff on Mandolin, played their first gig as the rough-around-the-edges folk band, “Them Coulee Boys,” in 2013. Since then, the group has added Neil Krause on guitar & bass, and Stas Hable on drums, as they have evolved into the full-on Americana rock band whose music “creates community through the shared experience of joy and giving a shit.” This episode revisits their 2021 performance under the tent as they straddle the line between soul-stirring harmonies and high voltage takes on countrified rock & roll with tunes from across their career, including their 4th studio album, released in 2021, “Namesake.”

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program hosted by author & humorist Michael Perry, and created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms.

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 3,000+ concerts and events. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 35 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

New First Night | Episode 22-03 Jan 15, 2022

This week, enjoy a marvelous hour of Tent Show Radio while we revisit our grand reunion under the tent for the first show of our 35th Anniversary Season, “New First Night.” As our host, Michael Perry weaves his humor and stories throughout this special recording, experience the heart and soul of Big Top Chautauqua, the Blue Canvas Orchestra. Ed Willet leads our famed house band that has graced the Chautauqua stage since its founding in 1986, as they kick things off performing fan-favorite BCO songs and stories. Later, enjoy fresh perspectives as they debut pieces from new original shows that will premiere throughout the 2021 season. Rejoice in an hour featuring an eclectic blend of string instruments, driving rhythm section, and stunning voices that together rock the tent with their unique fusion of bluegrass, folk and jazzy blues.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program hosted by author & humorist Michael Perry, and created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms.

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 3,000+ concerts and events. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 35 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Chris Kroeze | Episode 22-02 Jan 08, 2022

Enjoy genuine-country soul and alluring vocal delivery from NBC’s THE VOICE 2018 runner-up Chris Kroeze on this week’s episode of Tent Show Radio, recorded live from Big Top in 2021. Kroeze's vocal abilities, guitar skills, and small-town charm connect with both the hearts and minds of audiences across various generations, performing more than 200 shows across the world every year. The Wisconsin-born artist performs tunes from his 2020 album “We All Sing Along,” and his 2019 self-titled album “Chris Kroeze,” before treating the audience to a delightful cover of “Six Days on the Road.” Later in the episode, Kroeze is joined by Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Joyann Parker for a special performance.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program hosted by author & humorist Michael Perry, and created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms.

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 3,000+ concerts and events. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 35 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Glenn Miller Orchestra | Episode 22-01 Jan 01, 2022

This episode of Tent Show Radio features the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. After the legendary composer's death in 1944, the band re-formed and continued performing Miller's classic pieces including In the Mood, Chattanooga Choo Choo, A String of Pearls, Moonlight Serenade, and Tuxedo Junction. Now regarded as the most sought-after big band in the world, the Glenn Miller orchestra has played an average of 300 shows a year since 1956. This episode revisits the groups 2021 performance under the tent.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program hosted by author & humorist Michael Perry, and created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms.

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 3,000+ concerts and events. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 35 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Holiday Special | Episode 21-52 Dec 25, 2021

In this very special episode of Tent Show Radio, Big Top's very own Blue Canvas Orchestra does Christmas "Chautauqua" style. Tune in to hear your favorite BCO musicians cover Holiday favorites as they present a "Blue Canvas Christmas." First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program hosted by author & humorist Michael Perry, and created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 3,000+ concerts and events. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 35 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Tall Heights | Episode 21-51 Dec 18, 2021

From their early days playing on the streets in their hometown of Boston, MA to performing on world wide tours, this duo has built their careers from the ground up and along the way, amassed a dedicated and ever growing audience of listeners. Paul Wright and Tim Harrington, together known as Tall Heights, have developed a unique sound that cannot only be credited to their harmony, but rather a unique union of two distinct voices that makes the music inarguably their own. This episode of Tent Show Radio features the duo's 2016 live performance on the Big Top Chautauqua stage.

______________________________________________________________________ First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program hosted by author & humorist Michael Perry, and created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 3,000+ concerts and events. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 35 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Lost Nation String Band - Kathy Mattea | Episode 21-50 Dec 11, 2021

This week's episode of Tent Show Radio celebrates the legacy of Lost Nation String Band, featuring performances with original members and special guests. We also look back to recordings of American Country Music and Bluegrass singer, Kathy Mattea performing at Big Top in 2013.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. During intermission, host Michael Perry spins a story “from the backstage dressing room, with the one lonely little light bulb burning." Topics range from Mike’s battles with trees, to the behavior of rogue chickens, to the search for hope while stoking a wood stove in the darkness. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms. "Tent Show Radio" is also available for streaming at www.tentshowradio.org. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 2,000+ concerts and shows and countless lectures, workshops and other unique events. In addition to the action on the tent grounds, Big Top has also broadcast its performances over the public radio airwaves since 1994 through Tent Show Radio, bringing Big Top concerts into living rooms across the country and around the world via internet streaming and podcasts. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 30 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Vintage BCO | Episode 21-49 Dec 04, 2021

This episode of Tent Show Radio, features fan favorite performances from the early days of the Blue Canvas Orchestra and classic original Big Top shows.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. During intermission, host Michael Perry spins a story “from the backstage dressing room, with the one lonely little light bulb burning." Topics range from Mike’s battles with trees, to the behavior of rogue chickens, to the search for hope while stoking a wood stove in the darkness. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms. "Tent Show Radio" is also available for streaming at www.tentshowradio.org. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 2,000+ concerts and shows and countless lectures, workshops and other unique events. In addition to the action on the tent grounds, Big Top has also broadcast its performances over the public radio airwaves since 1994 through Tent Show Radio, bringing Big Top concerts into living rooms across the country and around the world via internet streaming and podcasts. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 30 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Charlie Parr - Koerner, Ray & Glover | Episode 21-48 Nov 27, 2021

An easily confused and very shy individual, Charlie Parr has been traveling around singing his songs ever since leaving Austin Minnesota in the 1980's in search of Spider John Koerner, whom he found about 100 miles north at the Viking Bar one Sunday night. The experience changed his life, made him more or less unemployable, and brings us to now: 13 recordings, 250 shows a year or more, 200,000 miles on a well broke in Kia, and a nasty fear of heights. Resonator fueled folk songs from Duluth Minnesota.

“Spider” John Koerner. Dave “Snaker” Ray. Tony “Little Sun” Glover. The names are legendary, and the seminal country-blues trio they formed in the early Sixties influenced a musical era with its passionate treatments of rare blues stylings. A self-described fun-loving trio of misfits, they turned audiences on their heads with foot-stomping performances throughout the U.S., and their series of Elektra recordings, commencing with Blues, Rags and Hollers, are considered the cornerstone of the Sixties folk/blues revival.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. During intermission, host Michael Perry spins a story “from the backstage dressing room, with the one lonely little light bulb burning." Topics range from Mike’s battles with trees, to the behavior of rogue chickens, to the search for hope while stoking a wood stove in the darkness. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms. "Tent Show Radio" is also available for streaming at www.tentshowradio.org. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 2,000+ concerts and shows and countless lectures, workshops and other unique events. In addition to the action on the tent grounds, Big Top has also broadcast its performances over the public radio airwaves since 1994 through Tent Show Radio, bringing Big Top concerts into living rooms across the country and around the world via internet streaming and podcasts. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 30 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

The Kingston Trio | Episode 21-47 Nov 20, 2021

In 1957 The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco’s North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream for the first time. During the late 50s & early 60s, the Trio enjoyed unprecedented record sales and worldwide fame, while influencing the musical tastes of a generation. Through changing times, the Trio has played on, remaining popular for a simple reason… great songs that sound as good today as the first time you heard them.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. During intermission, host Michael Perry spins a story “from the backstage dressing room, with the one lonely little light bulb burning." Topics range from Mike’s battles with trees, to the behavior of rogue chickens, to the search for hope while stoking a wood stove in the darkness. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms. "Tent Show Radio" is also available for streaming at www.tentshowradio.org. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 2,000+ concerts and shows and countless lectures, workshops and other unique events. In addition to the action on the tent grounds, Big Top has also broadcast its performances over the public radio airwaves since 1994 through Tent Show Radio, bringing Big Top concerts into living rooms across the country and around the world via internet streaming and podcasts. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 35 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Blue Canvas Orchestra - Bill Miller | Episode 21-46 Nov 13, 2021

Bill Miller is an award-winning Native American recording artist, performer, songwriter, activist, painter, and world-class native flute player. Over the entirety, Miller has produced over a dozen albums, received three GRAMMY® Awards, numerous Native American Music Awards & Association (NAMA) awards (including a “Lifetime Achievement” Award) and led Wisconsin’s La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. He has long been one of the most admired figures in the Native American arts and activist arenas, respectively, and beyond – a voice for the voiceless, a link between two great and clashing civilizations.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. During intermission, host Michael Perry spins a story “from the backstage dressing room, with the one lonely little light bulb burning." Topics range from Mike’s battles with trees, to the behavior of rogue chickens, to the search for hope while stoking a wood stove in the darkness. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms. "Tent Show Radio" is also available for streaming at www.tentshowradio.org. Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 2,000+ concerts and shows and countless lectures, workshops and other unique events. In addition to the action on the tent grounds, Big Top has also broadcast its performances over the public radio airwaves since 1994 through Tent Show Radio, bringing Big Top concerts into living rooms across the country and around the world via internet streaming and podcasts. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 30 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.

Nickel Creek - Punch Brothers | Episode 21-45 Nov 06, 2021

Nickel Creek is an Americana music group, formed in Southern California in 1989. The group consists of Chris Thile (mandolin) and siblings Sara Watkins (fiddle) and Sean Watkins (guitar.) Since its formation, the group has released six albums and have earned a number of Grammy and CMA nominations.

Punch Brothers was formed in 2006 by mandolinist/singer Chris Thile with four other musicians: fiddler Gabe Witcher, banjo player Noam Pikelny, bassist Paul Kowert and guitarist Chris Eldridge. Their records combine elements of the band’s many musical interests, including indie rock, folk, jazz, bluegrass and classical music.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected