Tent Show Radio

Latest Episodes:

Episode 20-2: Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock Jan 06, 2020

Show notes

About This Episode

In 1969, 400,000 people gathered on a dairy farm Northwest of New York City for the three-day festival known as Woodstock. That was fifty years ago, and now in this new Big Top show the Blue Canvas Orchestra pays tribute to the festival, to the artists, and to the spirit of the sixties that was epitomized by the legendary event.

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Perry’s bestselling memoirs include Population 485, Truck: A Love Story, Coop, and Visiting Tom, and his latest, Montaigne in Barn Boots: An Amateur Ambles Through Philosophy. His first book for young readers, The Scavengers, was published in 2014 and first novel for adult readers, The Jesus Cow, was published in May of 2015.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated “Tent Show Radio,” performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 20-1: Nicole Atkins, also featuring Joyann Parker Dec 29, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

Tonight the Big Top Chautauqua makes way for two women of power…the big note brassy blues of Joyanne Parker, and the retro-current all-her-own-sounds of Nicole Atkins.

JOYANN PARKER

Armed with a guitar and a voice that manages to sound all bluesy and brokenhearted and yet blasts like a locomotive wrapped in brass, Joyann Parker sounds above all like she sings from deep in the soul, wherever it resides.

NICOLE ATKINS

Born in New Jersey, and her earliest musical influences came from her parents record stash—The Ronettes, Johnny Cash, The Beach Boys, Cass Elliott—but since then she has built a repertoire arising from other geographies and other genres over a career that has seen her develop a distinctive voice blending everything from belters to ballads. A self-starter from the day she started teaching her self to play guitar at the age of 13, she’s a testament to time, talent and tenacity, a performer who digs deep within to create songs of strength and vulnerability, please welcome Nicole Atkins.

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Perry's bestselling memoirs include Population 485, Truck: A Love Story, Coop, and Visiting Tom, and his latest, Montaigne in Barn Boots: An Amateur Ambles Through Philosophy. His first book for young readers, The Scavengers, was published in 2014 and first novel for adult readers, The Jesus Cow, was published in May of 2015.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 19-52: Best of Big Top Opry Dec 23, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

Celebrate the best country and western music from the 30s through the 80s in this third installment of the popular Big Top Opry series led by Severin Behnen and Corey Carlson. The Blue Canvas Orchestra and special guests bring together the music of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and many more stars of the Grand Ole Opry. This show mashes up our favorites from Big Top Opry, and Big Top Opry 2: The Outlaw Years.

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 19-51: Blue Canvas Christmas Live at Stage North Dec 16, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

The tent may be all tucked away in hibernation for winter, but the Blue Canvas Orchestra is brimming with the magic of Christmas. Hearken back on old memories with songs the Blue Canvas Orchestra has been performing for years, and hear some new songs too. There’ll be holiday classics, instrumentals, and maybe even an audience sing-a-long.

The Blue Canvas Orchestra has played a lot of shows under the big blue tent over the years. Some of their most cherished arrangements, however, have happened at Christmastime. When the magic of Big Top combines with the magic of Christmas, you can bet your last sugar cookie the good cheer will be flowing! So sit back and enjoy while music decorates the air like so much tinsel.

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 19-50: Asleep at the Wheel Dec 13, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

Ray Benson founded western swing band Asleep at the Wheel in Paw Paw, West Virginia 48 years ago. “We were too country for the rock folks and we were too long-haired for the country folks. But everybody got over it once the music started playing."

Today the band holds 10 Grammy awards, 20 studio albums and 20 singles on the Billboard charts. They’ve collaborated with legends such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and George Strait and newcomers like the Avett Brothers, Amos Lee, Old Crow Medicine Show and many other fine talents.

Asleep at the Wheel is bringing a fresh look, sound and New Album in 2018. With recent additions Katie Shore (fiddle, vocals), Dennis Ludiker (fiddle, mandolin) Connor Forsyth (keyboard, vocals) and Josh Hoag (Bass) Asleep at the Wheel’s newest members have given a newfound energy and their own unique style within the band. Asleep at the Wheel veterans David Sanger (Drums) Eddie Rivers (Steel Guitar) and Jay Reynolds (Saxophone and Clarinet) round out the now 8 piece band.

Between those Texas Twin Fiddles and Boogie Piano, you can bet you’ll be swingin’ all night long when the Wheel rolls into town!

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 19-49: Shakey Graves, Part 2 Dec 06, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

Shakey Graves's 2018 show at Big Top was so good, we're bringing you the whole thing! This week's Tent Show Radio is the second half of his performance.

Shakey Graves has been categorized as an Americana singer/songwriter, thanks to his traditionally rooted songs, fluent acoustic-guitar picking, and Texas roots. He was named Best Emerging Artist at the 2015 Americana Music Awards. But that tag will undoubtedly be dismissed as restrictive and irrelevant when his radical new album “Can’t Wake Up” is released and performed for live show audiences.

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 19-48: Shakey Graves, Part 1 Nov 27, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 19-47: New Power Generation Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

On this episode of Tent Show Radio, listen to The New Power Generation's fantastic show played live at the Big Top in 2017. Their show Celebrating Prince with The New Power Generation is an epic tribute to the superstar artist with musical performances by a stellar ensemble of alumni from Prince's legendary backing band along with other world class musicians, singers and artists.

Celebrating Prince is a non-stop, electrifying concert with performances of the most iconic, chart-topping hits from all eras of his music career. Set lists feature classic songs from throughout the superstar artist's four-decade long career, such as "Diamonds and Pearls," "Gett Off," "Cream," "7," "Sexy MF," "1999," "Lets Go Crazy," "Sign O' The Times," "Purple Rain," and "KISS." All Prince music performed by the very musicians who toured, wrote, played and recorded with him for years.

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 19-46: Vince Gill Nov 11, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

One of the most popular singers in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with "When I Call Your Name," which won both the Country Music Association's Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a Grammy. Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Since 1990, Gill has won 21 GRAMMY Awards.

A wide-ranging songwriter, his compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. The Academy of Country Music has conferred on Gill eight awards, including its prestigious Home Depot Humanitarian Award and the 2011 Career Achievement Award. Gill was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In August 2012, Gill was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is a member of the four-time Grammy-winning band The Time Jumpers. Gill has produced albums for LeAnn Rimes, Amy Grant and Ashley Monroe and has made guest appearances on more than 500 albums including on those by Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, George Jones and others.

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

Episode 19-45: Blue Canvas Orchestra Nov 04, 2019

Show notes

About This Episode

For this episode, we hear the music of Big Top's house band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra. They play selections from the show All Aboard: Songs of the Railroad.

All Aboard features songs from the Nelson Ferris Concert Co. production On the Velvet and other songs and stories of trains, train travel, and rail men. On the Velvet is a musical by Warren Nelson and Betty Ferris that debuted at the Big Top in 1992 about the golden age of the U.S. railroads – with original music illuminated by big screen visuals. Other train songs featured in the show include everything from Johnny Cash to Boxcar Willie. Come ride the rails of time with the Blue Canvas Orchestra in a new show compiled by Severin Behnen and Tom Mitchell with special guest Warren Nelson. All Aboard!

About Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and radio show host from New Auburn, Wisconsin.

Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then wandered into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he serves on the local volunteer fire and rescue service and is an intermittent pig farmer. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds (currently recording their third album for Amble Down Records). He has recorded three live humor albums including Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues.

Learn more about Michael and where to get his publications at www.sneezingcow.com.

Follow Michael Perry

Other Ways to Stream

Public Radio Exchange: www.prx.org/tentshowradio
Podcast: www.libsyn.com/tentshowradio
iTunes: www.itunes/tentshowradio
Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/tentshowradio
Player.FM: www.player.FM/tentshowradio
iHeart Radio: www.iheart.com

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