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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.

Apr 17, 2020

About This Episode

This week's episode is a dedication to the legendary John Prine. Prine was an American country folk singer-songwriter. He was active as a composer, recording artist, and live performer from the early 1970s until his death and was known for an often humorous style of original music that has elements of...


Apr 10, 2020

About This Episode

Maxi Priest is one of those artists whose unique vision has led him to tremendous international success, being the first reggae artist to have a No. 1 hit worldwide, including the U.S. Billboard charts. With over 15 million albums sold, he is the most successful solo act in British reggae history,...


Apr 3, 2020

About This Episode

In 2019 we cut the band loose on some of their favorite songs from the season and from summers past. Severin Behnen leads the famed house band that has graced the Big Top stage since its founding in 1986. They are an eclectic blend of string instruments, driving rhythm section, and stunning...


Mar 25, 2020

About This Episode

John McEuen has been a “professional performer” since 1962, working as a magician in Disneyland’s Magic Shop as a teenager. Music soon came along, which led to his long and varied career first solo, then as a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966. Over 10,000 concerts and...


Mar 20, 2020

About This Episode

When it comes to making music with both extraordinary passion and exceptional chops, few acts today can surpass the sheer excellence of The War And Treaty. Newly signed to Rounder Records—and named the 2019 Emerging Act of the Year by Americana Music Association—the husband-and-wife team...