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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.

Jan 19, 2024

On this episode of Tent Show Radio, enjoy an hour of electric performances from Corey Carlson & the Big City Band.

Corey Carlson may be Bayfield, WI's hometown boy, but he's known and celebrated far and wide. He grew up on the very ski hill that Big Top Chautauqua calls home and was weaned on all of the legendary...


Jan 11, 2024

With a career spanning over four decades, Steve Earle has proven himself a master storyteller and one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. In 1986, his record Guitar Town, was released to wide-spread critical acclaim, shooting to number one on the country charts, and is today, regarded as a...


Jan 5, 2024

On this episode of Tent Show Radio, experience a heartwarming presentation of Glen Campbell’s biggest hits and the stories behind them, delivered by the music legend’s band leader and guitarist of 15 years, Jeff Dayton.

Nashville artist Jeff Dayton’s career is a success story built on hard work, faith and...


Dec 29, 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...


Dec 21, 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...