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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.

TSR16-26 Belfast To Bluegrass

Jan 9, 2017

Perhaps the biggest new hit of last summer was this musical gem from the team of Severin Behnen, Stevie Matier and Bruce Burnside. Belfast to Bluegrass is a musical adventure of jigs and ballads as they travel to the Appalachian Mountains by way of a quarter of a million Scots Irish. Before the United States were...


TSR16-25 The Cactus Blossoms

Jan 9, 2017

The Cactus Blossoms, brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum grew up in northeast Minneapolis and have been blending their voices as The Cactus Blossoms since 2010. Their hypnotic harmonies and unforgettable songs have made them favorites in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul music scene. Their latest album, Live at the Turf...


Jan 9, 2017

We bring together music and humor in a special night of grand entertainment. Michael Perry,a Wisconsin native,is a New York Times bestselling author, humorist and the host of Big Top’s Tent Show Radio. Tonight he’ll present humorous monologues from his books and humor albums including Never Stand Behind A...


Jan 9, 2017

The Quebe Sisters (pronounced Kway-bee) are the newest darlings of Western music, performing a refreshing blend of vintage country, bluegrass, jazz & swing standards, and Texas style fiddling.


Jan 9, 2017

Our celebrated house band, led by the incomparable Ed Willett on cello, cuts loose in a special concert showcasing the best of the Blue Canvas Orchestra. The band and special guests will reprise some of our favorite songs from the 2015 season of shows and dust off some old favorites. The Blue Canvas Orchestra has been...