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 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 18-20: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy

May 18, 2018

About This Episode

In 2014 two of the world’s most celebrated fiddlers came together at the Big Top in an evening of traditional fusion, combining the best of French, Celtic and Cajun styles. While electrifying Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster has collaborated and performed with Alison Krauss, the Chieftans, Paul...

Episode 18-19: Arlo Guthrie

May 10, 2018

About This Episode

Arlo Guthrie is known across generations as a songwriter, social commentator, master storyteller, actor, and activist. The son of America’s beloved singer/writer/ philosopher/artist Woody Guthrie, Arlo is an iconic folk music figure in his own right with a distinguished career spanning over fifty...

Episode 18-18: Dale Watson

May 4, 2018

About This Episode

Texas musical icon Dale Watson joined a date with Asleep at the Wheel at the Big Blue Tent in June of 2017. Watson is a country singer, guitarist, and songwriter based in Austin. He champions "Ameripolitan" as a new genre of original music and has positioned himself as a tattooed,...

Episode 18-17: Big Top Opry 2: The Outlaw Years

Apr 27, 2018

First radio air date: April 27, 2018

About This Episode

When Big Top's house band The Blue Canvas Orchestra pays homage to the Grand Ole Opry what you get is one bang-up show: Big Top Opry. In 2014 the dynamic team of Severin Behnen and Corey Carlson put together our first Opry show which celebrated the best of the...

Episode 18-16: Ziggy Marley and Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Apr 20, 2018

About This Episode

Ziggy Marley has performed at Big Top Chautauqua twice now. The first was his wildly popular show in 2014, and the second was his fantastic 2017 performance which you'll hear on this episode of Tent Show Radio.

Ziggy Marley, an eight-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, humanitarian, singer, songwriter,...