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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.

  1. All Episodes
  2. 2018
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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...

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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,...

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18-15: Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers, and The Mavericks

Apr 12, 2018

About This Episode

Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers brought quite a show to the Big Blue Tent in 2017. The band's perfect mix of top-notch songwriting and adventurous, virtuosic, and just plain fun improvisation kept the whole tent spellbound from note one.

Bruce Hornsby has built one of the most diverse, collaborative...

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18-14 Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra with the Blue Canvas Orchestra

Apr 6, 2018

First radio air date: April 7, 2018

About This Episode

In 2016 Big Top Chautauqua celebrated its 30th season in operation. It was a special evening when members of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra joined Big Top's house band The Blue Canvas Orchestra and played an interesting and entertaining evening of music led...

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