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 19-48: Shakey Graves, Part 1

Nov 27, 2019

About This Episode

Shakey Graves has been categorized as an Americana singer/songwriter, thanks to his traditionally rooted songs, fluent acoustic-guitar picking, and Texas roots. He was named Best Emerging Artist at the 2015 Americana Music Awards. But that tag will undoubtedly be dismissed as restrictive...

Episode 19-47: New Power Generation

Nov 18, 2019

About This Episode

On this episode of Tent Show Radio, listen to The New Power Generation's fantastic show played live at the Big Top in 2017. Their show Celebrating Prince with The New Power Generation is an epic tribute to the superstar artist with musical performances by a stellar ensemble of alumni from...

Episode 19-46: Vince Gill

Nov 11, 2019

About This Episode

One of the most popular singers in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with "When I Call Your Name," which won both the Country...

Episode 19-45: Blue Canvas Orchestra

Nov 4, 2019

About This Episode

For this episode, we hear the music of Big Top's house band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra. They play selections from the show All Aboard: Songs of the Railroad.

All Aboard features songs from the Nelson Ferris Concert Co. production On the Velvet and other songs and stories of trains, train travel, and...

Episode 19-44: Michael Perry and the Long Beds

Nov 1, 2019

About This Episode

For this episode, we hear the music of Tent Show Radio's host himself, Michael Perry, joined by his band The Long Beds.

"First time I ever heard Waylon Jennings," says Michael Perry, "was on an 8-track tape in a four-wheel drive truck doing sixty miles an hour down a Wyoming hay meadow. We were...