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 20-17: Keb' Mo'

Apr 25, 2020

About This Episode

Blues icon Keb' Mo' owes his longevity as a singer and writer to a combination of masterful, anecdotal writing skills, distinctive guitar versatility, and resonant, blues-soaked vocals. Every song tells a story, and every story reminds us why Keb' Mo' is one of the most versatile and engaging musical...

Episode 20-16: John Prine

Apr 17, 2020

About This Episode

This week's episode is a dedication to the legendary John Prine. Prine was an American country folk singer-songwriter. He was active as a composer, recording artist, and live performer from the early 1970s until his death and was known for an often humorous style of original music that has elements of...

Episode 20-15: Maxi Priest

Apr 10, 2020

About This Episode

Maxi Priest is one of those artists whose unique vision has led him to tremendous international success, being the first reggae artist to have a No. 1 hit worldwide, including the U.S. Billboard charts. With over 15 million albums sold, he is the most successful solo act in British reggae history,...

TSR 17-24 John Prine

Apr 8, 2020

John Prine (born October 10, 1946) is an American country/folk singer-songwriter. He has been active as a composer, recording artist, and live performer since the early 1970s.

Born and raised in Maywood, Illinois, Prine learned to play the guitar at the age of 14. Subsequently, serving in West Germany with the U.S....

Episode 20-14: Blue Canvas Orchestra in Concert

Apr 3, 2020

About This Episode

In 2019 we cut the band loose on some of their favorite songs from the season and from summers past. Severin Behnen leads the famed house band that has graced the Big Top stage since its founding in 1986. They are an eclectic blend of string instruments, driving rhythm section, and stunning...