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.

Best of the Blue Canvas Orchestra | Tent Show Radio | Episode 21-9

Feb 27, 2021

The Blue Canvas Orchestra has been the Big Top Chautauqua's house band since its founding in 1986. Severin Behnen has led the famed house band to include an eclectic blend of string instruments, driving rhythm section, and stunning voices that together rock the tent with their unique fusion of bluegrass, folk and jazzy...

Suzanne Vega | Tent Show Radio | Episode 21:8

Feb 20, 2021

Suzanne Vega's music career spans almost 40 years and we were lucky to have her in the summer of 2009. As an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer, Vega is best known for her folk-inspired music and big hits during the 80's and 90's: "Luka," "No Cheap Thrill," and "Tom's Diner" to name a few. In...

Leo Kotkke | Tommy Emmanuel | Tent Show Radio | Episode 21-07

Feb 13, 2021

Available for free and hosted by Michael Perry, Tent Show Radio this week features two amazing artists, Tommy Emmanuel recorded at the Big Top in 2006 and Leo Kottke recorded in 1998.

Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian guitar virtuoso known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances and the use of...

Cowboy Junkies & The Wailin' Jennys | Tent Show Radio | Episode 21:6

Feb 6, 2021

This week on Tent Show Radio, we have two great groups who played under the Big Top Tent in 2008. In the first half of the show, the award-winning Cowboy Junkies rocked out with us here in Bayfield during their 2008 international tour promoting their new album Trinity Revisited, which was a 20th anniversary of their...

Cowboy Junkies & The Wailin' Jennys | Tent Show Radio | Episode 21:6

Feb 6, 2021