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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.

Jun 26, 2021

Joan Baez is a singer, songwriter, musician and activist, whose music encompasses genres including folk, rock, pop, gospel and country.  Joan performed music for over 60 years and released over 30 albums, in which her first three achieved gold record status.  A long and impressive list of awards, Joan has received a...


Jun 19, 2021

In 1980 the Lost Nation String Band moved to the Bayfield Peninsula and quickly became the band to see and dance to. In 1986 at the founding of Big Top Chautauqua they were the heart of the shows. Come join us as we celebrate their legacy with members of the original group and special guests.

Kathy Mattea is an...


Jun 12, 2021

Broadcasting music, stories and happiness wrapped in canvas since 1994, Tent Show Radio is a weekly one-hour variety series showcasing national and regional acts in live performance at Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, Wisconsin. This episode features classic Blue Canvas Orchestra performances. Tent Show Radio...


Jun 5, 2021

An easily confused and very shy individual, Charlie Parr has been traveling around singing his songs ever since leaving Austin Minnesota in the 1980's in search of Spider John Koerner, whom he found about 100 miles north at the Viking Bar one Sunday night. The experience changed his life, made him more or less...