Feb 11, 2023
While sitting through COVID lockdowns Chris Castino of
Minnesota-based rock'n'roll jam band The Big Wu teamed up with
Milwaukee-based bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire to reimagine
some of his catalog into impeccably fitting bluegrass tunes. These
songs were transformed and resulted in their collaborative album
Fresh Pickles. Fresh Pickles is just the beginning of a heartfelt
and fulfilling voyage into bluegrass— it features stomping rippers
and sweet, harmonic ballads, as well as a taste of genre-shifting
psychedelic rides. Always true to the tradition and authentic in
presentation, this collaboration is packed with great pickin'
excitement and most importantly joy. The album is a triumphant
musical collaboration that was pulled right out of the ground by
its Midwestern roots, from traditional folk to blends of
contemporary bluegrass and jammy deliciousness. This joyous
album-making process produced many special guest appearances from
several GRAMMY-winning artists in the bluegrass and Americana world
including Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Andy
Hall, Vince Herman, Nick Forster, Keller Williams, and Adam Greuel.
With the help of many of Chris’s lifelong musical heroes, the
record has that classic 70’s and 80’s alt-bluegrass sound, while
never too far from the traditional bluegrass style that defines the
genre.
This episode features recordings from Chris Castino & Chicken Wire
Empire's July 2022 performance under the tent and serves as a
special experience for audiences of bluegrass purists and all
lovers of great tunes.
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 CREDITS
Michael Perry - Host
Phillip Anich - Announcer
Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer
Gina Nagro - Marketing Support
FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA
https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/
https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/
https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua
https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent
FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY
https://sneezingcow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/
2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORS
Ashland Area
Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/
Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/
Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism
The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/
Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/
Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/
SPECIAL THANKS
Wisconsin Public Radio
- https://www.wpr.org/