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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.

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Don McLean

Sep 8, 2023

Grammy Award Nominee, Songwriter Hall of Fame Member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don Mclean hit the road last year to celebrate 50 years since the release of one of the most iconic songs and albums of all time. The legendary performer, known for mega-hit songs like "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” and “And I Love You So,” entertained fans across North America during the American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour, performing songs from the iconic album and other fan-favorite hits. Since the eight-and-a-half-minute ballad “American Pie” hit number #1 on the billboard charts in 1971, the song has since been inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, named a top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America, and inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame. With 22 studio albums under his belt, numerous accolades, countless mega-hit songs, McLean has cemented himself as one of the most significant and influential performers of all time.

This episode features recordings from McLean's June 2022 performance under the tent.

 

 

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
Jaime Hansen - Engineer
Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

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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/