Jan 15, 2022
This week, enjoy a marvelous hour of Tent Show Radio while we revisit our grand reunion under the tent for the first show of our 35th Anniversary Season, “New First Night.” As our host, Michael Perry weaves his humor and stories throughout this special recording, experience the heart and soul of Big Top Chautauqua, the Blue Canvas Orchestra. Ed Willet leads our famed house band that has graced the Chautauqua stage since its founding in 1986, as they kick things off performing fan-favorite BCO songs and stories. Later, enjoy fresh perspectives as they debut pieces from new original shows that will premiere throughout the 2021 season. Rejoice in an hour featuring 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 blues.
First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program hosted by author & humorist Michael Perry, and created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top Chautauqua stage each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. Running 52 weeks a year, Tent Show Radio is broadcast on 31 listener supported radio stations across 6 states and on most podcast streaming platforms.
Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua was founded in 1986. The first show under canvas was the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company Production Riding the Wind, the story of Bayfield and Madeline Island. Since then Big Top has welcomed over 700,000 patrons to the grounds for 3,000+ concerts and events. Our resident band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 35 years we’ve touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.