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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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  2. 2019
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Episode 19-9: Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, also featuring Blue Canvas Orchestra

Feb 26, 2019

About This Episode

In 2018 as part of Big Top's Free Family Series, Terrance Simien presented the wonderful show Creole for Kidz. If you were lucky enough to attend, it was fascinating and entertaining no matter what your age.

Zydeco is the traditional music of the black and mixed race French speaking Creoles of...

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Episode 19-8: Michael Franti

Feb 19, 2019

About This Episode

Musician, filmmaker, and humanitarian Michael Franti is recognized as a pioneering force using music as a vehicle for positive change. His unforgettable, high energy shows with his band, Spearhead, draw on the music of hip hop, reggae, funk and rap.

"I make music because I believe it can change...

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Episode 19-7: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Feb 15, 2019

About This Episode

Ladysmith Black Mambazo was founded by Joseph Shabalala in South Africa in the early 1960s. The group sings a traditional style called isicathamiya (is-cot-a-ME-Ya), developed in the mines of South Africa. Called South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World by Nelson Mandela, they became known...

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Episode 19-06: Sweet Water Warblers

Feb 5, 2019

About This Episode

Formed at the Hoxeyville Music Festival in 2014, The Sweet Water Warblers have gone on to attract serious admiration wherever they appear. Michigan songbirds, Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou and May Erlewine had each carved out successful careers on the American Roots Music circuit and in the process grew...

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