Tent Show Radio

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.

Holiday Special | Episode 21-52

Dec 25, 2021

In this very special episode of Tent Show Radio, Big Top's very own Blue Canvas Orchestra does Christmas "Chautauqua" style. Tune in to hear your favorite BCO musicians cover Holiday favorites as they present a "Blue Canvas Christmas."

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio...

Tall Heights | Episode 21-51

Dec 18, 2021

From their early days playing on the streets in their hometown of Boston, MA to performing on world wide tours, this duo has built their careers from the ground up and along the way, amassed a dedicated and ever growing audience of listeners. Paul Wright and Tim Harrington, together known as Tall Heights, have developed...

Lost Nation String Band - Kathy Mattea | Episode 21-50

Dec 11, 2021

This week's episode of Tent Show Radio celebrates the legacy of Lost Nation String Band, featuring performances with original members and special guests. We also look back to recordings of American Country Music and Bluegrass singer, Kathy Mattea performing at Big Top in 2013.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show...

Vintage BCO | Episode 21-49

Dec 4, 2021

This episode of Tent Show Radio, features fan favorite performances from the early days of the Blue Canvas Orchestra and classic original Big Top shows.

First broadcast in 1994, Tent Show Radio is a one-hour public radio program created from the best live recordings from acclaimed musical acts who grace the Big Top...

Charlie Parr - Koerner, Ray & Glover | Episode 21-48

Nov 27, 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...