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.

The Kingston Trio - Episode 21-22

May 29, 2021

In 1957 The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco’s North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream for the first time. During the late 50s & early 60s, the Trio enjoyed unprecedented record sales and worldwide fame, while influencing the...

Blue Canvas Orchestra | Bill Miller - Episode 21-21

May 22, 2021

Bill Miller is an award-winning Native American recording artist, performer, songwriter, activist, painter, and world-class native flute player. Over the entirety, Miller has produced over a dozen albums, received three GRAMMY® Awards, numerous Native American Music Awards & Association (NAMA) awards (including a...

Nickel Creek | Punch Brothers - Episode 21-20

May 15, 2021

Nickel Creek is an Americana music group, formed in Southern California in 1989. The group consists of Chris Thile (mandolin) and siblings Sara Watkins (fiddle) and Sean Watkins (guitar.) Since its formation, the group has released six albums and have earned a number of Grammy and CMA nominations.

Punch Brothers was...

The Whites | Del McCoury - Episode 19

May 8, 2021

The Whites is an American country music vocal group from Fort Worth, Texas. It consists of sisters Sharon White and Cheryl White, and their father, Buck White. Active since 1972, the group has recorded multiple albums and charted multiple songs on the Hot Country Songs charts.

Delano Floyd McCoury is an American...

Blue Canvas Orchestra | Iris Dement | Greg Brown | Episode 21-18

May 1, 2021

Blue Canvas Orchestra
Join us for our own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by Big Top’s Blue Canvas Orchestra and Singers that bear the hallmark of exquisite musicianship illustrated by big-screen visuals. The Blue Canvas Orchestra (BCO) is Chautauqua’s house band that, together...