Apr 17, 2021
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 Chautauqua stage
each summer in beautiful Bayfield, WI. During intermission,
host Michael Perry spins a story “from the backstage dressing room,
with the one lonely little light bulb burning."
Topics range from Mike’s battles with trees, to the behavior
of rogue chickens, to the search for hope while stoking a wood
stove in the darkness. 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. "Tent Show
Radio" is also available for streaming at www.tentshowradio.org.
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 2,000+ concerts and shows and
countless lectures, workshops and other unique events. In addition
to the action on the tent grounds, Big Top has also broadcast its
performances over the public radio airwaves since 1994
through Tent Show
Radio, bringing Big Top concerts into living
rooms across the country and around the world via internet
streaming and podcasts. Our resident band, the Blue
Canvas Orchestra, also tours to theaters and schools
throughout the Upper Midwest. Over the course of 30 years we’ve
touched millions of lives and created millions of memories with our
eclectic blend of excellent musical offerings.