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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.

May 20, 2023

Warren Nelson began his entertainment career playing folk music with various groups he had formed in his hometown of Fairmont, MN in the early 1960's. His first professional experience came when his my group Nellie’s Folk played a 10-week stand in the Burning Hills Amphitheater in Medora, ND. In 1968, as they became more and more successful the group's name was changed to The 10th Story Window. The folk group performed pop tunes of the day as well as original songs written by Nelson, and for the next few years tour extensively across the national which included opening for acts like the Ike and Tina Turner Revue and Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders. After moving to Bayfield County, WI in 1980, Nelson performed across the Northland as a member of the Lost Nation String Band. After founding Big Top Chautauqua in 1986, Warren performed as a founding member of the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and his original productions co-created with Betty Ferris were beloved by fans and are still performed at the tent every summer season.

Tune in as Warren Nelson and his musical friends, as they celebrate the release of his new book SHOWTIME! Autobiography of a Songster, with a concert of his songs from his 55 years as a professional entertainer/songwriter and creator of musicals. Warren Nelson is joined by Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians Ed Willet, Otis McLennon, Randy Sabien, Jack Gunderson, Severin Behnen with special guests Ron Lundquist, Rex Loker, Petra Marquart, and Dave Nordby, original members of his group The 10th Story Window.

 

 

 

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.

 

EPISODE CREDITS
Michael Perry - Host

Phillip Anich - Announcer
Jaime Hansen - Engineer
Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

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FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY
https://sneezingcow.com/

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https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORS
Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ 

Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau - https://www.bayfield.org/ 
Bayfield County Tourism - https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/150/Tourism 
The Bayfield Inn - https://bayfieldinn.com/ 
Cable Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.cable4fun.com/ 
Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/

SPECIAL THANKS
Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/