Tent Show Radio

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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 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 founded in 1986, with a mission to present performances and events that celebrate history, culture, and the environment - along with their annual summer concert series - nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

Series

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28 Pieces

Listen to all the 2024 episodes of Tent Show Radio, Big Top Chautauqua's independently produced weekly radio program.

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373 Pieces

Available for free and hosted by best-selling author Michael Perry, 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.


Pieces

Caption: Tent Show Radio
Our Duluth, MN episode featuring two outstanding acts ~ singer songwriter Teague Alexy and foot stompin' Tin Can Gin.

Bought by KALH, KPIP-LP, KMSU, WDSE, KSRQ and more


  • Added: Mar 06, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 8
Caption: Tent Show Radio
This past summer we were thrilled to see bluesy guitar man Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his electrifying band as they tore up the tent! Shepherd was b...

Bought by GCR (Global Community Radio), KALH, KMSU, WRNC-LP, KSRQ and more


  • Added: Feb 27, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 9
Caption: Tent Show Radio
After working as a songwriter, in 2001 at the age of 22, Isbell joined the rock band Drive-By Truckers while they toured in support of their album ...

Bought by Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota, WKMS, KSRQ, WUMB, WDSE and more


  • Added: Feb 13, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 8
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Gypsy jazz from Berlin, Germany along with Big Top Chautauqua's very own Blue Canvas Orchestra.

Bought by KALH, KMSU, WDSE, KSRQ, WRNC-LP and more


  • Added: Feb 13, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 8
Caption: Tent Show Radio
Yonder Mountain String Band has always played music by its own set of rules. Bending bluegrass, rock and countless other influences, Yonder has pi...

Bought by KALH, KMSU, WRNC-LP, KSRQ, WUMB and more


  • Added: Feb 01, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 8
Caption: Tent Show Radio
“I think our music promotes the bridging of all tribes,” Nahko says. “The lyrics and the stories and our energy as a group break down people’s wall...

Bought by WGZS, KALH, KPIP-LP, KMSU, WRNC-LP and more


  • Added: Jan 28, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 10
Caption: Tent Show Radio
McLean recorded his first album, Tapestry, in 1969 in Berkeley, California, during the student riots. After being rejected 72 times by labels, the ...

Bought by KFCF FM, KALH, KMSU, KPIP-LP, KHNS and more


  • Added: Jan 13, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 11
Caption: Tent Show Radio
Born and raised in Byrdstown, Tennessee Sierra Hull attended Pickett County High School before accepting a Presidential Scholarship to study at the...

Bought by KALH, KMSU, WRNC-LP, WDSE, KSRQ and more


  • Added: Jan 12, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 9
Caption: Tent Show Radio
With strong roots in the Midwest, former Appleton, WI native via Babbitt, MN ~ now hailing from Nashville, TN ~ we are pleased to welcome songwrite...

Bought by KALH, KMSU, KSRQ, Wisconsin Public Radio, WPCA-LP and more


  • Added: Jan 06, 2015
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 8
Caption: Tent Show Radio
Having collaborated with one another for two decades, Rusted Root, has honed the perfect combination of musical intuition, freedom and virtuosity, ...

Bought by GCR (Global Community Radio), KALH, KMSU, WDSE, KSRQ and more


  • Added: Dec 30, 2014
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 8