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Tent Show Radio

Folk Music

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.

Location:

Washburn, WI

Description:

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.

Language:

English

Contact:

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua PO Box 455 101 West Bayfield Street - Washburn, WI 54891 715-373-5552


Episodes

Lil' Mike & Funny Bone

11/22/2023
Oklahoma City brothers Lil' Mike and Funny Bone, together known as Mike Bone, travel the world as motivational speakers, dancers, and rappers. Though both brothers stand a little over 4 feet tall, what they lack in height they more than make up for with their talent and determination. Through their powerful & inspiring music the Pawnee nation brothers strive to be positive influences for youth, promoting that a positive attitude and hard work can make dreams come true, but getting to that point hasn't been easy. From homelessness to gang violence, to "size-ist" discrimination, the brothers have hustled and flowed their way from nothing to something. The brothers spent years making the rounds at clubs, casino's, arena's, and private parties as they developed their skills not just as rappers but as performance artists & motivational speakers. Through their years of hustling, they've produced all their music independently, got their songs on radio stations around the world, opened for internationally renowned artists, and have left their mark on popular culture with their unforgettable television appearances on programs such as America's Got Talent and their recurring roles on Hulu's hit series Reservation Dogs. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Warren Nelson & Friends

11/16/2023
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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Cloud Cult

11/8/2023
Minnesota’s Cloud Cult has a rich eleven-album history of bucking the mainstream music industry in favor of independently releasing music via their environmentally conscious record label Earthology Records. Hailed as one of the Top 10 Green Bands by Rolling Stone, the band’s philosophical lyrics and alternative-orchestral-folk-rock sound has been lauded by critics as "insane genius" (Pitchfork) and "an invocation of the lifeforce" (New York Times). Cloud Cult began as Craig Minowa's solo studio project after the unexpected loss of his son and has grown to the present day with an evolving lineup of incredible musicians. Known for incorporating live painting into their concerts, Cloud Cult are pioneers of multimedia artistry, most recently highlighted with the feature film release of The Seeker – starring Josh Radnor & Alex McKenna – which accompanied the band’s 2016 album, landed the group on Entertainment Weekly’s Must List, and garnered prestigious awards on the indie film festival circuit. This episode features recordings from Cloud Cult's 2022 performance at Big Top Chautauqua. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

The Music of Riverpants

11/1/2023
After more than a decade, audiences "fishing" for a good time and wanting to "reel" with "lunker" laughs, celebrated the return of one of Big Top Chautauqua's most beloved original productions. In the summer of 2022, Big Top's famed house-band the Blue Canvas Orchestra delighted audiences in the triumphant revival of Riverpants, the musical comedy revue written by Warren Nelson. Having originally debuted during the summer of 2003, this knee slappin' musical is full of hearty fishing songs, mirthful interludes, energetic musical numbers and classic bits & skits. Warren Nelson's Anglin’ Wayne guided the audience on his top fishing tips & trips, Jack Gunderson, Liz Woodworth, & Tom Mitchell shined as Midwest Folk characters Ole Lena, and Sven, and Ed Willet, Severin Behnen, Phil Anich, Otis McLennon, Betty Ferris, Randy Sabien, and Billy Knoblauch were on hand for additional hijinks and to provide the driving music behind the production. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Heavy Gus and Sasha Mercedes

10/25/2023
Born of the stark beauty and bittersweet desolation of the high desert, California trio Heavy Gus blurs the lines between grungy garage band fare, hazy surf, and dreamy indie rock on their captivating full-length debut, Notions. Bristling with live-wire electricity, the collection is lean and spare, fueled by distorted guitars and a driving rhythm section, and the performances are loose and organic to match, captured spontaneously in the moment with little room for overthinking or second-guessing. While all three bandmates come to Heavy Gus from very different worlds—Ulvang from The Lumineers, drummer Ryan Dobrowski from Blind Pilot, and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dorota Szuta from an unlikely combination of marine science and music—they fit together like puzzle pieces here, bound by the kind of love and trust that can only grow from years of deep kinship. The result is a record all about distance and connection from a band built on intimacy and personal chemistry, a mesmerizing debut that calls to mind everything from Meat Puppets and The Breeders to Yo La Tengo and Acetone in its artful balance of hope and fatalism, loneliness and desire, strength and vulnerability. Originally hailing from the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Sasha Mercedes writes image-provoking songs and delivers them with passion and conviction. Her powerful voice turns heads, as she beats on her guitar, brow furrowed and snarling! Mercedes has released five Americana solo albums, and though there will always be a soft spot in her heart for singer-songwriter stylings, Mercedes hasn't been tethered to any genre. She was the front-woman for Twin Cities-based rock band, Hot Pink Hangover, as well as the hook writer and fellow performer in Minneapolis hip hop trio, Channeling Grey. She has traveled the world making music and drawing inspiration out of every experience, which is evident in the lyrics of her brilliantly crafted compositions. She has shared the stage with TLC, Badflower, Dar Williams, Don Mclean, Tracy Bonham, Guy Davis, Pete Seeger, and others. She may seem hard on the outside, but Mercedes has always believed that rugged shores can polish even the roughest of stones. This episode features recordings from both artists 2022 performances at Big Top Chautauqua. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/ 2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORS Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau...

Duration:00:59:01

The Greatest Piano Men

10/19/2023
Created and produced by Donnie Kehr, best known for his originated roles in Broadway's Jersey Boys and Billy Elliot, The Greatest Piano Men is an electrifying production that celebrates the world’s greatest piano icons and showmen in music history - from the 50s and 60s hits of Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Ray Charles to the 70s and 80s hits of Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Billy Joel - and even the legendary works of Beethoven and Liberace. The Greatest Piano Men features Pete Peterkin - a singer, actor, dancer, comic, master impressionist, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his appearance on Season 4 of “America’s Got Talent,” Bill Conners - the gold standard when it comes to impersonating Sir Elton John, perfectly captures the voice, mannerisms, and fabulous showmanship of the rock icon, as well as David K. Maiocco - award-winning musical director, pianist, and actor, considered one of the most well recognized Liberace tribute artists. This electrifying music celebration features a rockin’ 8-piece band, sensational back-up vocalists, and captivating multimedia storytelling, as The Greatest Piano Men bring along 25 hit songs including, “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Superstition,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Hit the Road Jack,” “New York State of Mind,” and many more! This episode features recordings from The Greatest Piano Men's 2022 performance at Big Top Chautauqua. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Larry McCray and Phil Anich & Friends

10/13/2023
For more than 30 years, rust belt blues shouter and guitar slinger Larry McCray's greatness has been hiding in plain sight. A native of Magnolia Arkansas, Larry McCray discovered his love of music at a young age through his sister Clara, who introduced him to the guitar and the transformative music of Blues legends like B.B. King. After moving to Michigan at 12, he spent his teen years harnessing his guitar skills, adding rock riffs to the traditional blues style he loved. After high school, he began playing the local circuit, and by the late 80's he attracted the notice of Virgin Records and was signed as the inaugural artist to their blues label Point Blank Records. In 1990, McCray released his critically acclaimed debut album, aptly named — Ambition. A stunning debut, the record was a convincing hybrid of blues, rock, and soul, with McCray combining the interrelated idioms in sizzling fashion. Throughout the 1990's, he continued to help define blues rock, releasing several albums including 1993's Delta Hurricane, and 1998's Born to Play the Blues. After starting his own record label, Magnolia Records, the bluesman remained active throughout the 2000's, releasing 2001's Believe It and Blues Is My Business, 2006's Live on Interstate 75, and his self-titled album "Larry McCray" in 2007. He toured extensively, playing with blues greats like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Keb' Mo and Joe Bonamassa, and worked with rock legends like the Allman Brothers, Levon Helm, Chris Robinson, Dickie Betts and countless others. Somewhere along the way, though, his path to the top of the blues world was derailed. During the recording process of his latest release, McCray felt "reborn" as he developed a newfound drive and passions for his career. In 2021, McCray released his first original material in nearly 15 years, "Blues Without You," an album that showcases his power as an instrumentalist and a vocalist. The 12-track record, produced by Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive label, garnered McCray even more critical acclaim with Blues Rock Reviews calling it "the record of a lifetime and the best project of his career." Born and raised on the shores of Lake Superior, Phil Anich served as Big Top Chautauqua's Operations Manager for nearly 30 years. A performer for most of his life, in the 1980's along with other local artists he began singing in shows written by Warren Nelson & Betty Ferris about the history of the local Lake Superior region. This group would go on to become Big Top's famed house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra. Every summer since Big Top's founding in 1986, the Blue Canvas Orchestra have continued to write and perform in original shows that have often celebrated the history, environment, and cultures of the local region. Since then, Phil Anich has continued to perform in shows at Big Top including Riding The Wind, Big Top Does The Beatles, Wild Woods & Waters, and most recently In Spite of Ourselves: The Music of John Prine & Nanci Griffith. During the 2022 summer season, Phil Anich performed under the tent with Dale Engquist, Brian Russ, and Mason Pavel, as Phil Anich & Friends opened for legendary country swing band Asleep At The Wheel. This episode features recordings from each artists' August 2022 performances at Big Top Chautauqua. 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...

Duration:00:59:01

In Spite of Ourselves: The Music of John Prine & Nanci Griffith

10/5/2023
Led by Molly Otis & Ed Willett, the Blue Canvas Orchestra take on the work of John Prine and Nanci Griffith in this Big Top original show. John Prine and Nanci Griffith were both humble masters of the story. They dug deep into the places where we were afraid to go. Emotional depth, keen observations and wry humor brought their music to life and hit an emotional bone. These are the writers who gave us “Angel from Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” “Love at the Five & Dime,” “Trouble in These Fields, and many more. It’s the Blue Canvas Orchestra's great honor to present a tribute to our lost songsmiths. This episode features Blue Canvas Orchestra members Ed Willett, Molly Otis, Severin Behnen, Phil Anich, Tom Mitchell, Jack Gunderson, Billy Knoblauch, Danielle Diamond, Betty Ferris, and Scott Kirby. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Joyann Parker: The Music of Patsy Cline

9/28/2023
Enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time as Joyann Parker beautifully weaves the stories of Patsy Cline’s life and career in and out of the music you know and love. In this powerful tribute performance, Parker and her seasoned band showcase the most popular and best loved of Pasty’s songs. Vintage costumes and ambiance enhance Joyann’s uncanny and authentic channeling of Cline’s classic vocals. Hear Patsy’s iconic songs like “Crazy,” “Walking After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Faded Love,” “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray,” “She’s Got You” and many more! A northern Wisconsin native, Joyann Parker, like many artists, discovered her love of music at a very young age. While the multifaceted and versatile performer found her authentic voice later in life, she has created her inimitable blend of roots music that fuses soul, gospel, R&B, and traditional blues - combined with a voice that is booming and soulful - Joyann Parker is establishing herself as a masterclass performer. Steadily a rising star on the Midwest music scene, with two critically acclaimed studio albums under her belt, 2018's Hard to Love, and 2021's Out of the Dark, numerous award nominations, and opening for award-winning artists like Robert Cray and Elvin Bishop, Parker is now bringing her full range of talent as an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist and songwriter to national and international stages. This episode features recordings for Joyann Parker's 2022 performance under the tent. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Madison Cunningham and The Foxgloves

9/20/2023
Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Madison Cunningham takes a literate, harmonically nuanced approach to folk and pop music. She first grabbed attention with the release of her debut EP, Love, Lose, Remember in 2017. Expanding upon her textured, sometimes jazz-inflected indie folk, her first full-length, Who Are You Now, arrived in 2019 and her sophomore album, 2022’s Revolver earned Cunningham her first Grammy award for Best Folk Album. Rolling Stone describes Cunningham’s sound as “a new spin on West Coast folk-rock, with classical tendencies, electric guitars, jazz-school chord changes and alt-rock strut all living beneath the same roof.” Her unique melodies, elastic voice, honest storytelling, and deft approach to the electric guitar, quickly earned her a dedicated fan base and saw her open shows for notable artists like Harry Styles, Punch Brothers, and Lake Street Dive. The Foxgloves are an all-female Americana band from the Twin Cities featuring Maura Dunst (Vocals/Fiddles/Mandolin), Liz DeYoe (Guitar), Steph Snow (Vocals/Ukulele/Banjo), Nikki Lemire (Vocals/Harp), Sara Tinklenberg (Vocals/Percussion), and Nyssa Krause (Bass). With songs you won’t be able to stop humming. Their engaging presence, rich instrumentation, compelling storytelling songwriting, four-part harmonies, and creatively reimagined covers render them a force to be reckoned with. This powerful band is making moves you’ll want to witness. A little bit of country, a little bit of folk, a little bit of classical, and a whole lot of heart — your toes will tap of their own accord. This episode features recordings from The Foxgloves’ July 2022 performance and Madison Cunningham’s August 2022 performance under the tent. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Gaelic Storm

9/14/2023
It’s hard to imagine Gaelic Storm coming into its own after 20 years of success, but that’s precisely what makes the group a true anomaly. Founded in 1996, the band’s first major career breakthrough arrived before they had even recorded their first album. Appearing as the "steerage band" entertaining passengers with “An Irish Party in Third Class” in James Cameron's massive 1997 blockbuster Titanic, Gaelic Storm were widely embraced by audiences when they released their self-titled debut album a year later. Led by founding members Patrick Murphy and Steve Twigger, the acclaimed multi-national Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and as you can imagine, after two decades and over 2000 shows (13 of which have been on the Big Top stage), it is a true force to be reckoned with. With their energetic mix of Irish and Scottish traditional fare, drinking songs, and playful original material they have developed a fanatic and well-diversified fan base. Country Music fans adore their storytelling, Bluegrass fans love the instrumentals, Celtic fans love their devotion to tradition, and rock fans simply relish the passion they have for their instruments. Throughout their multi-decade career, Gaelic Storm has amassed more than 250 million streams, racked up numerous Top 10 spots on the Billboard World Charts, and released 13 studio albums including How Are We Getting Home?, Bring Yer Wellies, and What’s The Rumpus. With their most recent release Go Climb A Tree, their music has never sounded more representative of themselves as musicians and as live performers. In addition to Murphy and Twigger, the band features percussionist Ryan Lacey, piper Peter Purvis, and fiddle player Natalya Kay. This episode features recordings from Gaelic Storm's July 2022 performance under the tent. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Don McLean

9/7/2023
Grammy Award Nominee, Songwriter Hall of Fame Member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don Mclean hit the road last year to celebrate 50 years since the release of one of the most iconic songs and albums of all time. The legendary performer, known for mega-hit songs like "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” and “And I Love You So,” entertained fans across North America during the American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour, performing songs from the iconic album and other fan-favorite hits. Since the eight-and-a-half-minute ballad “American Pie” hit number #1 on the billboard charts in 1971, the song has since been inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, named a top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America, and inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame. With 22 studio albums under his belt, numerous accolades, countless mega-hit songs, McLean has cemented himself as one of the most significant and influential performers of all time. This episode features recordings from McLean's June 2022 performance under the tent. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Home Free

8/31/2023
No instruments. No tracks. No fillers. Praised by the likes of American Songwriter, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, award winning a cappella sensation Home Free returned to Big Top in September 2022 for their third appearance under the tent. Their high-energy and electrifying performances fuse Nashville standards with country-dipped pop hits, resulting in a truly unique and incredible sound. Declared “Country Music fans’ favorite a cappella group,” Home Free rose to fame after winning the fourth season of NBC’s vocal competition The Sing Off. Following their time on the show, the group committed themselves to producing music and video content while crafting and touring their incredible live shows. The group has released 12 albums, five of which have been Christmas records including 2020’s Warmest Wishes. A number of their albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts, including their debut album 2014’s Crazy Life, 2015’s Country Evolution, and most recently 2021’s Dive Bar Saints rose to the #4 spot. The extraordinary world-class vocalists have garnered a large following, selling nearly 600,000 albums, embarking on major international tours, and amassing 500+ million views and 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube. 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 FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Michael Perry (Stories & Songs)

8/24/2023
In an evening reminiscent of the VH1 Storytellers television series, Tent Show Radio host Michael Perry is joined onstage by his longtime bandmate and sometimes personal pilot Evan Middlesworth and additional special guests. In addition to the side-splitting laughs and fresh stories fans have come to expect from Perry, he and Middlesworth will perform stripped-down versions of several songs from Perry's musical catalog and share the backstory behind the songs...in addition to a few tales from the tour van. This episode features recordings from Michael Perry's August 2022 performance under the tent. 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 & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Riders In The Sky

8/16/2023
Regarded as one of the “most historically significant acts in the history of American music” by Billboard magazine, the GRAMMY award-winning quartet of Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, Too Slim, and Joey the Cowpolka King, have kept the heritage of Western music alive as they have entertained audiences across the world for more than 40 years. Riders In The Sky kick off each performance with their trademark greeting, “Mighty fine and a great big Western ‘Howdy,’ all you buckaroos and buckarettes,” their live shows showcase each player’s masterful musicianship with an added dose of broad, quick-witted humor as they pay tribute to the classic cowboy songs of the 1930s and ‘40s. Since their start in 1977, Riders In The Sky have released more than 40 albums, starred in the anthology television series “Tumbleweed Theater,” wrote and starred in their NPR syndicated radio program “Riders Radio Theater,” hosted their own children’s program on CBS, and have made more than 7,000 appearances all over the world. The Grand Ole Opry and Western Music Hall of Fame inductees have become well-known to new generations for their work with Disney & Pixar, notably their tune “Woody’s Roundup” from Toy Story 2 and the full-length GRAMMY award-winning companion albums for Toy Story 2 and Monsters, Inc. This episode features recordings from their September 2022 performance under the tent. 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 & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire

8/11/2023
While sitting through COVID lockdowns Chris Castino of Minnesota-based rock'n'roll jam band The Big Wu teamed up with Milwaukee-based bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire to reimagine some of his catalog into impeccably fitting bluegrass tunes. These songs were transformed and resulted in their collaborative album Fresh Pickles. Fresh Pickles is just the beginning of a heartfelt and fulfilling voyage into bluegrass— it features stomping rippers and sweet, harmonic ballads, as well as a taste of genre-shifting psychedelic rides. Always true to the tradition and authentic in presentation, this collaboration is packed with great pickin' excitement and most importantly joy. Fresh Pickels is a triumphant musical collaboration that was pulled right out of the ground by its Midwestern roots, from traditional folk to blends of contemporary bluegrass and jammy deliciousness. The joyous album-making process produced many special guest appearances from several GRAMMY-winning artists in the bluegrass and Americana world including Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Andy Hall, Vince Herman, Nick Forster, Keller Williams, and Adam Greuel. With the help of many of Chris’s lifelong musical heroes, the record has that classic 70’s and 80’s alt-bluegrass sound, while never too far from the traditional bluegrass style that defines the genre. This episode features recordings from Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire's July 2022 performance under the tent and serves as a special experience for audiences of bluegrass purists and all lovers of great tunes. 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 Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Pickin' on Rock

8/2/2023
Take a classic rock song, add Big Top Chautauqua's famed house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and the result is something that is sure to move an audience. Led by Molly Otis & Ed Willett, Pickin' on Rock debuted at the tent in the summer of 2022 and immediately became an audience favorite. In this rousing show, classic rock songs are interpreted into the bluegrass and alternative string stylings of the Blue Canvas Orchestra. From Led Zeppelin, Queen, Guns N ’Roses, to Heart, The Beatles, and more. You’ve heard these songs before, but not quite like this. This episode features: Molly Otis, Ed Willett, Severin Behnen, Randy Wydra, Scott Kirby, Stevie Matier, Nori Schwenzfeier, and Harrison Olk. 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 Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Steve Earle & The Dukes

7/26/2023
This week on Tent Show Radio, enjoy a high-voltage hour featuring the rough-neck poetics of troubadour Steve Earle and The Dukes. He has run a lot of roads and run ragged, but the singer-songwriter has never run out of things to say or songs to sing. Over the course of twenty studio albums, Earle has distinguished himself as a master storyteller, and his songs have been recorded by a vast array of artists, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, the Pretenders, and more. Earle’s 1986 debut album, Guitar Town, is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre, and subsequent releases like The Revolution Starts...Now (2004), Washington Square Serenade (2007), and TOWNES (2009) all of which received Grammy Awards. This episode features recordings from Earle's 2022 performance under the tent. 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 Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Charlie Parr and The Depot Jazz Quartet

7/21/2023
Charlie Parr is an incorruptible outsider who writes novelistic, multi-layered stories that shine a kaleidoscopic light on defiant, unseen characters thriving in the shadows all around us. With a sound deeply tied to the blues and folk traditions of an earlier era, Parr has released 14 studio albums and tours the globe performing at legendary venues like Newport Folk Festival, The Kennedy Center, The Troubadour, and Bowery Ballroom. But he hasn’t moved to LA or Nashville; he’s stayed in the cold grey north of Minnesota, because that’s his home. The Depot Jazz Quartet features legendary piano player Paul Ierino, John Thorene on bass, Rick Bruner on drums, and Randy Lee leads the group on various woodwinds. An accomplished musician, Randy Lee's various professional bands and associations have found him accompanying artists including Wayne Newton, Riudus Reid, Paul McKee, and the Mills Brothers to name of few. Notably, he has performed and toured alongside legendary superstars of Motown the Four Tops and the Temptations. This episode features recordings from both acts' 2022 performances under the tent. 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 Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01

Punch Brothers

7/14/2023
One of the most ambitious string bands to emerge in the early 21st century, Punch Brothers built their sound on a platform of virtuosic instrumentalism and dazzling arrangements. The GRAMMY Award-winning band consisting of Chris Thile, Chris Eldridge, Paul Kowert, Noam Pikelny, and Gabe Withcer, has spent more than a decade changing the face of acoustic music, stretching the limitations of instruments, and influencing a generation of young musicians. Formed in the late 2000s, Punch Brothers' amalgam of bluegrass energy, classical complexity, and jazzy improvisation have earned them numerous accolades and garnered a dedicated following. Staples of the label, all but one of the band's albums have topped the Billboard Bluegrass charts while also making strong crossover showings on the pop, rock, and folk charts. This episode features recordings from their August 2022 performance under the tent. 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 Matt Jugenheimer - Engineer & Producer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA https://www.facebook.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/ https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtopchautauqua https://twitter.com/BigBlueTent FOLLOW MICHAEL PERRY https://sneezingcow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/ 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/

Duration:00:59:01