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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21 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

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Roy Clark was an American singer and musician. He is best known for having hosted Hee Haw, a nationally televised country variety show, from 1969 t...

Bought by WNMU-FM


  • Added: Apr 15, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Merle Haggard at Big Top, Credit: Merle Haggard
The word “legend” usually makes an appearance at some point when discussing Merle Haggard. It’s an acknowledgement of his artistry and his standing...

Bought by KFCF FM, WNMU-FM, and KMXT


  • Added: Apr 07, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 3
Caption: Blue Canvas Orchestra, Credit: Big Top Chautauqua
In 2019 we cut the band loose on some of their favorite songs from the season and from summers past. Severin Behnen leads the famed house band that...

Bought by KMXT


  • Added: Apr 01, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Different Drums of Ireland, Credit: Different Drums of Ireland
This week, Different Drums of Ireland joins us on Tent Show Radio. Different Drums brings the indigenous drums of Ireland, the Lambeg and the Bodh...

Bought by GCR (Global Community Radio), KFCF FM, WNMU-FM, and KMXT


  • Added: Mar 25, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 4
Caption: Rosanne Cash, Credit: Rosanne Cash
This week's Tent Show Radio performance is from August of 2019 when Rosanne Cash came to play under the pearl grey and blue canvas tent! One of th...

Bought by KFCF FM, KMXT, and WNMU-FM


  • Added: Mar 19, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 3
Caption: Blue Canvas Orchestra, Credit: Big Top Chautauqua
The Blue Canvas Orchestra has been the Big Top Chautauqua's house band since its founding in 1986. Severin Behnen has led the famed house band to ...

Bought by KMSU, KFCF FM, KSJE, WNMU-FM, and KMXT


  • Added: Feb 25, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 5
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Available for free and hosted by Michael Perry, Tent Show Radio this week features two amazing artists, Tommy Emmanuel recorded at the Big Top in 2...

Bought by KMSU, KSJE, KFCF FM, WNMU-FM, and KMXT


  • Added: Feb 10, 2021
  • Length: 59:01
  • Purchases: 5
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This week on Tent Show Radio, we have two great groups who played under the Big Top Tent in 2008. In the first half of the show, the award-winning...

Bought by KFCF FM, KMSU, KSJE, WNMU-FM, KMXT and more


  • Added: Feb 05, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 6
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This week on Tent Show Radio, living legend, songwriter and singer, Arlo Guthrie. Mr. Guthrie has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall too, wel...

Bought by Prairie Public, KMSU, KSRQ, KFCF FM, WNMU-FM and more


  • Added: Jan 27, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 8
Caption: Ruthie Foster at Big Top Chautauqua, Credit: Ruthie Foster
From houses of worship to houses of blues, Ruthie Foster has always been a rafter-rattler. And with a soul-filled voice honed in Texas churches, sh...

Bought by KFCF FM, KMSU, WNMU-FM, WDSE, KMXT and more


  • Added: Jan 20, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 6