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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15 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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In this very special episode of Tent Show Radio, Big Top's very own Blue Canvas Orchestra does Christmas "Chautauqua" style. Tune in to hear your f...

Bought by WDSE


  • Added: Dec 22, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 1
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From their early days playing on the streets in their hometown of Boston, MA to performing on world wide tours, this duo has built their careers fr...

  • Added: Dec 15, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
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This week's episode of Tent Show Radio celebrates the legacy of Lost Nation String Band, featuring performances with original members and special g...

  • Added: Dec 08, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
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This episode of Tent Show Radio, features fan favorite performances from the early days of the Blue Canvas Orchestra and classic original Big Top s...

  • Added: Dec 01, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
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An easily confused and very shy individual, Charlie Parr has been traveling around singing his songs ever since leaving Austin Minnesota in the 198...

Bought by Prairie Public and KSJE


  • Added: Nov 20, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 2
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In 1957 The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco’s North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American...

  • Added: Nov 18, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
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Bill Miller is an award-winning Native American recording artist, performer, songwriter, activist, painter, and world-class native flute player. Ov...

Bought by WGZS


  • Added: Nov 10, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 1
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Nickel Creek is an Americana music group, formed in Southern California in 1989. The group consists of Chris Thile (mandolin) and siblings Sara Wat...

  • Added: Nov 02, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
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The Whites is an American country music vocal group from Fort Worth, Texas. It consists of sisters Sharon White and Cheryl White, and their father,...

  • Added: Oct 27, 2021
  • Length: 59:00
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This episode of Tent Show Radio includes performance by Grammy nominated singer songwriter Iris DeMent, American Folk musician Greg Brown, and Big ...

  • Added: Oct 20, 2021
  • Length: 59:00