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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12 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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Country a cappella band Home Free was crowned Champions of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” in 2013 launching them onto the national spotlight. The group, hail...

Bought by WPCA-LP, KSRQ, KSJE, WDSE, and KMXT


  • Added: Jan 06, 2017
  • Length: 59:50
  • Purchases: 5
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Yonder Mountain String Band bends bluegrass, rock and other influences, pioneering a genre-defying sound of their own. The Colorado-based foursome ...

Bought by WTIP, KALH, KSRQ, KMSU, WDSE and more


  • Added: Jan 05, 2017
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 8
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Perhaps the biggest new hit of last summer was this musical gem from the team of Severin Behnen, Stevie Matier and Bruce Burnside. Belfast to Blueg...

Bought by WTIP, KMXT, KALH, KSRQ, KMSU and more


  • Added: Jun 21, 2016
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 11
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Opening the program, The Cactus Blossoms, brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum grew up in northeast Minneapolis and have been blending their voices...

Bought by WTIP, KMXT, KALH, KSRQ, KMSU and more


  • Added: Jun 15, 2016
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 10
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Ronny Cox is a superbly talented singer-songwriter, musician and actor who has been consistently active in music and Hollywood for over 40 years – ...

Bought by KMXT, WTIP, WPCA-LP, KPIP-LP, KALH and more


  • Added: Jun 15, 2016
  • Length: 59:31
  • Purchases: 10
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The Quebe’s unique brand of music has taken the Americana music scene by storm. Touring in support of their latest album, Every Which-A-Way, some o...

Bought by KMXT, WTIP, KALH, KSRQ, KSJE and more


  • Added: May 30, 2016
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 10
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The Blue Canvas Orchestra (BCO) is Chautauqua’s house band that, together with co-founder and Visuals Director Betty Ferris, provides the entertain...

Bought by KMXT, WTIP, KPIP-LP, KALH, KSJE and more


  • Added: May 23, 2016
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 10
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Country a cappella band Home Free was crowned Champions of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” in 2013 launching them onto the national spotlight. The group, hail...

Bought by KMXT, WTIP, KALH, KSJE, WDSE and more


  • Added: May 11, 2016
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 10
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Ireland’s Folk Band of the Year, The High Kings, is Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden. Coming from impressive musical pe...

Bought by KMXT, WTIP, KALH, KSJE, WDSE and more


  • Added: May 09, 2016
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 10
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Over the course of 10 albums and nearly 3,000 live shows, Gaelic Storm — the chart-topping, multi-national Celtic band — is dishing up a hearty ser...

Bought by KMXT, KPIP-LP, WTIP, KALH, KSJE and more


  • Added: Apr 27, 2016
  • Length: 59:30
  • Purchases: 9