100 episodes
Tent Show Radio Tent Show Radio
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- 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.
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Pickin' on Rock
On this episode of Tent Show Radio, enjoy high-energy and high-caliber entertainment from the Blue Canvas Orchestra in Pickin' on Rock!
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.
EPISODE CREDITS
Michael Perry - Host
Phillip Anich - Announcer
Matt Jugeinhemer - 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 HOST MICHAEL PERRY
https://sneezingcow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/
2024 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/
Kylmala Truss - https://www.kylmalatruss.com/
SPECIAL THANKS
Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/ -
Trapper Schoepp
On this episode of Tent Show Radio, Milwaukee singer/songwriter Trapper Schoepp performs tunes from his latest release, Siren Songs.
Trapper Schoepp is a storyteller. Both in his songs and between them in live performances, he seemingly never tires of telling stories—his own and those he witnesses, learns about and dreams up. Through his unwavering commitment to authenticity and unrelenting passion for storytelling, Schoepp not only pays homage to the roots of American music but also pushes the boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving tapestry of sound.
In 2019, Milwaukee’s Trapper Schoepp hit a songwriter’s jackpot: a co-write with Bob Dylan. The circumstances behind the song titled, “On, Wisconsin” were wildly serendipitous, and made Schoepp the youngest musician to share a co-writing credit with the Nobel Prize laureate. A collaboration 57 years in the making, “On, Wisconsin” led to features in Rolling Stone and Billboard, an album called Primetime Illusion, and nearly a hundred international tour dates.
Schoepp continues down the trail trod by his musical heroes with his latest release, Siren Songs, an album of 12 songs filled with timeless folklore and nautical imagery. In a fortunate stroke of serendipity, Trapper is joined on two tracks by Sarah Peasall McGuffey, who famously lent her vocal talents to the aforementioned film.
Trapper sings alongside his brother and bassist, Tanner Schoepp, with characteristic blood harmony, the unique blend of sibling singers. The studio band included drummer Jon Radford (Justin Townes Earle), John Jackson on mandolin and violin, Patrick Sansone on keys, Quinn Scharber on Nashville tuned guitar, and Jim Hoke (Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney) on tin whistle and accordion.
EPISODE CREDITS
Michael Perry - Host
Phillip Anich - Announcer
Matt Jugeinhemer - 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 HOST MICHAEL PERRY
https://sneezingcow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/
2024 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/
Kylmala Truss - https://www.kylmalatruss.com/
SPECIAL THANKS
Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/
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Adam Greuel & The Space Burritos
On this episode of Tent Show Radio, country-Rock 'n' Roll outfit Adam Greuel & the Space Burritos rock the tent with an unforgettable performance.
From a galaxy far, far away, yet oddly close by, Adam Greuel & the Space Burritos bring some type of musical mischief to stage’s here, there, and everywhere! Rooted in country, blues, bluegrass, and show music, as Levon Helm put it, you could just call it “rock n’ roll”. They specialize in having a damn good time.
Despite that fun loving attitude, the musicians that frontman Adam Greuel (Horseshoes & Hand Grenades) assembles are some of the Midwest’s finest musical minds. Performing a hearty swamp of original music, as well as select covers from some of time’s finest rock n’ rollers (Little Feat, The Band, Jerry Jeff Walker), the Space Burritos embark on a mission to get you dancing off that festy-burrito, while also potentially, quite possibly, frankly, taking your mind to…space.
EPISODE CREDITS
Michael Perry - Host
Phillip Anich - Announcer
Matt Jugeinhemer - 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 HOST MICHAEL PERRY
https://sneezingcow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/
2024 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/
Kylmala Truss - https://www.kylmalatruss.com/
SPECIAL THANKS
Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/
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Good Morning Bedlam and Gareth Pearson
On this episode of Tent Show Radio, Midwest folk group Good Morning Bedlam showcases their exciting sound & soaring three-part harmonies, then, acoustic musician Gareth Pearson, known for his distinctive fingerstyle techniques, captivates with his creative and innovative arrangements.
Good Morning Bedlam has become an innovative force in the Midwest folk scene. Their shows are known for their contagious energy, with members careening about the stage. With tight soaring three-part harmonies, and thumping kick-drum, they captivate their audience night after night. Every song is a unique twist on what is generally dubbed as folk music. In 2019, the folk-rock band from Minneapolis, MN claimed the first-place title at the John Hartford Memorial Festival Band Competition and were finalists at the NWSS Band Competition. Their shows are known for their wild energy and stunning harmonies. They have played at festivals alongside artists such as Shakey Graves, Sam Bush, Jason Isbell, The Infamous Stringdusters, Trampled By Turtles and others. In 2021, the band ran a successful Kickstarter in July of 2021 for their much anticipated third full-length record ‘Lulu’ where fans from around the world pledged a total of $34,000. Good Morning Bedlam has been featured on Bluegrass Today, Relix Magazine, Glide Magazine, and Paste Magazine. Now in 2023 the band is gearing up to release a brand-new EP titled Dear Day, Dear Darling in the Fall of this year.
Referred to as "The Welsh Tornado," Gareth Pearson has emerged as one of the most exciting acoustic musicians of his generation. His distinctive style can be heard through his creative and innovative arrangements which cover a wide spectrum of genres including country/folk/classical/pop/rock/jazz/swing and bluegrass music, along with his own beautiful and often intricate original compositions, which serve in showcasing an enthusiasm and musical intuition well beyond his years. Influenced by guitar greats like Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel and Merle Travis, Gareth Pearson strays from the traditional style of the seated and motionless acoustic performances. An extremely entertaining and inspiring performer, Pearson exhibits immense love for the music he performs while he combines fingerstyle pyrotechnics, with explosive lead runs as his exuberant style denotes a mastery of the instrument very few possess.
EPISODE CREDITS
Michael Perry - Host
Phillip Anich - Announcer
Matt Jugeinhemer - 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 HOST MICHAEL PERRY
https://sneezingcow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/
2024 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/
Kylmala Truss - https://www.kylmalatruss.com/
SPECIAL THANKS
Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/ -
Tommy Emmanuel
On this episode of Tent Show Radio, experience the authentic ebullience of revered guitar master Tommy Emmanuel.
Tommy was born in 1955 in Muswellbrook, New South Wales Australia, and started playing the guitar at age four. In his twenties, he was the most sought-after performer and session musician in Sydney. By age 30, he was burning on electric guitar with several rock bands in stadiums across Europe. He could have gone on to live the rock star life. Yet, he yearned for something purer and closer to his heart. Casting off the reliable rock band engine of monstrous sonics blasting, Tommy went acoustic.
The inspiration for Tommy’s transformation was his hero, Chet Atkins, who represented the purity of one man, one guitar, and unlimited passion for serving the song. Eventually Tommy met his hero and started a lifelong friendship which shaped Tommy’s music forever. Chet welcomed Tommy into guitarist knighthood by bestowing upon him the coveted title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an honor awarded only to four other humans ever.
The real-time exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song he plays is palpable and infectious. His fans are in love with his unbound talent as a guitarist of multitudes, his ability to play three parts at once, always with pure heart and real soul. He is a true virtuoso. But he seems as delighted always with the magic of the music as the audience, if not more, and his joy illuminates everything. It’s one thing to play these multi-dimensional arrangements flawlessly on an acoustic guitar. But to do it with that smile of the ages, that evidence of authentic, unbridled delight, is an irresistibly infectious invitation to feel his music as deeply as he does.
EPISODE CREDITS
Michael Perry - Host
Phillip Anich - Announcer
Matt Jugeinhemer - 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 HOST MICHAEL PERRY
https://sneezingcow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/
2024 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/
Kylmala Truss - https://www.kylmalatruss.com/
SPECIAL THANKS
Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/ -
Pride Anthems
On this episode of Tent Show Radio, experience a musical and cultural journal through the past 50 years of Pride Anthems.
From Donna Summer and Queen to George Michael, Erasure, Madonna, Lady Gaga and much more, these essential songs take us from disco to the present day. The story of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is linked to this music, which evokes the struggles, heartache and liberation of queer lives then and now.
Pride Anthems creates a vibrant musical experience that celebrates, inspires and commemorates the legacy and power of the Stonewall Riots, and takes you on a musical and cultural journey through the past 50 years to today. Starring, Natalie Joy Johnson, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, and Jon-Michael Reese, with Musical Director, Brian J. Nash - Pride Anthems is a show for all ages to come together in song and celebration of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come since Stonewall!
Pride Anthems was produced in partnership with Pride Live, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to accelerating awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community via social advocacy and community engagement to advance the fight for full equality. Their mission is to elevate awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Through their work, they strive to have a positive impact and encourage engagement from as many members of the community and allies as possible to continue the fight for full equality.
EPISODE CREDITS
Michael Perry - Host
Phillip Anich - Announcer
Matt Jugeinhemer - 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 HOST MICHAEL PERRY
https://sneezingcow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/
2024 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/
Kylmala Truss - https://www.kylmalatruss.com/
SPECIAL THANKS
Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/