100 episodes

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.

Tent Show Radio Tent Show Radio

    • Music
    • 4.7 • 21 Ratings

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.

    Different Drums of Ireland (Throwback Episode)

    Different Drums of Ireland (Throwback Episode)

    On this special throwback episode of Tent Show Radio, Different Drums of Ireland take the stage for a celebratory performance showcasing Irelands unique indigenous sounds and rich cultural diversity.

    Different Drums of Ireland was created in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1991 as an exercise to use art and music as a vehicle to do something positive in the community. Different Drums of Ireland celebrates the musical traditions, customs, and sounds of that wee part of the world, crossing boundaries in an effort to promote peace and unity. Primarily a joint celebration of the Bodhrán and the Lambeg, drums seen as representative of the Nationalist and Unionist cultures respectively in Ireland, Different Drums of Ireland play a unique form of Irish music which also borrows from other cultures. Influenced by the Kodo drummers from Japan, they explore a wide variety of percussive sounds as the employ the African Djembe drum for the rhythmic engine of the band and you’ll also hear the high-tension snare and various other percussion from around the world.

    As Different Drums of Ireland, Roy Arbuckle, Stevie Matier, Dolores O'Hare, Paul Marshall, & Richard Campbell have played across the world, for everyone from US & Irish presidents to school children. Their performances are a unique celebration of cultural diversity and linkages - the sound and passion of Different Drums of Ireland is something truly unique and unforgettable.
     
     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    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/ 

    • 58 min
    Joyann Parker: The Music of Patsy Cline

    Joyann Parker: The Music of Patsy Cline

    On this episode of Tent Show Radio, 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.
     
     
     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Jaime Hansen - Engineer
    Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

     
    FOLLOW BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA
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    https://www.instagram.com/bigtopchautauqua/
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    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/ 

    • 59 min
    Michael Perry & The Long Beds

    Michael Perry & The Long Beds

    On this episode of Tent Show Radio, host & New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry and his band The Long Beds hit the Big Top stage.

    Michael Perry 's original songs are a direct reflection of his life experiences. Raised in rural Wisconsin by farmers, preachers, and tough country women, his songs reflect "certain wisdoms" available only from whistlers, frauds, and sinners. Ranging from straight-up twang to churchly harmonies and populated by characters drawn straight from rural and small-town America, they launch from places like the overpass outside Perry’s beloved hometown of New Auburn, Wisconsin (population currently 562), a gospel service in a granary, and the kitchen floor of a woman about to drop a world of hurt on her drunken husband.

    Raised in a church so austere that hymns were sung with no choir, no accompaniment, and no church (the congregation met in a farmhouse and sat on straight-backed wooden chairs,) Perry and his brother learned to sit side-by-side and work out harmonies on the fly. Those Sunday mornings instilled in Perry a love of singing “clear and pure” that can be heard throughout all of his recordings.

    Perry began writing music in the early 1990s as a way to break up all-night typing sessions when he was struggling to survive on prose. Eventually, a musician friend invited him to play a coffee shop gig. Since then, Michael has released 4 albums, several singles, and toured - backed by a collection of renowned musicians who have performed on numerous stages throughout the world (including The Tonight Show, Austin City Limits, and Eaux Claires festival) and worked with a host of artists, including Bon Iver, S. Carey, The Staves, Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, Field Report, The Tallest Man on Earth, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and many more.

    Every Long Beds show is built on roughneck ballads and freight train rockers interspersed with hilarious off-the-cuff tales from Mike’s diverse experience as a Wisconsin farm kid turned cowboy turned nurse turned best-selling author.
     
     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Keenan McIntyre - 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/  

    • 59 min
    The Ozark Mountain Daredevils

    The Ozark Mountain Daredevils

    On this episode of Tent Show Radio, legendary Southern Rock band The Ozark Mountain Daredevils perform a career spanning set during their thrilling return to the Big Top stage.

    One of Southern rock’s more inventive exponents, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have always been indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass all on the same record, writing lyrics both whimsical and poetic, and singing harmonies that send shivers up your spine. The Daredevils were formed in 1971 by the songwriting team of John Dillon, Randle Chowning, Larry Lee, and Steve Cash; with Michael "Supe" Granda and Buddy Brayfield completing the line-up.

    When the band emerged with their self-titled debut in 1973, they evoked not only the spirit of the age but the place from which they sprang: Springfield, Missouri, and the Ozarks—a place of pop, rock, country, mountain music, and much more. The critically acclaimed record, recorded in London under the direction of producer Glyn Johns, contained the US Top 30 single "If You Wanna Get To Heaven", while a second success, "Jackie Blue', which reached #3, came from the band's follow-up collection, “It'll Shine When It Shines.” Recorded at Randle Chowning's ranch, these records achieved “gold” status and showcased the group’s strong harmonies and intuitive musicianship.

    Following a hiatus, the Daredevils were reactivated in the late 1980’s by Dillon, Cash and Granda. The resulting album, “Modern History” found the band with a new lease on life as they carried on into the new millennium with a new line-up featuring Dillon, Cash, Granda, Ron Gremp (drums) and Bill Brown (guitar/vocals). In the years that followed, the Daredevils released a number of major label and independent record label recordings, traveled millions of miles performing throughout North America and Europe, and continued to grow and maintain a loyal and dedicated fan base throughout the world.

    Now more than 50 years since their founding, their songs are still regularly played on Classic Radio stations. With two of the original co-founders still on board, John Dillon (guitar, mandolin, vocals) & Michael "Supe" Granda (bass, vocals), their current lineup of talented musicians includes Ron Gremp (drums), Ruell Chappell (vocals, percussion), Bill Jones (woodwinds, horns), Dave Painter (lead guitar), Nick Sibley (harmonica, guitar, vocals), Kelly Brown (keyboard), and Molly Healey (fiddle). With their signature sound and style remaining intact and vibrant, they continue to delight Dareheads with their live performances.
     
     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Keenan McIntyre - 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/  

    • 59 min
    Devon Allman & Donavon Frankenreiter

    Devon Allman & Donavon Frankenreiter

    On this episode of Tent Show Radio, Rock n Roll recording artists and globetrotting journeymen, Devon Allman & Donavon Frankenreiter perform a career spanning set, showcasing songs off their collaborative EP Rollers.
    For nearly four decades Donavon Frankenreiter has been traveling the globe, first as a professional surfer and now as a musician. With over a dozen albums under his belt, Frankenreiter has worked it on the touring trail worldwide for three decades. Donavon is a brand ambassador for Flying Embers as well as Sanuk Footwear and also co-owner of Humble Brands, Caddis Eyewear and several other companies.
     
    Blues Music Award-winning singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Devon Allman (son of Rock legend Gregg Allman) has appeared at the world’s biggest festivals and has co-founded the supergroups Royal Southern Brotherhood and The Allman Betts Band amassing a recording catalog of 11 albums. He writes a column for Guitar Player Magazine, is endorsed by Gibson guitars, and serves on the board of directors for the National Blues Museum.
     
    In June of 2023, Allman & Frankenreiter released their collaborative EP, Rollers, a 6-song collection, produced by Luther Dickinson of the multiple Grammy-nominated North Mississippi Allstars and mastered by Brad Sarno at Blue Jade Audio, featuring previously released singles “Calling All You Riders” and “See It All” as well as a guest appearance from Maggie Rose on the track “We Belong.” The songs on Rollers serve as the soundtrack for the duo’s world-record breaking See It All Tour, where Allman and Frankenreiter set the Official World Record for fastest time to play a concert in each of the 50 states. The execution was brutal, but the rock ‘n’ roll recording artists and longtime friends, along with their talented band mates – Matt Grundy (bass), John Lum (drums), David Gomez (percussion, sax), Jackson Stokes (guitar), were successful in breaking the previous record, playing 50 shows in 49 days in the summer of 2023, one of those dates being under the tent at Big Top Chautauqua.

     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Keenan McIntyre - 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/  

    • 59 min
    Glenn Miller Orchestra

    Glenn Miller Orchestra

    On this episode of Tent Show Radio, enjoy an invigorating hour of jazz as the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra showcase the unforgettable musical legacy of one of the most iconic bandleaders of all time.

    Considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time, the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to keep Miller’s legendary jazzy sound alive onstage for old-time fans and new generations alike. Known for timeless classics like “In the Mood”, “Moonlight Serenade”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, and “Tuxedo Junction” the iconic bandleader's famous orchestra proves his unforgettable music is alive and well nearly 80 years after his passing.

    While the first Glenn Miller Orchestra was a total and absolute economic failure, Miller was dedicated to his dreams and relentlessly worked until he succeeded. He launched his second band in March of 1938, and The Glenn Miller Orchestra became the most sought-after big band in the world. A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts and the drawing power at theaters, hotels and dance pavilion, built and sustained the momentum of popularity. After joining the army in 1942, the band was temporarily disbanded while Miller organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band which traveled through Europe to entertain servicemen. After disappearing on a flight mission in 1944, the army declared Miller dead in 1945. Following the release of the movie The Glenn Miller Story in 1954, there was growing and renewed interest in Miller’s music legacy. Miller’s estate authorized the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley, and since 1956, the band has been touring consistently, playing an average of 300 live shows around the world every year.

    Revered for its own unique and distinctive big band sound, The Glenn Miller Orchestra has always been very musical, disciplined, and visually entertaining. That sound is created by the clarinet holding the melodic line, doubled or coupled with the tenor sax playing the same notes; and the harmonies produced by three other saxophones, while growling trombones and wailing trumpets add their oo-ahs. Led by tenor saxophonist Erik Stabnau, the 18-member ensemble continue to play many of Miller’s original arrangements both from the civilian band and the AAFB libraries. The band also plays more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound. Just as it was in Glenn’s day, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is still the most sought-after big band in the world.
     
     



     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Keenan McIntyre - 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/  

    • 59 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
21 Ratings

21 Ratings

SuperiorRanger ,

Love this!

Having lived ten years on the south shore of Lake Superior, I’ve learned to enjoy Big Top. Now that I’ve moved I’m so grateful to learn of this as a podcast. Now I can enjoy a little bit of Chequamegon Bay even down here in southern WI. Such a great collection of musicians, actors, singers, and characters!

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