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
    • 4.6 • 17 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.

    Tanya Tucker and Molly & The Danger Band

    Tanya Tucker and Molly & The Danger Band

    Edgy. Classic. Country. A defining voice of music and a modern-day legend, GRAMMY award winner, Tanya Tucker is known for some of country music’s biggest hits such as" "Soon," "Two Sparrows in a Hurricane," "It's a Little Too Late," "Trouble," "Texas (When I Die)," "If It Don't Come Easy" and "Strong Enough To Bend," Tanya has cemented herself as one the most admired and influential performers in county music. Since the auspicious start of her career at the age of 13, when released the classic county hit, "Delta Dawn," in 1972, Tucker has amassed 23 Top 40 albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 10 No. 1 songs on the Billboard country charts, numerous accolades including two CMA's, two ACM's, three CMT awards, and in 2020 she won her first two GRAMMY Awards for Best Country Album.

    Molly & The Danger Band started in 2006 when Molly Otis crawled onto a three foot wide ledge, hovering eight feet above a glass top bar at the Pavilion in downtown Hayward WI. You probably had heard or seen Molly Otis as the front person for Warner recording artists Molly and the Heymakers. She is a powerful vocalist and plays multiple instruments including fiddle, mandolin and guitar. Randy Wydra sings, lays down the bass lines, adds acoustic guitar and even plays drums with his feet. You could call them a rock/country/jazz/bluegrass band, but they are really an Americana band. The blending of different American roots music creates a unique musical cocktail, with a twist of Irish. From classic covers, traditional and original music, no matter what you call it, you're bound to have a good time.
     
    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.

     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Jaime Hansen - 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 MICHAEL PERRY
    https://sneezingcow.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
    https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
    https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

    2023 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/ 
    Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS
    Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/ 

    • 52 min
    Lil' Mike & Funny Bone

    Lil' Mike & Funny Bone

    Oklahoma City brothers Lil' Mike and Funny Bone, together known as Mike Bone, travel the world as motivational speakers, dancers, and rappers. Though both brothers stand a little over 4 feet tall, what they lack in height they more than make up for with their talent and determination. Through their powerful & inspiring music the Pawnee nation brothers strive to be positive influences for youth, promoting that a positive attitude and hard work can make dreams come true, but getting to that point hasn't been easy. From homelessness to gang violence, to "size-ist" discrimination, the brothers have hustled and flowed their way from nothing to something.

    The brothers spent years making the rounds at clubs, casino's, arena's, and private parties as they developed their skills not just as rappers but as performance artists & motivational speakers. Through their years of hustling, they've produced all their music independently, got their songs on radio stations around the world, opened for internationally renowned artists, and have left their mark on popular culture with their unforgettable television appearances on programs such as America's Got Talent and their recurring roles on Hulu's hit series Reservation Dogs.
     
     
    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.

     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Jaime Hansen - 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 MICHAEL PERRY
    https://sneezingcow.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
    https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
    https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

    2023 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/ 
    Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS
    Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/ 

    • 59 min
    Warren Nelson & Friends

    Warren Nelson & Friends

    Warren Nelson began his entertainment career playing folk music with various groups he had formed in his hometown of Fairmont, MN in the early 1960's. His first professional experience came when his my group Nellie’s Folk played a 10-week stand in the Burning Hills Amphitheater in Medora, ND. In 1968, as they became more and more successful the group's name was changed to The 10th Story Window. The folk group performed pop tunes of the day as well as original songs written by Nelson, and for the next few years tour extensively across the national which included opening for acts like the Ike and Tina Turner Revue and Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders. After moving to Bayfield County, WI in 1980, Nelson performed across the Northland as a member of the Lost Nation String Band. After founding Big Top Chautauqua in 1986, Warren performed as a founding member of the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and his original productions co-created with Betty Ferris were beloved by fans and are still performed at the tent every summer season.

    Tune in as Warren Nelson and his musical friends, as they celebrate the release of his new book SHOWTIME! Autobiography of a Songster, with a concert of his songs from his 55 years as a professional entertainer/songwriter and creator of musicals. Warren Nelson is joined by Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians Ed Willet, Otis McLennon, Randy Sabien, Jack Gunderson, Severin Behnen with special guests Ron Lundquist, Rex Loker, Petra Marquart, and Dave Nordby, original members of his group The 10th Story Window.
     
     
    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.
     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Jaime Hansen - 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 MICHAEL PERRY
    https://sneezingcow.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
    https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
    https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

    2023 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/ 
    Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS
    Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/ 

    • 59 min
    Cloud Cult

    Cloud Cult

    Minnesota’s Cloud Cult has a rich eleven-album history of bucking the mainstream music industry in favor of independently releasing music via their environmentally conscious record label Earthology Records. Hailed as one of the Top 10 Green Bands by Rolling Stone, the band’s philosophical lyrics and alternative-orchestral-folk-rock sound has been lauded by critics as "insane genius" (Pitchfork) and "an invocation of the lifeforce" (New York Times). Cloud Cult began as Craig Minowa's solo studio project after the unexpected loss of his son and has grown to the present day with an evolving lineup of incredible musicians. Known for incorporating live painting into their concerts, Cloud Cult are pioneers of multimedia artistry, most recently highlighted with the feature film release of The Seeker – starring Josh Radnor & Alex McKenna – which accompanied the band’s 2016 album, landed the group on Entertainment Weekly’s Must List, and garnered prestigious awards on the indie film festival circuit.

    This episode features recordings from Cloud Cult's 2022 performance at Big Top Chautauqua.
     
    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.
     
    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Jaime Hansen - 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 MICHAEL PERRY
    https://sneezingcow.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
    https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
    https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

    2023 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/ 
    Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS
    Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/ 

    • 59 min
    The Music of Riverpants

    The Music of Riverpants

    After more than a decade, audiences "fishing" for a good time and wanting to "reel" with "lunker" laughs, celebrated the return of one of Big Top Chautauqua's most beloved original productions. In the summer of 2022, Big Top's famed house-band the Blue Canvas Orchestra delighted audiences in the triumphant revival of Riverpants, the musical comedy revue written by Warren Nelson. Having originally debuted during the summer of 2003, this knee slappin' musical is full of hearty fishing songs, mirthful interludes, energetic musical numbers and classic bits & skits. 

    Warren Nelson's Anglin’ Wayne guided the audience on his top fishing tips & trips, Jack Gunderson, Liz Woodworth, & Tom Mitchell shined as Midwest Folk characters Ole Lena, and Sven, and Ed Willet, Severin Behnen, Phil Anich, Otis McLennon, Betty Ferris, Randy Sabien, and Billy Knoblauch were on hand for additional hijinks and to provide the driving music behind the production.
     
     
    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. 



    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Jaime Hansen - 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 MICHAEL PERRY
    https://sneezingcow.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
    https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
    https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

    2023 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/ 
    Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce - https://washburnchamber.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS
    Wisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/ 

    • 59 min
    Heavy Gus and Sasha Mercedes

    Heavy Gus and Sasha Mercedes

    Born of the stark beauty and bittersweet desolation of the high desert, California trio Heavy Gus blurs the lines between grungy garage band fare, hazy surf, and dreamy indie rock on their captivating full-length debut, Notions. Bristling with live-wire electricity, the collection is lean and spare, fueled by distorted guitars and a driving rhythm section, and the performances are loose and organic to match, captured spontaneously in the moment with little room for overthinking or second-guessing. While all three bandmates come to Heavy Gus from very different worlds—Ulvang from The Lumineers, drummer Ryan Dobrowski from Blind Pilot, and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dorota Szuta from an unlikely combination of marine science and music—they fit together like puzzle pieces here, bound by the kind of love and trust that can only grow from years of deep kinship. The result is a record all about distance and connection from a band built on intimacy and personal chemistry, a mesmerizing debut that calls to mind everything from Meat Puppets and The Breeders to Yo La Tengo and Acetone in its artful balance of hope and fatalism, loneliness and desire, strength and vulnerability.

    Originally hailing from the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Sasha Mercedes writes image-provoking songs and delivers them with passion and conviction. Her powerful voice turns heads, as she beats on her guitar, brow furrowed and snarling! Mercedes has released five Americana solo albums, and though there will always be a soft spot in her heart for singer-songwriter stylings, Mercedes hasn't been tethered to any genre. She was the front-woman for Twin Cities-based rock band, Hot Pink Hangover, as well as the hook writer and fellow performer in Minneapolis hip hop trio, Channeling Grey. She has traveled the world making music and drawing inspiration out of every experience, which is evident in the lyrics of her brilliantly crafted compositions. She has shared the stage with TLC, Badflower, Dar Williams, Don Mclean, Tracy Bonham, Guy Davis, Pete Seeger, and others. She may seem hard on the outside, but Mercedes has always believed that rugged shores can polish even the roughest of stones.

    This episode features recordings from both artists 2022 performances at Big Top Chautauqua.
     
    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. 


    EPISODE CREDITS
    Michael Perry - Host
    Phillip Anich - Announcer
    Jaime Hansen - 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 MICHAEL PERRY
    https://sneezingcow.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/sneezingcow
    https://www.instagram.com/sneezingcow/
    https://twitter.com/sneezingcow/

    2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORS
    Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce - https://www.visitashland.com/ 
    Bayfield Chamber

    • 59 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 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!

Top Podcasts In Music

The Joe Budden Network
Apple Music
Barstool Sports
The Ringer
Friday Night Karaoke
Apple Music

You Might Also Like

NPR
NPR
BirdNote
Prairie Home Productions
The Institute of Politics & CNN
Science Friday and WNYC Studios