In Spite of Ourselves: The Music of John Prine & Nanci Griffith

Tent Show Radio

Led by Molly Otis & Ed Willett, the Blue Canvas Orchestra take on the work of John Prine and Nanci Griffith in this Big Top original show. John Prine and Nanci Griffith were both humble masters of the story. They dug deep into the places where we were afraid to go. Emotional depth, keen observations and wry humor brought their music to life and hit an emotional bone. These are the writers who gave us “Angel from Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” “Love at the Five & Dime,” “Trouble in These Fields, and many more. It’s the Blue Canvas Orchestra's great honor to present a tribute to our lost songsmiths. This episode features Blue Canvas Orchestra members Ed Willett, Molly Otis, Severin Behnen, Phil Anich, Tom Mitchell, Jack Gunderson, Billy Knoblauch, Danielle Diamond, Betty Ferris, and Scott Kirby.

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 CREDITSMichael Perry - Host Phillip Anich - Announcer Jaime Hansen - Engineer Gina Nagro - Marketing Support

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2023 TENT SHOW RADIO SPONSORSAshland 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 THANKSWisconsin Public Radio - https://www.wpr.org/