Every week the Wisconsin State Journal runs “Roughneck Grace,” a weekly column written by Mike (many of the columns will be adapted from Mike’s Tent Show Radio monologues). This week’s “Neighborly order, peace and beauty,” titled, “Revisiting the idea of mercy” can be seen online here.

If you’re within range of (or can stream) one of these stations tonight (Saturday, October 13th) we hope you’ll join Mike as he hosts another edition of Tent Show Radio from Big Top Chautauqua. In between all the music, Mike tells a story about hearing something beautiful through his ear plugs. Information on streaming the show here.

You can join the Tent Show Radio Facebook page here, and many previous Tent Show Radio episodes available for streaming anytime – just click here. 

Mike and the band will play at Icehouse in Mpls, MN on Nov 4th.  Doors at 5PM and 6PM Showtime. Tickets are $20 and available here: http://bit.ly/2CGOohk

Mike and The Long Beds have been variously described as ‘country folk,’ ‘roughneck folk,’ ‘folk-twang,’ an Americana. “I was raised by farmers and preachers and tough country women, and I suppose my songs reflect that,” says Perry. “Then again, certain wisdoms are available only from whistlers, frauds, and sinners, so I try to slide them a line or two as well.”

Even after all these years, miles, and hair loss, I keep having new experiences. In this case, theater groups performing a script I wrote in a tiny room…and me being nowhere near when the curtain goes up. It’s a little like sending a kid off to college. Thank you to Penguin Productions Theatre (the folks in the photo), Northfield Arts Guild, and Red Barn Theatre/Hardscrabble Players for giving “Population 485” life out there on its own. And a tip of the firefighter cap to @big_tall_jake for the inaugural tour(s).

Every week the Wisconsin State Journal runs “Roughneck Grace,” a weekly column written by Mike (many of the columns will be adapted from Mike’s Tent Show Radio monologues). This week’s “Roughneck Grace,” titled, “Revisiting the idea of mercy” can be seen online here.