Chicago’s ‘Barn Dance’ celebrates 100 years since first country broadcast
‘The National Barn Dance’ radio show broadcast out of Chicago predates the Grand Ole Opry.
The first episode of the variety show Barn Dance aired on WLS on April 19, 1924. An event honoring this anniversary imagines what an episode of the show would sound like in 2024, with musicians, historical context and performances. It will be broadcast live on WFMT.
Reset learns about the history of country music in Chicago, how the scene has evolved and what characterizes the sound today.
GUEST: Paul Durica, Chicago historian, event producer
Jefferey Thomas, musical director for Hey, Hey, the Gang’s All Here: A Chicago Barn Dance
Lawrence Peters, musician, founder Lawrence Peters Outfit
Francesca Royster, author of Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions
More From
Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons
Chicago’s ‘Barn Dance’ celebrates 100 years since first country broadcast
‘The National Barn Dance’ radio show broadcast out of Chicago predates the Grand Ole Opry.
The first episode of the variety show Barn Dance aired on WLS on April 19, 1924. An event honoring this anniversary imagines what an episode of the show would sound like in 2024, with musicians, historical context and performances. It will be broadcast live on WFMT.
Reset learns about the history of country music in Chicago, how the scene has evolved and what characterizes the sound today.
GUEST: Paul Durica, Chicago historian, event producer
Jefferey Thomas, musical director for Hey, Hey, the Gang’s All Here: A Chicago Barn Dance
Lawrence Peters, musician, founder Lawrence Peters Outfit
Francesca Royster, author of Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions