Thile Transitioning to Full-Time Host of A Prairie Home Companion

[Dawg]

Congratulations to Chris! It will be a great vehicle for his wit and musical sensibilities, as well as a breath of fresh air for the show. Regardless of what anyone thinks of GK’s abilities as a radio “personality” or writer, here’s what I remember about the last time I appeared on the show with the Retrograss Trio which included myself, Mike Seeger and John Hartford who was nearing the end of his battle with cancer.

The artist’s dressing rooms for PHC were in the basement, down an extraordinarily steep flight of stairs. As John was in an extremely weakened condition, I asked if Mr. Keillor might share his dressing room with him as it was the only one on the same level as the stage. This request was refused and it was painful for me to watch one of America’s great musical geniuses struggle up and down those stairs.

I know that Chris will treat his guests better than that and it will be a wonderful thing for the mandolin and music in general to have such an exceptional musician host this popular show.

[Spruce]

This request was refused...

Tip of the iceberg as far as GK stories go...
Seems to be not cool to go there...

Congrats to Chris, and hopes that he'll fire the James Michenor impersonator who has been going by the name of Sara Bellum for all these years...scheech.

Whoa whoa whoa whoa...

[mtndan]

I think this is fabulous. Chris has a bit of vaudevillian, Jethro-ish, Apollon-esque quality to him. He's really an entertainer. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPh9jbUC2VI

Can't wait to see how this plays out.

[Ryk Loske]

Dawg's sorry tale of GK's lack of concern jibes with stories i've heard from musicians i've played with who were part of the Powder Milk Biscuit Band. Keillor is just not a nice guy. Through being "on the inside" of public radio for a bit, his reputation as such goes back to when he was still known as Gary.

A bit of caution for those of us celebrating Chris' ascension ..... it may be short. GK is a micro managing control freak who is "transitioning" out of his role and will have control over who does what for a time after Chris or whoever takes over GK's place in the broadcast. As intelligent and as talented as Thile is he may get to the point of "Who needs this ####!" Perhaps quickly.

Ryk

[Steve Johnston]

No doubt PHC needs an infusion of new wit and wisdom. GK is stale.

There I said it!

[Tom Hart]

Hopefully, GK doesn't play Jay Leno to Chris's Conan. If memory serves, years ago Keillor said he needed to step away from the show to live a quiet life in Sweden....then came back.
I'm thrilled for the show and Chris. I hope Garrison has a fulfilling retirement.

[mtm]

I keep checking the date, but it continues NOT to be April 1.....

[Omer]

The last two times I've heard Prairie Home Companion, Garrison Keillor seemed cynical and short tempered. Maybe just nights off, who knows. Chris Thile is a good choice, he's smart and entertaining but quite different I think. Mr. Thile may take the show in a new direction which is overdue, really.

[BradKlein]

Now that the news is officially out, here's an interesting analyses from the Atlantic: HERE

[BradKlein]

And news directly from Lake Wobegon, here in Notes From the Host.

"And in Chris Thile, we’ve found a successor who has it all: brilliance, enthusiasm, love of radio, and a good heart."

[BradKlein]

A NEW PRESS RELEASE from the distributer of Prairie Home Companion - with a Thile interview, and hints of future plans!

[JeffD]

Within a year of the program, maybe sooner, Chris will finally have a name as well known as his wife's.

I know a ton more general public people who know of or heard of Claire Coffee than who know Chris. Or which instrument is a mandolin. But I think that will change.

[michaelcj]

Chris has done a good job of MCing the shows he's done this year and I'm looking forward to the "new generation"….

[journeybear]

There's a very nice article about Garrison Keillor scheduled to be published in the New York Times Arts & Leisure section this Sunday (judging by the date in the url). But since it's available online now ... here 'tis. It mentions Chris Thile, but only in passing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/19/ar...knew.html?_r=0

[BradKlein]

The new NYTimes story mentions, but does not link to, Garrison's scathing review of Bernard-Henri Lévy's travelogue. It's really worth reading if you enjoy that sort of thing, and gives an important insight into Garrison's mind and mindset. HERE

[Kennedyland]

American Public Media is part of Minnesota Public Radio.

[BradKlein]

A nice new interview HERE
http://www.scpr.org/programs/offramp...s-thile-i-don/

Looking forward to show #1 !