Past Events

A Prairie Home Companion Broadcast from Spokane May 14, 2016

Spokane Public Radio

Published May 16, 2016 at 3:45 PM PDT

Garrison Keillor begins a sing-along to warm up the audience before the live broadcast.

Legendary author, humorist, and radio host Garrison Keillor broadcast his acclaimed radio program live from Spokane on May 14, 2016 in front of a sold-out INB Performing Arts Center.

Listen to the entire show and see videos of highlights at priairiehome.org

After four decades of entertaining listeners, host Garrison Keillor will step away from the host microphone at the end of this season. Spokane had a rare opportunity to watch his News from Lake Wobegon, the antics of sound effects man Fred Newman, radio actor Tim Russell, and guests Elvin Bishop and Aoife O'Donovan.

"I wanted to do Spokane one last time before I retire from the show," Keillor said in an announcement recorded for KPBX.

Thanks to National Broadcast Underwriter Sam Rodell, Architect and Event Donors Sayre, Sayre & Fossum Attorneys at Law, Strong Solutions and The Cleaning Authority.

Thanks also to Prairie Home Productions, the cast and crew of A Prairie Home Companion, TicketsWest, Steinway Piano Gallery of Spokane, The Piano Technicians Guild, MTR Communications, Oppenheimer Funds, The Doubletree Hotel by Hilton, Empire Office Furniture, Thrifty Car Rental, Craven's Coffee Company, Wildflowers, and SPR Volunteers.

Greetings read after the intermission are submitted through baskets located in the lobby.

Thanks also to everyone who joined us at the INB Performing Arts Center to celebrate Garrison Keillor's final season with A Prairie Home Companion!

Kate Beahen (center) joined the usual Radio Acting Company, with Fred Newman and Tim Russell.

sfx — Fred Newman's sound effects table includes metal hand tools (great for swordfighting sounds or a game of horseshoes), jingling metal tags, keypad, ringing telephone, glasses, and Styrofoam plates. But Fred relies heavily on his mouth sounds to create a wider variety of effects on the show.

side stage — Prairie Home Production's crew sits in the wings of the stage, keeping the show running smoothly.

Sign — Afterwards, Garrison Keillor met with fans on the side of the INB Performing Arts Center. Many brought books for the author to sign; one woman brought a University of Washington diploma (perhaps an English Major?)