Hear the Great Northern Radio Show tonight

William Kessler as the 400-year-old elf who gives us our orders

You can hear last week's live recording of the Great Northern Radio Show from the Edge Center for the Arts in Bigfork, Minnesota, tonight at 9 p.m. on Northern Community Radio (91.7 in Grand Rapids/Iron Range, 89.9 Brainerd, 90.5 Bemidji, or streaming).

They will rebroadcast us again at noon on Christmas Eve and we are likely to be aired by other independent public stations around Minnesota over the holidays. Check with a station near you.

Our show, which took place during a snow and ice storm, was a blend of comedy, holiday music, local talent and the brilliant musicianship of the Sam Miltich Trio. A washed up rodeo cowboy named Earl attempts to save Christmas for the children of the Bigfork Valley. Militant eel pout disrupt a public radio documentary about ice fishing. College freshmen send letters from the front lines of the civil wars going on at home now that they're back from school. Also, I interview a real cowboy, still ranching in in late 80s, who I'm certain could still kick my ass. It was a fun show. I think you'll like it.

My son Doug was inspired to make this picture of "A Cowboy Christmas" after hearing the program: