Garrison Keillor Tonight: A Love Affair with Language
Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 8pm
This performance will include a 15-minute intermission.
Garrison Keillor, born in Anoka, Minnesota, is a renowned author, storyteller, and radio personality whose work has entertained and inspired audiences for decades. Raised in the small town of Anoka, Keillor's Midwestern roots have heavily influenced much of his writing, which often reflects a deep sense of nostalgia for small-town America. His sharp wit and observational humor have earned him a prominent place in American literature and broadcasting.
Keillor is perhaps best known for creating and hosting A Prairie Home Companion, a beloved public radio show that ran for over four decades. The show, which began in 1974, featured a mix of comedy, music, and Keillor's signature monologue, "The News from Lake Wobegon," a fictional town that became a central part of his storytelling. Through his unique blend of humor, music, and heartfelt reflections on life, Keillor built a devoted audience that spanned across the United States and beyond. A Prairie Home Companion became an iconic piece of American radio, broadcast on public stations coast to coast, reaching millions of listeners who were drawn to the show's warmth, charm, and gentle satire. Keillor's distinct voice and storytelling abilities made him one of the most recognizable figures in radio.
In addition to his radio career, Keillor is the author of numerous books, including novels, essays, and poetry. His writing captures the same Midwestern sensibilities that defined A Prairie Home Companion. One of his most notable works is That Time of Year, a memoir that reflects on his life and experiences with a poignant and introspective lens. Keillor's literary contributions also include his recent collection of poetry, Brisk Verse, where he continues to explore themes of life, love, and the passage of time with the same clarity and insight that made him a beloved public figure.
Throughout his career, Keillor has garnered numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album and a Peabody Award for his contributions to public radio.
Keillor’s influence extends beyond his work in radio and literature. He is a frequent public speaker and essayist, contributing to various publications and speaking at events across the country.
Currently, Keillor resides in New York City with his wife, Jenny Lind Nilsson. Despite stepping away from A Prairie Home Companion in 2016, he remains an active figure in the world of writing and public speaking. His legacy as a masterful storyteller and his contribution to American culture continue to resonate with fans and readers worldwide.