Delight to the snazzy sounds of the days when radio was king and sing along with acclaimed vocalist Prudence Johnson and celebrated pianist Dan Chouinard. On Saturday, Oct. 23 the Austin Public Library will host a free performance of “The Golden Age of Radio” for area residents to enjoy. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave. NE, Austin. Johnson and Chouinard are frequent guests on National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion.”

“The Golden Age of Radio” is an entertaining, interactive performance of classic radio standards from the 1930s and ’40s brought to life with iconic photos and stories from the era. The program features such toe-tapping favorites as “A Tisket a Tasket” and “Accentuate The Positive.” Audience members are invited to sing along with Johnson and Chouinard on such classics as “Singin’ in the Rain” and the “Beer Barrel Polka.” Getting “gussied up” in period-appropriate or vintage-inspired attire is encouraged.

“This show offers a fantastic opportunity for all generations to learn about the history of radio while enjoying an amazing performance by two extraordinary musicians,” said Ann Hokanson, Austin Public Library director. “A show like this would usually cost $50 to attend. We’re thrilled to be able to offer it for free.”

Tickets Now Available for “The Golden Age of Radio”

Prudence Johnson’s career has taken her from honky-tonks to Carnegie Hall, from the theater stage to the Silver Screen, from the Midwest to the Middle East. With her roots in folk and country music, Prudence developed a passion for jazz and the work of the 20th century’s great songwriters, and found the perfect collaborator in pianist Dan Chouinard.

Chouinard is a Minneapolis native who plays, tours and records regularly with an ever-expanding roster of musicians and writers. He created the acclaimed radio series “The Singer’s Voice,” which is broadcast live every Sunday night from the Dakota Jazz Club.

“The Golden Age of Radio” performance is funded with money from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The performance will be general seating. For more information, call the Austin Public Library at 507-433-2391.

Learning at the Library

The Golden Age of Radio” is presented as part of Minnesota’s Greatest Generation in the Libraries – a partnership between Minnesota Regional Public Libraries and the Minnesota Historical Society. The partnership brings programs and services based on the Society’s popular Minnesota’s Greatest Generation project to 370 libraries throughout the state. Minnesota’s Great Generation in the Libraries programs offer an extraordinary opportunity for residents to experience Minnesota and American history of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s and that era’s legacy in the present day.