The Red Jacket Jamboree is a throw back radio variety show which is offered to American public radio networks through PRX Radio Exchange. Hosted by Lena Dorey and Martin Achatz, two-time Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, the show shares stories, music, history and comedy that revolves around life in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, especially that of the Keweenaw Peninsula, also known as Michigan's Copper Country. The show is recorded in front of a live audience at venues within the Keweenaw Peninsula for later radio broadcast. The show is named after Red Jacket, the original name for the village of Calumet, Michigan, where the show is headquartered.
The show is produced by Real People Media, Inc., a nonprofit organization which helps to share people's stories through the literary, visual, performing and media arts. Real People Media is headquartered in and the show is administered from, the Keweenaw Storytelling Center, which is located in a historic Woolworth's building in downtown Calumet. The Red Jacket Jamboree has received support from the Keweenaw National Historical Park, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Humanities Council as well as from individual and corporate donors.
Two hour-long radio episodes are recorded during each theatrical performance. Each episode has its own distinct theme and stories, history and musical selections are chosen to help interpret themes.
Show format
The Red Jacket Jamboree is an old-time radio variety show which is reminiscent of A Prairie Home Companion and old-time shows such as Fibber McGee and Molly. The show, which is composed of approximately 16 segments, shares history and culture from Michigan's Upper Peninsula and that of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Principle characters
Lena Dorey, Host
Lena Dorey has hosted the show since October 2017. In addition to introducing the show, Dorey takes place in sketches, conducts interviews with guests and sings on occasion.
Martin Achatz, Two-Time Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Achatz first appeared as a guest on the show in December 2017. He appeared again as a guest in February 2018 and then assumed a "co-host" position in March 2018. In addition to hosting and sharing his original poetry, Achatz occasionally ends the show by performing, "Radio, I Miss You So" with the Copper Cats.
The Red Jacket Actors
The Red Jacket Actors change from show to show and include both Dorey and Achatz and Ralph Horvath. Guest performers may also be asked to take on acting roles and occasionally even pianist Bill Carrothers has contributed his acting talent.
The Copper Cats, stage band
Under the direction of guitarist Jerry Younce, the band includes Bill Carrothers on piano, Harry South on bass. Percussionists have included: Travis Aukerman, Carrie Biolo, Zach Ott, Jonathan Taylor and Devin Drobka. The band performs a variety of musical styles.
Singer songwriters/musicians
Episodes of The Red Jacket Jamboree include guest singer-songwriter or musician. Guests have been either solo or duo acts and often perform with the stage band.
Guests singer/songwriters and musicians:
Sean Rowe, (October 2017) Jetty Rae, (December 2017, August 2019) Peg Carrothers (October 2017, February 2018, July 2018) Breathe Owl Breathe (March 2018) John Davey (June 2018, March 2019) Mean Mary, (June 2018) Channing and Quinn, (August 2018) Michael Waite, (October 2018, February 2020) Younce Guitar Duo, (October 2017, July 2018, December 2018, December 2019) Robin Lee Berry, (December 2018) Red Tail Ring, (January 2019) Julie McIntosh, (June 2019, October 2020) Jen Sygit, (July 2019) John Latini. (October 2019) Jennifer Barnett, (December 2019) Ani and Kora (February 2020) Michael Waite (February 2020) Jana Nyberg (May, 2021) Nellie McKay (June 2021) Chris Buhalis (July 2021) Ellis Delaney (August 2021) John Davey (September 2021) Lisa and Ingemar Johansson (March 2022) Julie McIntosh (May 2022) John Davey (June 2022) Maya Belardo (July 2022) Jetty Rae (September 2022)
Storytellers/authors/historians
The show often features guest storytellers who help convey the theme of each episode. These guests include local historians, sport enthusiasts, and professional storytellers.