Reliably Austin
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

News from Lake Wobegon: Chris Thile Takes the Reins of "A Prairie Home Companion"

Devin Pedde
Chris Thile, the new host of A Prairie Home Companion

"A Prairie Home Companion" debuts its new season this weekend, just months after longtime host Garrison Keillor signed off from his last update from Lake Wobegon. In his place is a new host and an even bigger emphasis on the show’s music.

Musician Chris Thile is a four-time Grammy winner. He’s one of the world’s preeminent mandolin players and has received a “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation. Now Thile has perhaps his biggest task ahead of him: taking the helm of one of the staple programs on public radio and convincing longtime listeners, it’s going to be okay.

Austin's Sarah Jarosz will join Thile most shows as part of his accompanying band.

"A Prairie Home Companion" airs Saturdays at 5 P.M on KUT.

Jimmy is the assistant program director, but still reports on business and sports every now and then. Got a tip? Email him at jmaas@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @maasdinero.