Garrison Keillor with Special Guest Richard Dworsky at The Park Theatre

Garrison Keillor, the beloved humorist, author, and radio personality, has enchanted audiences for decades with his warm, witty storytelling and nostalgic reflections on Midwestern life. Best known for creating and hosting A Prairie Home Companion from 1974 to 2016, Keillor crafted the fictional town of Lake Wobegon, where “all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.” His solo career spans novels, memoirs like That Time of Year, and poetry collections such as Brisk Verse, alongside his daily Writer’s Almanac podcast.

Richard Dworsky, a masterful pianist and composer, served as the music director for A Prairie Home Companion for 23 years, earning the moniker “the Paul Shaffer of the prairie” for his versatile accompaniment of guests like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, and Yo-Yo Ma. Dworsky’s solo work includes original compositions, such as his upcoming album Ridin’ the River Home, and collaborations on Keillor’s audiobooks like The Lake Wobegon Virus. Together, Keillor and Dworsky create a seamless blend of storytelling and music, with Keillor’s rich monologues punctuated by Dworsky’s evocative piano, reviving the charm of their Prairie Home days.

Their joint performances, often under the banner of Garrison Keillor Tonight or A Prairie Home Companion revivals, are a celebration of humor, music, and nostalgia, featuring Keillor’s signature “News from Lake Wobegon” and Dworsky’s deft keyboard work. Their history began in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene of the 1970s, where Dworsky’s talent became integral to the radio show’s eclectic sound, leading the house band and crafting underscores for sketches. Recent shows, like the 2022 Prairie Home Companion American Revival tour, have reunited them with collaborators like Heather Masse and Fred Newman, delighting audiences at venues like the Ryman Auditorium. Critics praise their synergy: “Keillor is an expert at making you feel at home with his low-key, familiar style,” while Dworsky’s “lush, evocative playing elevates every moment” (The New York Times). Another reviewer noted, “Their performance is a joyful reminder of radio’s golden age, blending wit and melody with effortless grace” (Minneapolis Star Tribune).