This story first aired on Sept. 26, 2016.
For many avid public radio listeners, Saturday is when they get their news from Lake Wobegon. But things are about to get even quieter out on the edge of the prairie.
On Oct. 15, mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile officially takes over as host of "A Prairie Home Companion." Humorist and writer Garrison Keillor, who created the show more than four decades ago, picked Thile as his successor.
Thile, who has won a MacArthur "genius" grant, is well known to Colorado audiences. He has been a fixture at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, appearing solo and partnering up with bassist Edgar Meyer, as well as with his bands Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers.
As host, Thile says he will "discuss matters of the prairie much less," and wants to bring musical diversity to the show, including pop, indie rock, Americana, classical jazz and hip hop. Colorado band Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will be musical guests on the Oct. 22 broadcast.
Thile spoke with Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner.
Watch Chris Thile on "A Prairie Home Companion":
