With the new season of A Prairie Home Companion just around the corner, it's only fitting that we connect with newly minted host of APHC, Chris Thile. The Current's Mac Wilson caught up with Thile to talk about the new season that begins in October, live from the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.

Thile says each show will feature two musical guests and a spoken-word guest. "We've been planning it for so long," Thile says. "Right now, I'm having the best time thinking about how [the shows will] go down, envisioning the flow of the two hours, and with co-conspirators such as these, it'll be an enjoyable two hours for all of us."

With three shows at the Fitz in October, Thile gives us a rundown of the confirmed guests thus far:

Oct. 15

 "I think are just remarkable in every respect," Thile says. "Long ago, they opened for Punch Brothers during a residency that we had at the immortal Bowery Ballroom and they blew everyone away! I was actually uncomfortable with how great they were because I had to put on a show afterwards. Most recently, I saw them at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. It's one of the best live shows I've ever witnessed."

Jack White  "I'm a huge Jack White fan in all of his various incarnations," Thile says, "whether it be the White Stripes or the Raconteurs, and him solo is amazing. The man has the Midas touch … he is a marvel, to say nothing of his guitar-playing, singing and songwriting. I sit back in wonder at how effortlessly compelling he is as a lyricist."

The spoken-word guest for the Oct. 15 show will be announced soon.

Oct. 22

 "There's that wonderful song, 'S.O.B.,' but I don't know what it stands for," Thile teases. "The guy is not only a tremendous singer, but have you seen him dance? I think you'll be able to hear it on the show; it's audible dancing."

John Hodgman  The author, actor and comedian will be this program's spoken-word guest.

The second musical guest announcement for Oct. 22 is forthcoming.

Oct. 29

 Thile describes her as "the amazing bassist, singer songwriter."

Aparna Nancherla  The season's first announced spoken-word guest, Thile calls Nancherla an "incredible comedian; she's done some very funny spots on Conan, and she just had a big Comedy Central special, incredibly funny person. I can't wait for that show."

The next version of A Prairie Home Companion is expected to draw new, younger audiences while still engaging longtime fans. Each of the new live shows will feature a mix of well-known and up-and-coming musicians, humor with sketch comedy and spoken word, plus an original "Song of the Week" composed by Thile himself.

"Not only am I excited about the guests and the opportunity to collaborate and create a real sense of community," Thile says, "but also, we have a really wonderful team of writers that will be creating new content for us, we've got the Acting Company trying a new voice, but also some familiar voices … it's an exciting time for us."

Tickets for the new fall season, starting with the three live broadcasts from the historic Fitzgerald Theater  Oct. 15, 22 and 29  are on sale now. More information about these St. Paul broadcasts and additional tour shows this season are available at the A Prairie Home Companion website.

'A Prairie Home Companion' with Chris Thile will air Sundays at 10 p.m. on The Current; you can hear the live program on our sister stations, Classical MPR and MPR News, on Saturdays at 5 p.m.

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