Three more longtime employees of "A Prairie Home Companion" have been fired from the radio variety show's successor, "Live from Here," as the staff prepares to enter its third season.
According to St. Pioneer-Press, musical director Richard Dworsky, voice actor Tim Russell and sound effects master Fred Newman — who claim more than six decades of experience on the show between them — won't be around when "Live from Here" returns on Oct. 6.
"I stand in awe and will be forever grateful to these extraordinary gentlemen," said "Live from Here" host Chris Thile in a news release. "Their artistry, individually and collectively, is an essential, immortal part of America's sonic landscape. As we stay curious about what's next, we're mindful of and thankful for all the brilliant people that have helped make this show what it is today."
In July, American Public Media chose not to renew the contract of the show's managing director, Kate Gustafson Sanderson, and eliminated the positions of marketing director (David O'Neill) and technical director (Jason Keillor, son of former "PHC" host Garrison Keillor).
The changes signal a move away from comedy in favor of more music, a direction Thile has discussed since taking over the show two years ago. Last season, a typical show would feature three sketches, down from as many as eight in previous years.
Garrison Keillor retired as "PHC" host in July 2016 and Thile — an accomplished mandolinist and frequent guest — assumed the position that October. Under Thile's watch, the show has attracted some high-profile guests, including Paul Simon, Jack White, Chris Stapleton, David Crosby, Steve Martin, Kacey Musgraves and Randy Newman.
Last November, Minnesota Public Radio severed ties with Garrison Keillor over "allegations of his inappropriate behavior with an individual who worked with him."
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