The new season of A Prairie Home Companion will premier October 15 of this year. Previous longtime host Garrison Keillor has handed over the reins to new host Chris Thile. Of choosing his successor, Keillor called it:

“The best idea I’ve had since Powdermilk Biscuits”

The first two guests set to perform are Jack White and Lake Street Dive. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and John Hodgman will appear on the show on October 22nd while Esperanza Spalding and Aparna Nancherla will perform on October 29th. More guests will be announced soon.

About the first episode with Jack White and Lake Street Drive, Thile stated

“Jack White is an inspiration—he plays, sings, and writes with every fiber of his formidable being. And my God, Lake Street Dive! I’ve never witnessed a group of musicians create and perform with a more united sense of purpose.”

For those unaware, A Prairie Home Companion is a Saturday night live music and variety show. It showcases both musical acts as well as stand up comedy and is broadcast live from the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul and other locations.