Our Mission , Letter from our Director , Staff , and Performers
Our Mission
Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua exists to provide year-round cultural activities that are both entertaining and educational with emphasis on excellent performances that celebrate history and the environment .
Fellow Chautauqua Lovers :
It was an exciting year at the Big Top . We raised a brand new tent , a rare and special occasion . The challenge put forth to help pay for the tent was extremely rewarding – 581 people gave to the New Canvas Challenge , 165 of them were new donors to Big Top . Our great friend Don Funk personally matched those gifts to help cover the costs of the new tent . Believe me , we felt the love !
I want to extend sincere thanks to all of you for playing a role in the success of this cultural treasure . To our incredible board members , thank you for your leadership of this organization . To our donors , advertisers and sponsors , thank you for providing the funds needed to keep this organization strong and our programs accessible to all . To our volunteers , thank you for lending your time and talents to take care of our patrons while on the Chautauqua grounds . To our incredible musicians who continue to inspire and delight us , thank you for your artistry . And to all of the ticket buyers and attendees , thanks so much for making Big Top part of your life ! We hope to see you on the hill this summer for more memorable nights under canvas and stars .
With heartfelt gratitude ,
Terry Matier Executive Director
Administration
Terry Matier Executive Director Phillip Anich Operations Manager & Canvas Master Chelsea Spreeman Assistant Director / Development Director Jen Geissler Box Office Manager / Volunteer Coordinator Dan Clevette Bookkeeper Linda Nemec Box Office Assistant Kahlil Williams Marketing & Communications Manager
Tent Show Radio
Tom Fabjance Tent Show Radio Producer Michael Perry Tent Show Radio Host Jaime Hansen Tent Show Radio Engineer
2014 Summer Staff
Chelsey Dively , Josie Mattern , Case Krift , and Jenny Morris Box Office Assistants Case Krift , Jenny Morris Merchandise Assistants Liesl Settgas , Scott Burchill , and Gary Sheer Stage Managers Debra Dallin , Bob Durfey , and Ann Barthelemey House Managers Evian Rave Lighting Director T & E Concert Services Travis Johnson and Joe Augustine Sound Company Cleo Flemming , Aimee Sweet , Luke Hudson , and Mike Maple Production Assistants Katie Pristash Artist Assistant Mariah Ralston Housekeeper Marcia Trelstad Hospitality
2014 Cast and Performers
Blue Canvas Orchestra
Severin Behnen — musical director Ed Willett — musical director Betty Ferris — visuals director Jane Aleckson — bass , vocals Phillip Anich — vocals Severin Behnen — vocals , accordion , piano Bruce Bowers — violin Bruce Burnside — banjo , mandolin , vocals Andy Dee — guitar , vocals Jack Gunderson — vocals , bass Tom Mitchell — percussion , vocals Ed Willett — cello , vocals
Guest Artists
Don Albrecht Emily Belanger Corey Carlson Michael Charette Gerry DePerry Danielle Diamond Tom Draughon Cheryl Leah Rad Lorkovic Stevie Matier Otis McLennon Barbara Jean Myers Frank Montano Warren Nelson Rowan Nelson-Ferris Nori Perrine Michael Perry Randy Sabien Joe Savage Kevin Soulier Mary Lou Williams Liz Woodworth
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