Annual Report | Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua 2015 | Page 3

Our Mission , Letter from our Director , Staff , and Performers

Our Mission , Letter from our Director , Staff , and Performers

Our Mission Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua provides entertaining and educational cultural activities with an emphasis on performances that celebrate history and the environment .

Administration
Terry Matier - Executive Director Phillip Anich - Operations Manager & Canvas Master Mary O ’ Brien - Development Director Jen Geissler - Box Office Manager / Office Manager Dan Clevette - Business Manager Linda Nemec - Box Office Assistant Kent Kuhlman - Marketing & Communications Manager Patrick Grace - General Manager Ruth Goetz - Sponsorship Coordinator Liesl Settgas - Production Manager
Tent Show Radio
Tom Fabjance - Tent Show Radio Producer Michael Perry - Tent Show Radio Host Jaime Hansen - Tent Show Radio Engineer Phillip Anich - Tent Show Radio Announcer
2015 Summer Staff
Chelsey Dively , Azsa Greiner , Charles Wiggins , Michelle McCumber and Angela Welty - Box Office Assistants Sharon Jolma - Merchandise Manager Liesl Settgas - Stage Manager and Assistant Production Manager Debra Dallin , Bob Durfey , and Ann Barthelemey - House Managers Ebony Madry - Lighting Director T & E Concert Services , Travis Johnson - Sound Company and Production Manager Joe Augustine - Sound Engineer Aimee Sweet , Luke Hudson , Mike Maple , Zachery Strauss , and Jordan Noltner-Baxter - Production Assistants Brady Dahl - Operations Assistant Tara Prochnow - Artist Assistant Janelle Ulysses - Housekeeper
2015 Cast and Performers
Blue Canvas Orchestra
Severin Behnen - musical director , vocals , accordion , piano Ed Willett - musical director , cello , vocals Betty Ferris - visuals director Jane Aleckson - bass , vocals Phillip Anich - vocals Bruce Bowers - violin , guitar Bruce Burnside - banjo , mandolin , vocals Corey Carlson - guitar , vocals Andy Dee - guitar , vocals Jack Gunderson - vocals , bass Tom Mitchell - percussion , vocals
BCO Guest Artists
Don Albrecht Emily Belanger Richie Brick Michael Charette Gerry DePerry Danielle Diamond Tom Draughon Charlotte Edminster Dale Engquist Laura Idle
Cheryl Leah Rad Lorkovic Stevie Matier Otis McLennon Frank Montano Rowan Nelson-Ferris Harrison Olk Laurie Otis Nori Perrine Michael Perry
Gary Raynor Brian Russ Randy Sabien Joe Savage Molly Stoddard Mary Lou Williams Liesel Wilson Liz Woodworth Sarah York
Dear Friends :
What a summer we had under the canvas in 2015 ! More than 33,000 people made the pilgrimage to the big blue tent to enjoy one of nearly 60 shows between June and September . Those shows ranged from our free family matinees to our original , historical shows with the Blue Canvas Orchestra , to headlining artists like Kenny Rogers , Mavis Staples and Vince Gill .
Our summer season is only part of what this organization does during the year . Our Blue Canvas Orchestra travels throughout the region spreading the Big Top Chautauqua message to music-lovers far and wide . And our Tent Show Radio program is broadcast 52 weeks per year to more than a million listeners worldwide over the radio and internet . Big Top continues to spread the magic , enriching people ’ s lives and inspiring them with music and the arts .
We were gratified to have the support of our extended community , by way of donations , grants , sponsorships and volunteer assistance – making all of this possible . This year we launched a new giving program to help fund our long-term facility needs . This group is called The KEEPERS – a group of generous supporters who will “ tend the light that is Big Top Chautauqua .” Our sincere thanks to the charter members of The KEEPERS – 37 individuals and couples who answered our call to “ keep watch over the Big Top ” with their substantial contributions .
Whether you bought a ticket or made a donation , whether you gave of your time or bought an ad in our program book , whether you sponsored a show or became a KEEPER , all of you are integral to the success of this beloved institution . It is because of you that we have been able to spread the joy of music for 30 years – and it is you who will ensure that the Big Top will be going strong 30 years from now . Thank you for all you do to keep Big Top going year after year . We ’ ll see you on the hill very soon for another summer of culture under canvas ; until then , we ’ ll see you on tour or over the airwaves !
With heartfelt gratitude ,
Terry Matier Executive Director
WWW . BIGTOP . ORG • 715-373-5552 • 888-BIG-TENT
3