Workshops & Family Matinees
Free Family Matinees
Sunday , June 24 , 2 pm
WC Clark – Texas Blues
Master guitarist and vocalist WC Clark is known as “ The Godfather of Austin Blues .” WC has been playing the blues on stages around the world for over 40 years . He ’ s been mentoring countless young blues and soul players in the finer points of the music for almost as long . Clark ’ s mix of modern Texas blues , searing guitar and heartfelt , Memphis-style soul vocals have made him a favorite of blues and R & B fans alike . In this show WC will tell you a bit about the musical history of the genre and show you how it ’ s played .
Wednesday , July 11 , 2 pm
Laughing Fox – Native Flute
Michael “ Scooter ” Charette of Red Cliff is Laughing Fox . Charette was recently nominated for two Native American Music Awards for his original music . His album is called “ Tales of Laughing Fox ” and has a soft , meditative sound . Some of the flutes he plays were gifts , others he made by hand . Charette credits flute player Frank Montano , vice-chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewas Marvin DeFoe Jr ., and Marvin DeFoe Sr . in developing his flute-making skills . Laughing Fox shares his thoughts on Ojibwe culture , the history of the traditional flute , flute making , and the medicine of the music .
Saturday , July 28 , 2 pm
Mu Daiko – Japanese Drummers
Mu Daiko is a taiko drumming ensemble founded in 1997 as part of Mu Performing Arts , Minnesota ’ s only pan-Asian performing arts organization . In this mini-performance / demonstration , members of the company will teach us about the drums , the history of the artform , and show us a taste of what the evening show will bring . There will also be an opportunity for questions & answers with company members .
Sun . Aug . 26 , 2 pm
Blue Buccaneers – Pirate Band
Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers play with the fervor of the Pogues and the sensitivity of the Buena Vista Social Club ; their songs transport you to the wildest pub in Port Royal at the turn of the eighteenth century . Their CD “ The Blue Buccaneers - Songs Inspired by the Golden Age of Pirates ” is a rowdy and evocative work that transcends any aspect of novelty that one might expect at first glance . Tom ’ s theatricality and musicianship make for an explosive mix . His songs conjure up a life on the seas in an era when the only hope for destitute sailors was to go “ on the account ”, to become pirates .
Saturday , September 1 , 10:30 am
That 1 Guy – One-man Band
Mike Silverman plays homemade instruments including the 7-foot-tall Magic Pipe , a musical contraption made of steel plumbing pipes and joints , orchestral bass strings and electronics . He also has an instrument made out of a cowboy boot . You really have to see it and hear it to believe it . This show will really spark young imaginations and push the boundaries of music . A crowd favorite from 2011 !
Free Lectures and Workshops
Fri . Jul . 27 Mike Dombeck , 3:00 Conservationist and Former U . S . Forest Service Chief . Mike speaks on Wisconsin and national conservation issues . Sponsored by WI Academy of Sciences Arts & Letters and Wisconsin Public Radio
Sun . Jul . 29 Mu Daiko Drum Workshop , 10:30 am Hands on drumming for all skill levels . Please call 715-373-3735 to sign up as class size is limited .
Wed . Aug . 15 Bucky Halker , TBA Scholar on the history of Woody Guthrie and the Great Depression and workingclass protest music from 1865 to 1950 . He serves on the Board of the Woody Guthrie Foundation and Archives in NYC .
Sat . Aug . 18 Betty Ferris , 3:00 2009 Minerva Laureate and BTC Visuals Director speaks on the great environmentalist , John Muir .
Sun . Aug . 26 African Drum and Dance , TBA With Kellie Pederson and Scott Griffiths of Humble Be Yoga Studio .
See page 11 & 12 for complete singer / songwriter workshop descriptions .
Thurs ., Aug . 23 Danielle Nepstad , 1:00 Just Starting Out Beginning songwriting from celebrated local singer / songwriter and winner of Big Top Idol 2010 .
Thurs ., Aug . 23 Radoslav Lorkovic , 2:30 Learning the Trade of the Traveling Minstrel Learn how to make a living on your music and travel the country on a tight budget .
Thurs ., Aug . 23 Joe DeLucia and John Higgins , 4:00 Recording on the Fly Learn about presenting yourself to a potential booker , and get the latest on making a demo with a phone and computer . Bring your instrument and we ’ ll make a couple example demos .
Fri ., Aug . 24 , Jesse Winchester , 11:00 People I ’ ve Stolen From This famed songwriter talks about those who have influenced his writing the most and shows you how to turn inspiration into original material .
Fri ., Aug . 24 , Songwriter Competition 1:00 On Stage Free & Open to the Public
Fri ., Aug . 24 , Meg Hutchinson , 3:00 Writing By Heart : Methods for Uncovering Your Voice Meg talks about writer ’ s block , and getting your right and left brain to communicate . She teaches simple exercises that assist your creative process . Open to all levels , bring writing materials .
Fri ., Aug . 24 , Radoslav Lorkovic , 4:30 Round Robin Song Sharing Share and critique your “ works in progress ” for positive and constructive feedback .
Sat ., Aug . 25 , Stephanie Elkins & Roy 10:30 Get Yourself Heard Learn how to promote yourself and get your music heard .
Workshops subject to change . Please check www . bigtop . org or call 715-373- 5552 for more information . Sign-up is appreciated and recommended at 715- 373-5552 to ensure space .
Tickets for these free events are available from the following fine sponsors : Chippewa Valley Bank , McDonalds , The StageNorth Groundlings , Ashwabay Outdoor Educational Foundation , Von Holzen ’ s , Sazerac , LBS Insurance Group , Chequamegon Theatre Assoc ., Deb & Jeff Lewis , Karen Traut , The 5 Senses – Phillips , and at the tent on the day of the show .
Lectures and Workshops are supported by a grant from Chequamegon Bay Arts Council