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