Big Top Originial Productions
Meet the Blue Canvas Orchestra ( BCO )
Tent Show Radio
Big Top Originial Productions
Join us for our own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by Big Top ’ s Blue Canvas Orchestra and Singers that bear the hallmark of exquisite musicianship illustrated by big-screen visuals . Big Top founders Warren Nelson and Betty Ferris began the tradition in the northland by creating the first shows about this area – Souvenir Views ( 1983 ) and Riding the Wind ( 1985 .) Over the past 25 years we have continued to present some of our favorites , and
have added new shows to our repertoire including our interpretive shows of our favorite songs and songwriters – Moon Songs & Moon Shadows ( 2009 ), Laurel Canyon 1970 ( 2010 ) and Ladies of the Canyon ( 2011 ,) and have commissioned and adapted other shows that fit our original style – Bruce Burnside ’ s Lincoln ’ s Living Legacy ( 2008 ) and Frederick Heide ’ s The Mountains Call My Name ( 2012 .)
All Shows : Adults $ 22 / Children 3-17 $ 11 . Group rates available .
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Meet the Blue Canvas Orchestra ( BCO )
Ed Willett Band Director , Cello , Vocals
The Blue Canvas Orchestra is Chautauqua ’ s house band that , together with co-founder and Visuals Director Betty Ferris , provides the entertainment engine that powers the Big Top . This group converged on the Northland from around the country , brought together by the desire to make great art in a beautiful environment . In today ’ s Chautauqua they continue to be devotees of the “ Big Show ,” remaining resolute in their commitment to bringing expansive sound , imagery and experience to their audiences .
Joining the BCO for many of this summer ’ s productions will be : Severin Behnen , Sally Kessler , Mary Lou Williams , Mary Bondeson , Corey Carlson , Danielle Nepstad , Alyssa Rhode , and Gerry DePerry .
Betty Ferris Visuals Director , Co-Founder
Jane Aleckson Bass |
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Phil Anich Vocals |
Bruce Bowers Violin |
Bruce Burnside Mandolin , banjo , vocals |
Andy Dee Guitar , dobro |
Jack Gunderson Vocals |
Cheryl Leah Vocals |
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Tom Mitchell Percussion , vocals |
Tent Show Radio
Tent Show Radio is a weekly variety series showcasing live performances from Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua featuring host Michael Perry , the Blue Canvas Orchestra , and nationally and regionally renowned performers .
Tent Show Radio is heard every week on listener-supported radio stations across the country , and the world on the Internet . Each week features a different live performance from Big Top Chautauqua ’ s summer season of concerts and musical productions .
Tent Show Radio is made possible in part by the generous suppport of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism .