Continued from Page 4 and this year Bob Dylan. They have become wildly popular with the fans.
In addition to the original, educational productions, Big Top Chautauqua also welcomes touring performers to the stage. The first was Taj Mahal in 1990. Since then hundreds of performers have wowed audiences under the Big Top canvas – Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, John Prine, Joan Baez, Garrison Keillor, The Smothers Brothers, The Avett Brothers and more.
In 1994, the magic of the tent hit the airwaves with the debut of Tent Show Radio, which now has over 50 stations throughout the nation carrying the show, with author, storyteller and musician Michael Perry as host. Big Top Executive Director Terry Meyer Matier, who has been part of the Big Top management team since 2001, says the mission of Big Top remains constant: to provide cultural activities that are both entertaining and educational with an emphasis on performances that celebrate history and the environment. She says that the educational component of Big Top is a priority. In addition, she is proud of opportunities that the organization gives to young musicians including‘ Big Top Idol,’ that gives local singers a chance to perform and receive professional coaching. In fact, one Big Top Idol winner, Danielle Nepstad, auditioned for, and landed a role in the Big Top revue“ Ladies of the Canyon” and last year’ s winner, Kevin Soulier, will perform in Bruce Burnside’ s new original show“ Stories for the Water” this summer. Meyer Matier says“ Big Top is ever evolving. We are very proud of the quality of performances we present. We’ re also proud of the uniqueness of our venue, and the exceptional experience our patrons have at our shows. In some ways we’ re a throw-back in time, but at the same time we’ re giving a state-of-the-art concert experience.” She agrees with Warren Nelson who always said“ Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua is the greatest venue in the history of the universe.”
TRIP PLANNING INFO ONLINE AT WWW. BIGTOP. ORG
Plan Your trip
Ashland Area Chamber....................................... 800-284-9484 Bayfield Area Chamber & Visitor Bureau............ 800-447-4094 Bayfield County Tourism & Recreation................ 800-472-6338 Cable Area Chamber........................................... 800-533-7454 Cornucopia Business Association........................ 715-742-3323 Hayward Area Chamber...................................... 715-634-8662 Herbster Community Club................................... 715-774-3411 Iron River Area Chamber..................................... 715-372-8558 Madeline Island Chamber................................... 888-475-3386 Phillips Chamber of Commerce........................... 888-408-4800 Washburn Chamber............................................ 800-253-4495
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