2015 Season Schedule
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD ONCE A DAY TOUR
Opening set by : Nattali Rize & Notis
Sat . JUN 13 , 7:30PM
Musician , filmmaker and humanitarian , Michael Franti is recognized as a pioneering force using music as a vehicle for positive change . His unforgettable , high energy shows with his band , Spearhead , draw on the music of hip hop , reggae , funk and rap . “ Music is sunshine ,” says Franti , “ music gives us new energy and a stronger sense of purpose .” Nattali Rize is an ever-evolving , dynamic front woman and solo artist known for her high energy live performances ; she describes her reggae-influenced music as world beat / lyrical / new era .
All Reserved $ 47 Box Seats $ 62
Dance Alert
Sponsored by : Quito ’ s Gazebo of Cane Garden Bay , Tortola , Star North of Cornucopia and Fiorio Wealth Advisors
BLUE CANVAS ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT Thu . JUN 18 , 7:30PM
On the eve of the official opening night of the season , we ’ re cutting the band loose on some of their favorite songs from the upcoming season and from summers past . Musical Director Ed Willett leads the famed house band that has graced the Big Top stage since its founding in 1986 . They are an eclectic blend of string instruments , driving rhythm section , and stunning voices that together rock the tent with their unique fusion of bluegrass , folk and jazzy blues . Big screen visuals accompany the songs creating a full sensory experience that is the signature of our original , historical and environmental musicals .
Adults $ 22 / Ages 4-17 $ 11 Box Seats $ 37 Also plays 8 / 27
Sponsored by : LBS Insurance Group and West Bend Mutual Insurance
NEW FIRST NIGHT w / PETER YARROW and BLUE CANVAS ORCHESTRA Fri . JUN 19 , 7:30PM
Join us for the official OPENING NIGHT of the 2015 Summer Season ! Special guest Peter Yarrow is a legendary musician , songwriter and activist who is best known as one-third of the incomparable folk group Peter , Paul & Mary . He weaves a narrative of his life in music and politics . Peter sings and talks about his life in Greenwich Village in the 1960s , his connections to Bob Dylan & Pete Seeger and his life as part of the multi-platinum and gold-selling trio ; he also weaves in his passion for the causes of peace , the environment , gender equality , education and other important human issues . Our celebrated house band , The Blue Canvas Orchestra , led by Severin Behnen , has been entertaining Big Top audiences since 1986 .
$ 22 /$ 28 /$ 38 Box Seats $ 53
Sponsored by : BMO Harris Bank Media partner : Wisconsin Public Radio
BIG TOP OPRY Sat . JUN 20 , 7:30PM
The Blue Canvas Orchestra re-creates the music of The Opry ’ s legendary performers such as Hank Williams , Patsy Cline , Marty Robbins and The Carter Family . Debuting in 2014 , this show is a resounding hit . Severin Behnen wrote the show and leads the band . Corey Carlson , our own musical chameleon , assisted Behnen in the creation of the show and is featured along with guests Randy Sabien , Joe Savage , Danielle Diamond and Emily Belanger in this nostalgic and entertaining romp through the best Western songs from the heydays of The Grand Ole Opry .
Adults $ 22 / Ages 4-17 $ 11 Box Seats $ 37
Sponsored by : Heidi and Terry Anderson
Dance Alert We never know when joyous dancing or standing may break out . We try to make it fun for everyone . If you are not a dancer and don ’ t want to be caught behind one , try choosing seats in the mid-center or back sections .
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