Season Program | Big Top Chautauqua 2015 | Page 8

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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