Season Program | Big Top Chautauqua 2019 | Page 3

Making the Magic Happen A Community Connects in the Northwoods “Magic.” When describing a great experience the word can sound cliché. But what else can you call it when you are standing under an immense, starry sky, out in the woods, listening to an intimate performance by the likes of Brandi Carlile? Or feeling the notes of Frank Montano’s f lute encircle your spirit during the Native American Blessing of the Tent? Or hearing the pure energy of a thousand kids singing together under the big blue canvas at the top of their lungs? Or standing at the top of Mt. Ashwabay with a breathtaking view of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands at your feet? As with all great experiences, words fail to capture everything that is Big Top Chautauqua. We at Big Top content ourselves with the word “magic” knowing full well sometimes there just aren’t any words that are truly adequate, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s wonderful. If you haven’t been to Big Top, we hope you will join us soon. The 2019 season is full of opportunities for you to experience the magic. The rest of the pages of this magazine are crammed full of shows and events. It will be a season to remember. But if there is any one factor that is most responsible for making the “magic” happen, it’s people. Big Top is a non-profit organization, and ticket sales do not cover the cost of annual operations. The headliners, the free family performances, the educational house shows, the cultural events, the workshops – all of it is made possible by the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time each season, and the individuals and businesses that make monetary donations. How else could something this special happen in the middle of the woods? It takes a community. If you are already part of the Big Top family, thank you! If you’re just getting familiar, we would like to offer you a warm welcome to experience the music, the nature, the culture – the magic of Big Top. See you at the tent! Photo by Jeremy Oswald of First Click Photo (see ad page 17) Espresso, Tea Smoothies, Soups Sandwiches, Desserts Free Wi-Fi, Drive Thru Open 7 Days a Week North Coast Coffee 509 West Bayfield St • Washburn 715-373-0241 3