Step Right Up!

Chautauqua has Every Music Style You Desire Under One Big Tent

Mark Lindquist

No complaining if you think you can’t find top-notch, family-friendly entertainment in the northland this summer. In fact, for the last twenty years, no one should have had any trouble getting his or her summer music fix. Just an hour’s drive from Duluth into Bayfield, Wisconsin, Big Top Chautauqua has made it their two decades-plus mission to host renowned acts such as Greg Brown, Taj Mahal, Garrison Keillor, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash, just to name a few. This unique and historic music venue is a must see for tourists and area residents alike. The summer line-up through September under the big blue tent next to the big blue lake should prove to be one of the most eclectic summers in Chautauqua’s history.

August always seems like the best month to get into some deep down, dirty delta blues music. That being said, it’s apropos that Keb’ Mo’ has scheduled to grace the Big Top stage on August 9.  To write a complete tally of his contributions blues and gospel music would require a Scorsese-like effort. Better to stop with long lists of accolades and simply encourage persons who need their yearly dose of hot blues to buy their tickets early.

If you’re planning to catch Keb’ Mo’ on Saturday, you might as well make it a full weekend by staying for not one, but two intimate shows with national treasure Garrison Keillor on Sunday, August 10. Big Top will play the host for the premiere of Keillor’s Rhubarb Tour which he describes as, “the essence of everything from the past thirty-four years of Prairie Home Companion that was funny and heart-breaking and made for great radio.” This full day event features a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening show at 7:30 p.m.

The Twin Ports’ own bluegrass champions Trampled By Turtles headline their first show ever at Big Top Chautauqua on August 22. Who can think of a better way to end your summer vacation than a party hosted by what the Pulse of the Twin Cities dubs as, “four normal looking guys who can transform bluegrass into something more like a mixture of punk and metal….” Michigan homeboys Steppin’ In It will open the evening with their own brand of swinging “jazz-grass.”

It seems that Big Top wouldn’t be Big Top without at least one brilliant set by folk music victor Greg Brown. “Boxcar” Brown is a good concert to attend anytime, but his shows at Chautauqua have stood out as some of his best, even to his most loyal fans. Mark August 31st on your calendar as one of the most anticipated shows of the entire summer.

Everything that overpriced, overcrowded, outdoor music festivals are not, Big Top Chautauqua relishes in. Known for its outstanding sound system and cozy accommodations, families need not worry about muddled stage noise and watered down hospitality that bigger name festivals offer. A virtual tour of the grounds and a full schedule of this summer’s seventy concerts can be found at www.bigtop.org.

What Else to Do?
If you’re planning on attending one of these concerts this summer and wish to make a weekend of it, you’ll find a myriad of great places to stay in nearby Bayfield, Washburn and Ashland. Check out the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce’s website (www.bayfield.org) for an easy way to find and register for available rooms online.

When you’re not enjoying the music at Big Top, you’ll find a variety of great things to do in the area, as well. Stroll through the quaint and delightful streets of Bayfield, take a ferry ride through the Apostle Islands, rent a kayak at Trek & Trail, venture over to Madeline Island and spend the afternoon relaxing with a beer at Tommy’s Burned Down Café or lying in the sun at one of the best beaches on Lake Superior, Big Bay Town Park.

Hungry? In Bayfield, don’t miss the pizza at Maggie’s, the breakfasts, burgers and fish boils at Greunke’s and the fine cuisine at Wild Rice just outside of town. On Madeline, make sure to try the eclectic menu at Lotta’s Lakeside Café.

What to Know When You Go:

Big Top Chautauqua
101 W. Bayfield St., Washburn, WI  (715)373-5552
www.bigtop.org

Maggie’s
257 Manypenny Ave., Bayfield, WI (715)779-5641

Greunke’s First Street Inn
17 Rittenhouse Ave., Bayfield, WI (715)245-3072

Wild Rice
84860 Old San Rd., Bayfield (715)779-9881

Lotta’s Lakeside Café
Lakeview Place on Main St., La Pointe, WI (715)747-2033

Tom’s Burned Down Café
Middle Rd., La Pointe, WI (715)747-6100