Jul 2024
The Drifters, The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters
Three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame groups, The Drifters, The Platters and Cornell Gunter's Coasters, perform their classic 1950’s-1960’s hits.
Find out more »Chief O’Neill and the Lost Tunes of Ireland
In this brand new Big Top original production, Severin Behnen and Stevie Matier journey into the remarkable and invaluable contributions Francis O'Neill made to Ireland's music heritage, featuring many of the songs found in his collections. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30.
Find out more »Aug 2024
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder perform country music. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at ticketsbigtop.org.
Find out more »Peter Mulvey and SistaStrings
Peter Mulvey has been a songwriter, road-dog, raconteur and almost-poet since before he can remember. Joining the gifted singer, writer and guitarist under the Big Top is the Milwaukee-based sister duo SistaStrings, whose combination of classical training and R&B makes for a vibey, lush sound. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30.
Find out more »Charlie Berens
New York Times bestselling author, Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host and creator of the Cripes podcast and Manitowoc Minute, Charlie Berens returns to Big Top Chautauqua as part of his Good Old Fashioned Tour. Berens will be joined by special guest Adam Greuel of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, who joined with Berens to release a joint Bluegrass album titled, Unthawed in 2020. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m.; show starts at 7:30.
Find out more »Gaelic Storm
Gaelic Storm performs a mix of Irish and Scottish music. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Find out more »Corey Carlson and the Big City Band
Chautauqua’s native son Corey Carlson will be joined by Big City Band members Tony Axtell, Paul Mayasich, Michael Pilhofer, Joe Savage and special guest Toby Marshall of the Greg Koch band. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30.
Find out more »Jake Shimabukuro
Recognized as “the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Jake Shimabukuro coaxes an impossibly big sound out of the little instrument, playing an intoxicating mix of pop tunes, American Songbook standards and lilting originals. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30.
Find out more »Ladies of Laurel Canyon
First "Big Top Idol" winner Danielle Diamond and Musical Director Severin Behnen lead an evening filled with some of the most iconic songs to come out of California's music scene tucked into the Hollywood Hills. Expect favorites from Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, The Mamas & the Papas and many more favorite female artists of this magical time.
Find out more »Ladies of Laurel Canyon
Ladies of Laurel Canyon: Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and The Mamas & The Papas with the Blue Canvas Orchestra perform at the Big Top Chautauqua Tent. Featuring Stars of Big Top Idol participants will experience performances from the Blue Canvas Orchestra and a variety of rising stars featured in Big Top Idol over the last decade. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m.
Find out more »Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy and Family
Since marrying in 2002, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy have captivated with their magnificent individual talents, making for an unforgettable musical experience that embodies Cape Breton tradition, stylistic fire and superb fiddle technique.
Find out more »Graham Nash: More Evenings of Songs & Stories
Graham Nash performs classic rock music with Todd Caldwell on keyboards, Adam Minkoff on bass and drums, and Zach Djanikian on guitar. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; show starts at 7:30. Tickets are available at ticketsbigtop.org.
Find out more »Big Top Idol
Each summer, local singers audition for their chance to perform on the Big Top stage. Singers 13 and under compete in the Jr. Idol category, while those 14 and above compete for the title of Big Top Idol. Audience members get to vote and crown a new Jr. Idol and Big Top Idol.
Find out more »Mary Mack and North Star Comedy Hour
In her long-time variety show, North Star Comedy Hour, Mary Mack combines sketch, variety and late-night talk show formats for a fun-loving and zany mash up of music, poetry, stand up and sketch comedy.
Find out more »Semisonic
Grammy-nominated rock band Semisonic plays the Big Top. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30.
Find out more »In Spite of Ourselves: The Music of John Prine & Nanci Griffith
John Prine and Nanci Griffith were both humble masters of the story. They dug deep into the places where we were afraid to go. Emotional depth, keen observations and wry humor brought their music to life and hit an emotional bone. In this tribute show the Blue Canvas Orchestra presents the works of these lost songsmiths. Tickets are available at bigtop.org.
Find out more »Sep 2024
Michael Franti & Spearhead
An artist, activist, business owner and award-winning filmmaker, Michael Franti possesses an inimitable talent for combining an innovative cross-genre sound that blends hip-hop, funk, reggae, rock, positive messaging and unwavering exuberance. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m.; music starts at 7:30.
Find out more »Old Last Night
Hosted by New York Times best-selling author Michael Perry, this end-of-season celebration features performances from special guest Steve Solkela, famed house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra, plus some favorite regional musicians from the Backstage Open Mic sessions.
Find out more »Mucca Pazza
Combining marching-band traditions and street-theater spectacle with rock-and-roll sensibilities, Mucca Pazza is an eccentric, frenetic, genre-bending interdisciplinary instrumental music and performance ensemble.
Find out more »Them Coulee Boys with Tin Can Gin and Molly Brandt
Them Coulee Boys craft a brand of Americana that blends folk, punk, bluegrass and rock 'n' roll. Alongside the Boys are Tin Can Gin's unique blend of string band music and Molly Brandt's powerful vocals and compelling storytelling.
Find out more »