Big Top Chautauqua

The Blue Canvas Orchestra returns to the Big Top tent with a second opening performance. Michael Perry hosts the event. The Blue Canvas Orchestra is playing existing repertoire as well as sneak peeks at some of their new works that will debut in 2021. Michael Perry "weaves humor into his stories," and may join the band for a number or two. Their traditional "blessing of the tent" kicks off the show. Tickets are $26 for adults. Youth tickets are half…

The Blue Canvas Orchestra presents a tribute to the lost songsmiths. Featuring Ed Willett, Molly Otis, Severin Behnen, Phil Anich, Tom Mitchell, Jack Gunderson, Billy Knoblauch, Danielle Diamond, Betty Ferris and Scott Kirby.

Legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter Robert Cray returns to Big Top Chautauqua. Cray has remained a dominant force for more than 40 years with his soulful and creative guitar work. A five-time Grammy winner, he has written and performed with everyone from Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan to Tina Turner and Chuck Berry. Larry McCray opens the show. Tickets are available at ticketsbigtop.org.

The team that brought “Big Top Does the Beatles” and “Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock” takes on the work of Neil Young in this new original show. One of the most celebrated artists in popular music history, the Canadian-born, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's music blurs the lines between rock, folk and country with hints of other musical genres. His musicianship, lyrical style and signature tenor voice have defined Young's career and cemented him as…

The folk band Punch Brothers is composed of mandolinist Chris Thile, guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny, and violinist Gabe Witcher. Their accolades include a Grammy for Best Folk Album for the 2018 release, All Ashore. Tickets are available at ticketsbigtop.org.

Praised by the likes of American Songwriter, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, award-winning a cappella sensation Home Free return for their third appearance on the Big Top stage this September. Their high-energy and electrifying performances fuse Nashville standards with country-dipped pop hits, resulting in a unique sound.

Revered for their impeccable harmonies, a parade of hits and fine-tuned choreography, world-renowned superstars The Temptations are hitting the road on the heels of their milestone 60th-anniversary year.

The blues/country/rock/Americana musician from Texas performs.

Globally recognized for their high-energy performances and inspiring music, Michael Franti & Spearhead will mark their fifth appearance at Big Top Chautauqua as they embark on their “Big Big Love Tour” this summer. Michael Franti possesses a talent for combining an innovative cross-genre sound that blends hip-hop, funk, reggae and rock while also inspiring people to take on the great challenges the world faces today. Tickets can be purchased at ticketsbigtop.org.

As we celebrate this Pride Month, join Big Top Chautauqua for a musical and cultural journey through the past 50 years of LGBTQ+ music. From the late great Donna Summer and Queen to the late great George Michael and living legends like Madonna, Lady Gaga and many more! These essential songs take us from disco to the present day as the story of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, linked to this music, evokes the struggles, heartache and liberation of queer…

While many veteran bands run on nostalgia, replicating past glories and recycled emotions from younger carefree days, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band prides itself on a mix of reimagined classics and compelling newer works. Don’t miss their return to Big Top this summer! Good Morning Bedlam has become an innovative force in the Midwest folk scene. With tight soaring three-part harmonies and thumping kick-drum, they captivate their audience night after night. Every song is a unique twist on what is…

Over his career, Mat Kearney has amassed over 2.5 billion global streams, topped multiple Billboard charts and has released six studio albums. The multi-platinum songwriter and producer’s deft blending of genres have made him an adult contemporary mainstay, while his enduring success as a recording artist is evident in the vibrancy of his songs and vast touring history. Chart-topping singer/songwriter Marc Scibilia has been on a steady rise ever since the 2012 release of his breakout single, How Bad We…

Take a classic rock song, add Big Top Chautauqua's famed house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and the result is something that is sure to move an audience. Led by Molly Otis and Ed Willett, Pickin’ on Rock is a rousing night of classic rock songs interpreted in the bluegrass and alternative string stylings of the Blue Canvas Orchestra. Expect Led Zeppelin, Queen, Guns N ’Roses, Heart, the Beatles and more. You’ve heard these songs before, but not quite like…

Big Top Chautauqua's beloved tribute to the Woodstock music festival returns! In 1969, nearly half a million people gathered on a dairy farm northwest of New York City for a three-day rock concert and celebration of peace, love and music that became one of the most defining moments of their generation. Featuring the Blue Canvas Orchestra, this multimedia event pays tribute to the festival, the artist and the spirit of the sixties that was epitomized by the legendary event.

Join Warren Nelson and members of the Blue Canvas Orchestra in a concert of original songs with stories from his 23 years as host, MC and performer at the tent. Nelson founded the Big Top in 1986 with his group the Lost Nation String Band standing at the center of the shows. He has written over 400 songs in his 56 year career and has created or co-created 18 history musicals including Riding the Wind which he says is “The…

Martin Sexton’s incendiary live shows, honest lyrics and vocal prowess keeps fans coming back for a new experience every time. He nurtures his critically acclaimed trademark aesthetic by embracing soul, folk, blues, rock, pop and sweet balladry. KT Tunstall has never been one for creative stasis. The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter burst onto the music scene with the 2004 release of her multi-platinum debut album, Eye to the Telescope which sold over 5 million copies and spawned global hits including Black Horse…

Led by Corey Carlson & Severin Behnen, the team that brought you Big Top Does the Beatles and Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock, take on the work of Neil Young in this new original show. His musicianship, lyrical style and signature tenor voice have defined Young's career and cemented him as one of the most influential artists of his generation. This retrospective celebrates some of Young's popular hits and will dive deep into his legacy songs, bringing…

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. It’s the Blue Canvas Orchestra's great honor to present a tribute to our lost songsmiths. Both John and Nanci performed at the Big Top several times creating some amazing memories!

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils is a Southern rock band from the 1970s. Described as a “mixture of country, the South, Appalachia and rock & roll” by “Rolling Stone,” Ozark the group is known for charting hits Jackie Blue and If You Want To Get To Heaven.

With her spellbinding voice and time-bending sensibilities, Sierra Ferrell makes music that's as fantastically vagabond as the artist herself. After years of living in her van and busking on the streets of New Orleans and Seattle, she moved to Nashville and soon landed a deal with Rounder Records on the strength of her magnetic live show. Ferrell shares her beautifully unbound songs transporting her audience to an infinitely more enchanted world.

Laurel Canyon was a hotbed of music in the early 1970s, and legendary artists like Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Cass Elliott were resident mainstays of that time. Enjoy performances from the Blue Canvas Orchestra and a variety of rising stars featured in Big Top Idol over the last decade, as our first 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 greatest music…

Nickel Creek is set to return for one special night in the Northwoods. Their eclectic taste, instrumental mastery and unique bond are just a few of the reasons that make their progressive bluegrass sound something that cannot be replicated. Grammy award-winning songwriter and musician Aoife O'Donovan is one of the most sought-after singers and songwriters of her generation. She has released three critically acclaimed and boundary-blurring solo albums including her most recent release, 2022’s boldly orchestrated and literarily crafted Age…

American icon Gladys Knight has been bringing audiences to their feet for over 50 years. Known for hits like Midnight Train to Georgia, she's had number one hits in pop, gospel, R&B and adult contemporary, along with seven Grammy victories.

Killer Queen will take you back to the 70s and 80s as they recreate the charismatic and uncannily renditions of Queen. Their impeccable vocal harmonies, close-to-the-original looks, costumes and lead singer Patrick Myers' magnetic showmanship are so convincing that it seems Freddie Mercury was brought back to life! Come sing and dance the night away with Killer Queen performing the classic catalog of chart-topping Queen hits.

Take a classic rock song, add Big Top Chautauqua's famed house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra, and the result is something that is sure to move an audience. Led by Molly Otis and Ed Willett, Pickin’ on Rock is a rousing night of classic rock songs interpreted in the bluegrass and alternative string stylings of the Blue Canvas Orchestra. Expect Led Zeppelin, Queen, Guns N ’Roses, Heart, The Beatles and more. You’ve heard these songs before, but not quite like…

Bestowed by the late Chet Atkins the coveted title of CGP (Certified Guitar Player), Tommy Emmanuel brings authentic exuberance to every note of every song he plays. The Grammy Nominee is widely regarded as one of the greatest acoustic guitarists of all time, known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances and use of percussive effects on the instrument.

Celebrate the power, majesty, history and wonder of the largest freshwater lake on earth. Jan Lee and Severin Behnen present original songs and stories of Lake Superior with the Blue Canvas Orchestra. Performances that are strong with heart and humor, along with spectacular big-screen images by Betty Ferris, will immerse you in the life and culture of these storied waters.

The Wailin’ Jennys is made up of Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse. Musical chemistry and a dedicated following turned this one-off grouping of three singer/songwriters into one of today’s most beloved international folk groups. The Jennys exploded onto the roots music scene, performing at packed venues across the U.S. and throughout the world.

Michael Perry’s original songs are a reflection of his life experiences. Raised in rural Wisconsin by farmers, preachers and tough country women, his songs reflect “certain wisdoms” available only from whistlers, frauds and sinners. Ranging from straight-up twang to churchly harmonies and populated by characters drawn straight from rural and small-town America, they launch from places like the overpass outside Perry’s beloved hometown of New Auburn, Wis. (population: 562), a gospel service in a granary, and the kitchen floor of…

Led by Corey Carlson & Severin Behnen, the team that brought you Big Top Does the Beatles and Back to the Garden: The Music of Woodstock, take on the work of Neil Young in this new original show. His musicianship, lyrical style and signature tenor voice have defined Young's career and cemented him as one of the most influential artists of his generation. This retrospective celebrates some of Young's popular hits and will dive deep into his legacy songs, bringing…

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. It’s the Blue Canvas Orchestra's great honor to present a tribute to our lost songsmiths. Both John and Nanci performed at the Big Top several times creating some amazing memories!

Led by founding members Patrick Murphy and Steve Twigger, the acclaimed multi-national Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance. They’ve amassed more than 250 million streams, racked up numerous Top 10 spots on the Billboard World Charts and released 13 studio albums including Bring Yer Wellies, What’s The Rumpus and their most recent release Go Climb A Tree.

Laurel Canyon was a hotbed of music in the early 1970s, and legendary artists like Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Cass Elliott were resident mainstays of that time. Enjoy performances from the Blue Canvas Orchestra and a variety of rising stars featured in Big Top Idol over the last decade, as our first 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 greatest music…

Big Top Chautauqua's beloved tribute to the Woodstock music festival returns! In 1969, nearly half a million people gathered on a dairy farm northwest of New York City for a three-day rock concert and celebration of peace, love and music that became one of the most defining moments of their generation. Featuring the Blue Canvas Orchestra, this multimedia event pays tribute to the festival, the artist and the spirit of the sixties that was epitomized by the legendary event.

Celebrate the power, majesty, history and wonder of the largest freshwater lake on earth. Jan Lee and Severin Behnen present original songs and stories of Lake Superior with the Blue Canvas Orchestra. Performances that are strong with heart and humor, along with spectacular big-screen images by Betty Ferris, will immerse you in the life and culture of these storied waters.

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. It’s the Blue Canvas Orchestra's great honor to present a tribute to our lost songsmiths. Both John and Nanci performed at the Big Top several times creating some amazing memories!