Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua announces the untimely death of their long-time bandleader, lead guitarist and friend Don Pavel. Don died unexpectedly on January 30 of an apparent heart issue. Don was 60 years old.

Donald Stanley Pavel was born in 1947 in St. Paul, MN to Edna and Stanley Pavel. He has been a musical partner of Warren Nelson’s since the mid 70s and was a founding member of Lost Nation String Band and Big Top’s Blue Canvas Orchestra. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1972. He is survived by his loving partner Therene Gazdik, two sons: Mason and Ira Pavel and Mason’s wife Rachel, and one sister: Barbara Pavel Jurek. Warren Nelson says of his dear friend “we always said the show would go on and so it will. The picnic of our music is all laid over the fabric of Don’s playing.”

Video of the first Big Top performance without Don.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is
being set up for Don's children.
Make checks payable to Mason Pavel
c/o Big Top Chautauqua
PO Box 455
Washburn, WI 54891

Memorial Service
The memorial service for Big Top guitarist Don Pavel was held Monday, February 4^th at StageNorth in Washburn. It was standing room only for the musical tribute to the much revered bandleader of Big Top Chautauqua. Along with Big Top band members, local musicians including Randy Sabien, Ric Gilman, Corey Carlson, Otis McLennon, and John Pinker took up their instruments to pay homage to Pavel. Mason Pavel played guitar in his father’s place. Don's son Mason is playing guitar on the left-hand side. Mason's brother Ira, Don's partner Therene and other family members and are standing just behind Mason.

VIDEOS on YouTube
Memorial Service Intro

Introductions and song "So Hard Playin' Without You"

Story about Don & song "Gettin' Out of Dodge" played by Mason Pavel and BCO

Song "May the Circle be Unbroken"

PHOTOS
Photos are available on MySpace

GUESTBOOK
Sign Don's Guestbook