Free Family and Native American Community Connections

Each year we bring THE WORLD TO OUR STAGE with several
free matinée performances. Everyone is welcome to the Free Family events and no one needs a ticket – just show up! A free shuttle also serves throughout the Chequamegon Bay area.

We also honor Northern Wisconsin's cultural heritage and community featuring Native American cultural performances throughout the summer. Note that some of the Native American Community Connections occur during ticketed events.​

Longhouse Construction with Laughing Fox Charette
​June 18 & 19 • 11am to 2pm
FREE ADMISSION!

Join Laughing Fox and friends in constructing a traditional Native American longhouse on the Big Top grounds. The longhouse remains up for the season, and Laughing Fox gives Native American culture talks at various events throughout the summer.

New First Night with Special Guest Bill Miller
Friday, June 21 • 7:30pm
Tickets: $ 22 / 11 youth

Sit in for Longhouse Talks with Laughing Fox at 6:30 and intermission, see the giant Grandmother Jingle Dress puppet walking around on the show grounds, participate in the blessing of the tent with Gerry DePerry at the beginning of the show, and enjoy the performance by Bill Miller.

The Peking Acrobats
​Sunday, June 30 • 1pm
​FREE ADMISSION!

The Peking Acrobats have performed for thirty-one years, with daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs, and with technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. Rooted in centuries of Chinese history and folk art, they push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control.

Titambe West Africa Dance Ensemble
Saturday, July 27 • 1pm
​FREE ADMISSION!

Based in Minnesota, COMPAS Teaching Artists Titambe West African Dance Ensemble’s mission is to preserve traditional African drumming and dance heritage as well as promote cultural understanding. This is done by educating audiences of all ages about different African countries through language, music, and movement for a better appreciation of diversity.

Pie and Pondering: Environmental Resilience through an Indigenous Lens
Wednesday, July 31 • 6pm
​FREE ADMISSION!

Indigenous communities are many times at the forefront in environmental battles, slated to protect sacred lands, air and water resources. Join an evening of conversation focused on tribal sovereignty, treaty rights and environmental protection. Learn about the many Ojibwe nation neighbors. Booths open at 6:00, the keynote is at 7:00, then pies will be served. The Grandmother Jingle Dress Puppet will also be on site.

The Bizhiki with Laughing Fox: Native American Music, Drum and Dance
Sunday, August 4 • 1pm
​FREE ADMISSION!

Bizhiki Culture & Dance Company was founded with the goal of furthering people’s understanding of Indigenous cultures. Laughing Fox hosts and performs Native American flute songs. Featuring the powerful Native American drum beats of Iron Boy, the dedicated professionals of Bizhiki engage audiences of all ages through intricate stories, traditional and contemporary dance and song, and demonstration of traditional ecological knowledge.

The Tamburitzans​
Saturday, August 10 • 1pm
​FREE ADMISSION!

Since The Tamburitzans was founded over eight decades ago, the ensemble has performed a wide repertoire of international folk music and dance, mainly from Eastern Europe and its neighboring folk cultures. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company's members are full-time students who receive scholarships for their activities. The Tamburitzans are dedicated to perpetuating international cultural heritage through entertaining performance.

Supaman
Saturday, August 31 • 1pm
​FREE ADMISSION!

"Supaman" is Christian Takes Gun Parrish, a Apsáalooke Native American dancer and innovative hip hop artist who has dedicated his life to empowering and spreading a message of hope and faith through hip hop music. Christian's presentation combines Native American and urban hip hop cultures, dazzling audiences and captivating listeners.

Spoken Word Workshop with Tall Paul, Supaman, and Tanaya Winder
Saturday, August 31 • 2:30pm
​FREE ADMISSION!

Come hear how these working artists got started in the business of making music. Learn the tricks of the trade, and learn how to turn your own poetry into a spoken word piece. If you think you’re ready to take the big stage, come back for the evening performance and give it a try!

Word! Tall Paul, Supaman, and Tanaya Winder
Saturday, August 31 • 7:30pm
Tickets: $ 22 / 11 youth

Join some of the top Native American Hip-Hop artists in a celebration of the spoken word. Call it Rap, Hip-Hop, Poetry, Storytelling, Music, or Performance Art, come and hear the song stylings and inspirational messages of these three word artists. And, if you think you have what it takes, you are invited to come to the stage to perform a number yourself

Sponsors and Grantors

​The costs of presenting this series of free events are covered by our generous sponsors and grantors. Salute to these wonderful community members who help provide a global experience in artistic culture for our audiences.

Essentia Health Free Family Series

Native American Community Connections

  • ​Apostle Islands Area Community Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation
  • Arts Midwest Touring Fund
  • Human Rights Fund, an affiliate of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation