|
Open Mic Nights | 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 6PM
at The Backstage Get up on stage or just grab a seat and listen. Join us for open mic nights every Wednesday at Big Top's new year-round venue The Backstage! Every other week we will be joined by special guest hosts, including some of your favorite Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians! Enjoy live entertainment and drinks during a unique night out. No tickets. No cover. No reservations. Open Mic Nights are FREE and open to the public. |
|
Live In The Lounge | Thursday | 7PM
at StageNorth Live In The Lounge is Washburn’s one-of-a-kind concert series—bringing a new band every week to our small town stage. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it’s built on community. Donation-based entry keeps it accessible, and every show is different. |
|
Jazz Jam | Last Tuesday of Month | 7PM
at StageNorth Baba Fats will play some tunes to kick off the evening and then will open it up for anyone interested in collaborating to play jazz tunes! Bring ur axe and put your name on the list with a couple of standards you’d like to play! The bar will be open but all ages are welcome, as this is a performing arts center. This jam is intended to be an inclusive learning environment for anyone interested in the jazz tradition! |
|
MAY 15 | 7PM
Lost In The Woods at The Backstage Join Lost in the Woods for a night of improv comedy! We take your suggestions and turn them into comedy scenes on the spot. Every show we perform is unscripted, unpredictable, and hilarious. Get ready to laugh! Show starts at 7pm but get there early to get a table and drinks! |
|
MAY 29 | 6:30PM
You got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine at StageNorth A Night of music & film to honor John Prine. Film screening at 6:30. Mucic to follow by Rory Van James. |
|
JUN 14 | 7:30PM
Trey Anastasio featuring Jeff Tanski at The Big Top Since 1983, Trey Anastasio has been the guitarist, vocalist, and main composer for the band Phish. Over the past four decades, Anastasio, who Rolling Stone named as one of “The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” has forged a singular, multi-faceted career, winning acclaim and garnering accolades across myriad genres and disciplines, including rock, classical, musical theatre, and more. Anastasio has received three GRAMMY® Award nominations and, in 2013, received a Tony Award nomination honoring his work co-writing the score for the Broadway musical Hands on a Hardbody. An accomplished composer and arranger, Anastasio has performed his original compositions with numerous symphonies, including The New York Philharmonic, The National Symphony Orchestra, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Boston Pops, and many more. Anastasio, along with Jon Fishman (drums, vocals), Mike Gordon (bass, vocals), and Page McConnell (keyboards, vocals), formed Phish in Burlington, VT, and together have since earned one of music’s most dedicated fan communities for its blend of distinctive songcraft, extended improvisation, and immersive live performances. |
|
JUN 19 | 7:30PM
Chase & Ovation at The Big Top The World’s “Paramount Prince Tribute Show” based out of Prince’s beloved hometown of Minneapolis, MN. Chase has been traveling North America performing exclusively the music of Prince (live in concert) for the past 16 years including their monthly residency at the world-famous Bunkers Music Bar in Minneapolis, made famous by Prince himself. Fans of the show include many of Prince’s former bandmates and family members who all give Chase & Ovation the highest marks for reproducing Prince’s music “the way it is meant to be played, heard and felt.” “In the decade before his passing, Prince allowed me to travel the world and perform in tribute and in reverence to his music. I have always done this with Prince’s knowledge under the name ‘Chase & Ovation.’ I wake up filled with gratitude every day and give thanks in prayer for the gift of music that Prince has given to me, but MORE importantly the gift that he has given to the world!” -Tommy Chase Let us always remember to celebrate love, life, and the music of PRINCE! |
|
JUN 27 | 7:30PM
Larkin Poe with special guest the Record Company at The Big Top Larkin Poe’s latest album “Bloom" (GRAMMY nominated for Best Americana Album) sees the dynamic sister duo venturing further along on their evolving musical journey with a collection of songs that resonate with introspection, authenticity, and a profound connection to their roots in American music. Produced and largely co-written by Megan, Rebecca, and Tyler Bryant, the album marks a significant evolution for Larkin Poe, reflecting a synergy that extends beyond mere musical partnership. Already hailed for the sincerity of their songcraft, the Lovell sisters now place an even greater spotlight on their gift for storytelling, delving deep into personal narratives with universal themes of self-acceptance and individuality against a backdrop of contemporary blues and rock influences. With their distinctive blend of masterful instrumentation and soulful harmonies, each track unfolds like a chapter, with lyrics that wind deeper and deeper towards the heart of Larkin Poe. |
|
JUL 10 | 7:30PM
Billy Bragg at The Big Top Galvanized in the late 70's by The Clash and an aversion to the austere policies of Margaret Thatcher, Billy Bragg set out to inspire political engagement and empathy, and he hasn’t deviated from that path. He has performed numerous benefit shows over the years - for the miners, the Labour party, CND, the jobless, the homeless and many more, and has run the Left Field political stage at Glastonbury for the last 15 years. In 2023 Billy celebrated a remarkable 40 years as Britain’s favorite campaigning singer, songwriter. To mark this significant landmark, he released an acclaimed career-spanning box set The Roaring Forty and played to sell-out crowds around the world. Billy Bragg has released 11 solo studio albums, three albums of Woody Guthrie lyrics set to contemporary music by Billy and Wilco (the Mermaid Avenue albums) and one album with Joe Henry. His most recent studio album, The Million Things That Never Happened came out in 2021. Billy Bragg added best-selling author to his CV with the success of his acclaimed 2017 book Roots, Radicals & Rockers–How Skiffle Changed The World. He has written two books of political analysis-The Progressive Patriot: A Search For Belonging (2006) and The Three Dimensions of Freedom (2019). Billy won the Outstanding Contribution To British Music Award at the Ivors Awards in 2018. Born and raised in Barking, East London, Billy has a street named after him in his home town–Bragg Close. In 2023, Billy was honored with a pavement plaque on the Camden Music Walk Of Fame, adding his name to a prestigious roll call that includes Madness, Amy Winehouse, The Who, David Bowie, and The Kinks. In 2025 Spenwood Books published Billy Bragg–A People’s History, an oral history featuring fascinating photos and memorabilia with contributions from friends, associates and fans, who have been thrilled and inspired by the work of this unique artist. To be expected from a career that has straddled many genres, Billy Bragg has worked with a wealth of celebrated musicians from different musical backgrounds including Eliza Carthy, Norman Cook, Paul Weller, Jeff Tweedy, Dick Gaughan, JoeHenry, Kirsty MacColl, Ian McLagan, Johnny Marr, R.E.M., Natalie Merchant, Romeo Stodart, Danny Thompson, Robert Wyatt, Pete Seeger, and The Philharmonic Orchestra. |
|
JUL 12 | 7:30PM
Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band at The Big Top A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Whether touring as a 'Duo' or with his 'Acoustic Group' or his 'Large Band,' Lovett's live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend's deep talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music. Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music's most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association's inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was named Texas State Musician. His works, rich and eclectic, are some of the most beloved of any artist working today. |
|
JUL 17 | 7:30PM
The Jayhawks at The Big Top The Jayhawks and their rootsy sound were definitely swimming against the tide when they emerged from a crowded Minnesota music scene in 1985. Over the course of almost 4 decades, 11 albums, countless memorable live shows and enough personal drama to fill a couple of Behind the Music episodes, this beloved band soared to heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans and peers in the process. After releasing two Indie albums in the 80s The Jayhawks signed with American Recordings in 1991 and over the next decade released 5 challenging, at times groundbreaking, albums, toured the world to widespread acclaim and even survived the departure of founding member Mark Olson in 1995. After a hiatus in the mid 2000s, the “classic” 1994 lineup reunited for another new studio album in 2011 and 2 years of solid touring, reacquainting audiences old and new with the band's timeless musical vision. 2014 saw a late 90s version of the band led by Gary Louris hitting the road to support the reissues of the 3 Jayhawks albums released from 1997-2003. This lineup released the band's 9th studio album in 2016, recorded in Portland, OR with producers Peter Buck and Tucker Martine. The band's next studio album, Back Roads And Abandoned Motels, was released in the summer of 2018, featuring Jayhawks versions of songs Gary Louris had previously written with other artists plus 2 new compositions. Recording for a new Jayhawks album was completed in Minnesota in late 2019 and in July 2020 the band released their 11th studio album, XOXO. |
|
JUL 18 | 7:30PM
Killer Queen | A Tribute To Queen at The Big Top Awarded "Worldwide Best Tribute Band" Killer Queen blew the roof off The Tent in 2023 and they want to do it again for our fortieth season! We can't wait to have them back. Killer Queen is a British Queen tribute band founded in 1993 by Patrick Myers while at London University—the same venue where Queen first played. Renowned for their authentic sound, stagecraft, and uncanny recreation of Queen, they've won numerous awards and sold out arenas, leading them to a collaboration with Fatboy Slim on a chart-topping single. Their international tours have included high-profile performances such as a Live Aid tribute and shows at iconic venues like the West End and Red Rocks Amphitheater. |
|
JUL 24 | 7:30PM
Judy Collins with special guest The High Kings at The Big Top Judy Collins has long inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century. The award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, has been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Judy’s dreamy and sweetly intimate version of “Send in the Clowns,” a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical A Little Night Music, won "Song of the Year” at the 1975 Grammy Awards. She’s garnered several top-ten hits gold- and platinum-selling albums. Recently, contemporary and classic artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen honored her legacy with the album Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins. The cultural treasure’s 55th album, Spellbound, was released in February 2022, finds Judy enjoying an artistic renaissance. The 13 song album is a special entry in her oeuvre. It marks the first time ever she wrote all the songs on one of her albums. It features 12 new recently-written modern folk songs, and a bonus track of her evergreen, “The Blizzard.” Spellbound is an introspective and impressionistic album. It unfolds as if Judy curated a museum exhibit of her life, and welcomed us into a retrospective of her most formative moments, some big and public, and some intensely personal and intimate. Spellbound was nominated in the Best Folk Album category at the 65th Recording Academy Grammy Awards in 2023. While maintaining her rigorous touring schedule, Judy is set to release her first book of poetry in March of 2025 with Andrews McMeel Publishing. Written with the bold vulnerability that Judy Collins is best known for, Sometimes It’s Heaven is a timeless collection of poetry that captures the ethereal and inspiring nature of her artistry in an all-new way. Biographical and relatable, Sometimes It’s Heaven is a must-read for fans of poetry, fans of Judy, and fans of truth. |
|
AUG 20 | 7:30PM
The Devon Allman Project at The Big Top In late September of 2023, Devon Allman achieved a world-record for performing 50 concerts in the 50 states of America in 49 days. He was just getting warmed up. The modern rock troubadour and torchbearer for the legacy of the blues has led bands such as Honeytribe, Royal Southern Brotherhood, and The Allman Betts Band in equal step with his prodigious solo output and his own Devon Allman Project, racking up thousands of touring miles and creatively never standing still. A singer-songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, producer and record label chief, Allman has earned widespread critical acclaim, as well as top Billboard chart positions and numerous awards across two decades of musical heritage and invention. The Devon Allman Project features the Allman Betts Band drummer John Lum, ABB bassist Justin Corgin, plus percussionist Alex Orbison, David Gomez on saxophone and guitarist Jackson Stokes. They play songs of The Allman Brothers and Gregg Allman in their set as well as Devon's fan-favorite originals and surprise covers. "He's an elegant, soulful singer.” - Relix “ “… well-crafted, more reflective than fiery, and soulful.” - USA Today |
Sponsored by:
Bethany & Cristopher Owen 
|
SEP 5 | 7:30PM
The Wallflowers at The Big Top The Wallflowers will mark the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Bringing Down the Horse with a nationwide U.S. tour kicking off April 17, 2026. The band will perform their classic album in its entirety, in sequence. The tour will also include a performance at Stagecoach, the world’s largest country music festival. Originally released on May 21, 1996, Bringing Down the Horse was a critical and commercial triumph. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and was certified quadruple platinum, cementing the band’s place in ‘90s rock history. The LP yielded four hit singles: • “6th Avenue Heartache” – Two Grammy nominations (1997) • “One Headlight” – Reached #1 on the Billboard singles chart, winning two Grammy Awards (1998). The song ranked #58 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Pop Songs” • “The Difference” – Grammy nomination (1998) • “Three Marlenas” – Released as the album’s final single in October 1997 Influenced by a slew of first-generation American songwriters including The Band and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, The Wallflowers will also pay tribute on the upcoming tour to the 50th anniversary of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ by playing Petty’s 1982 album Long After Dark in its entirety and in sequence as well. Jakob Dylan, the band’s chief songwriter, remains a vital performer in American rock music. As part of three decades of work, in 2002, he inducted Tom Petty into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. In 2018, he performed in the critically acclaimed documentary Echo in the Canyon, collaborating with artists ranging from Neil Young and Eric Clapton to Beck, Cat Power, Norah Jones, Regina Spektor. Dylan also contributed songs to several soundtracks, including The Wallflowers' cover of "Heroes" for the 1998 Godzilla film soundtrack and "Arms of a Ghost" to television series, NCIS Los Angeles and "Nothing But the Whole Wide World" to Friday Night Lights. In 2025 The Wallflowers supported Eric Clapton on his US tour as they have done in the past for him as well as the supporting performances for the Who and The Rolling Stones. |
BIG TOP BOX OFFICE & THE BACKSTAGE
84810 State Hwy 13, Bayfield, WI 54814 1.888.244.8368 | 715.373.5552 BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA
32525 Ski Hill Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814 1.888.BIG.TENT | 715.373.5552 STAGENORTH
123 W. Omaha St, washburn, WI 54891 1.888.BIG.TENT | 715.373.5552 |
|