Kids and the arts are a winning combination!

The first time Brody came to Bluegrass Camp for Kids in 2021, he was nine years old.  He came back again in 2022 and 2023.  At camp, the professional musicians and songwriters from Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua taught him how to play an acoustic instrument, encouraged him to sing, and even exposed him to songwriting. 

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua has been hosting national, regional and local artists on the stage in our big tent (approximately 1100 seats) in the woods since 1986. We call it "Culture Under Canvas". In 2023, Big Top opened their 2nd theater, a 100-seat "arts incubator" and experimental space called The Backstage. We started "Open Mic Nights" right away. 

Brody and his grandfather came to perform at The Backstage several times. That's where Big Top's Artistic Programming Director Terry Matier saw him perform. Terry invited Brody and his grandfather to play on the Big Top stage at the end-of-the-season celebration, Old Last Night (that's them in the video clip above). In addition to sharing the stage with the talented artists of Big Top's house band the Blue Canvas Orchestra, Brody performed on the same stage as amazing artists like Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, The Temptations, and a whole host of amazing artists.

Big Top Chautauqua has been presenting about 60 concerts each summer, featuring the very best in national, regional and local artists since 1986. Our Free Family Matinees series assures kids have an opportunity to experience cultures from around the world. Native American Community Connections highlights Native American artists and shines a light on the beautiful traditions of Native American culture. Free Shows for Schools helps bolster school districts' dwindling arts budgets, and Bluegrass Camp for Kids supports our understanding that kids who are engaged in music do better in school (particularly math and languages).

The arts spark creativity and innovation, help to unify communities, express our values, contribute to economic opportunity, and are part of the equation to improved health and well-being. Please help support these important programs enjoyed by families around the Upper Midwest by sending your gift to Big Top today!