Included in the impressive lineup for the 2013 season, the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua has a handful of free family-friendly matinee performances in addition to a special community celebration event on August 4. Here's what we know:

Free Family Shows

Join us under the Big Top for our free performances that are fun for people of all ages.  No reservations are necessary – just be there!  The cost of bringing these performances to you is underwritten by our generous sponsors and grantors*.  Salute to these wonderful community members!

Jacob Roeber, Magician: Saturday, June 22 at 1:00 PM

Jacob hails from the Twin Ports.  He started his magic career at the age of four with his first viewing of "The World's Greatest Magic" on Fox Family. He then received his first magic kit, a "Marshall Brodein Professional Magic Kit" shortly thereafter. Ever since then, he has been obsessed with the art of magic.  He has performed for thousands of people around Minnesota and Wisconsin. His versatility is what truly separates him from other performers twice and even three times his age – which is currently 19! He can perform a reality-bending stage show and then immediately blow your mind with his close up skills. Prepare to be amazed!

The Okee Dokee Brothers: Sunday, July 28, 1:00 PM

Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing are the Okee Dokee Brothers, a Minneapolis-based bluegrass band who have been making their kid-oriented music since 2005. But their roots together go to their earliest days and their folky songs commemorate shared memories of their Colorado childhoods. Their latest album, "Can You Canoe?" just won the Grammy Award for Best Children’s Music Album!  The CD is a set of acoustic songs inspired by a month-long canoe trip the pair took down the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to Missouri. They dubbed it a "Mississippi River Adventure Album."  Their next album will feature tunes written while hiking The Appalachian Trail.

Noah Hoehn: Saturday, August 24, 1:00 PM

Noah Hoehn is a fierce performer. He has earned national acclaim for his harmonica playing as a two-time winner of the McKnight Fellowship for performing musicians. Now it is his solo looping show that is truly unequaled as a winner of this prestigious award for a third time! His singular vision to unite the sounds of new blues and marimba pop is accomplished with an incomparable live looping system. Saucy harmonica and cool marimba are layered upon a foundation of acoustic grooves freeing him to sing and play at the same time- creating a one-man orchestra.

Funkadesi – One World Community Celebration: Sunday, August 4

Funkadesi proudly hails from Chicago, representing the diverse multi-ethnic communities within the city. What distinguishes Funkadesi as a group is each band member’s unique and uncompromised cultural/musical contribution merging to create one unifying sound and vision. Funkadesi’s one-world sound, roots-watering vision, and positive vibe make the band a unique and compelling musical force.

Cultural Immersion Experience, 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Community Picnic, 4:00 (You bring your picnic, we’ll bring the dessert.)

Multi-Cultural Dance Workshop, 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Funkadesi Concert & Dance Party, 7:30 – 9:30 PM 

Workshop Descriptions: 

Cultural Immersion Experience : Funkadesi offers a multicultural rhythms and cultural immersion experience in which the band integrates teaching world music with imparting cultural wisdom on how to get along with each other in an increasingly diverse world.  Drawing from psychology, diversity awareness, social justice, and wisdoms from various cultural teachings, Funkadesi aims to bring together communities while teaching self-respect, mutual respect, and global citizenry.

Multi-Cultural Dance Workshop: Bhangra/Caribbean/International dance workshop teaches the hottest dance steps coming out of the clubs of Punjab province (Northwestern India), the Caribbean and around the world.  A fun and interactive experience for all ages that enjoy movement and physical expression.  Not a dancer?  Come and watch the fun!

* Generously sponsored by: Essentia Health – Ashland Clinic, Chippewa Valley Bank, Von Holzen Chevrolet, LBS Insurance, Chequamegon Theatre Association, Karen Traut, The Inn on Madeline Island, Memorial Medical Center, Good Thyme Restaurant, Advance Printing, Evergreen County Shopper/Printing Plus. Additional support provided by Apostle Islands Area Community Funds from the Human Rights Fund and Grutzner Madeline Island Fund.