Our spontaneous trip to Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, WI

Standing toward the top of Mt. Ashwabay ski hill, where the view of Lake Superior & Big Top are clear

While paging through the Blue Ox Music Festival program, Billy was quick to discover an ad for Big Top Chautauqau, a Bayfield, WI area landmark, which was promoting a performance by musical artist Shakey Graves, whose music combines folk, bluegrass, country and rock 'n roll in a unique one-man band kinda way. The man defies easy categorization, but can be found in Americana folk-rock crowds. Billy's always been a fan, and I'm always down to become one when its warranted, so we quickly jumped online for tickets to the show and another spontaneous trip was born.

Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqau is a 900-seat music venue and performing arts center featuring an iconic blue and grey tent canvas ceiling, with open side panels making for the perfect indoor/outdoor atmosphere. The venue is at the bottom of Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation area, giving patrons the chance to climb to the top and take in the view of Lake Superior in the distance. I was stoked to finally see a show at Big Top Chautauqau, and Billy was happy to be the one to take me for the first time. The venue itself is worth a trip to Big Top if you've never been.

Big Top hosts 60 events during the steamy summer months, bringing in headliners like Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt, regional talents and original productions. You may be familiar with Shakey Graves' 2011 song Roll the Bones, or the 2014 release, Dearly Departed. These songs showcase his raw talent, his strong vocals, and his unique ability to weave story into songwriting.

Shakey Graves performs with his band at Big Top Chautauqau

With a suitcase drum under one foot, a tambourine under the other, and a guitar in hand, he created a full-band sound that mesmerized audiences. His dexterity and innovative use of percussive elements set him apart, showcasing not just musical talent but a flair for showmanship.This was the kind of music we expected to hear, but we, along with the entire crowd, were a bit surprised after the first song.

Shakey started with Roll the Bones, the song that made him famous, and the crowd was eager to sing along. We were a little offended by the general lack of audience participation and dancing. Billy and I are not shy on the dance floor; it's one of the best parts of attending a concert - the ability to feel the music in your bones and to express that through dance! We stood up, as did the folks ahead of us in their pew (the venue has old church pews as part of the seating - a very cool touch), for the first tune, but it seemed to be a sitting crowd so we stayed seated for the rest of the show. As a side note, Big Top does have a marked off area to the side of the stage that is designated for dancing, but the few teenagers standing over there didn't get the memo and just used the space to gather.

A look under the famous blue and gray canvas tent

After Roll the Bones, Shakey brought out a full band, all adorning matching, stylish red jumpsuits and played a new sound, evolving from his stripped-down solo performances to a bigger production. This broader sonic palette incorporated unexpected arrangements and experimental sounds. It just shows his willingness to push creative boundaries and explore new musical territories. I think the crowd was a little surprised - we definitely were - but we still enjoyed the gorgeous summer evening of music together.

On stage, Shakey Graves is a force of nature. His dynamic performances, marked by spontaneous energy and genuine connection with the audience, create an unforgettable live experience. Whether performing solo or with a full band, he commands the stage with charisma and authenticity.

We had a blast wandering around the Big Top grounds, climbing the ski hill to catch a view of lovely Lake Superior, and splitting a bottle of NA wine (it was pretty good, actually) before Shakey took the stage. Do yourself a favor, and grab some tickets to an upcoming show at Big Top Chautauqau!