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Being a regular to Big Top Chautauqua, I always love to see the reactions of those visiting for the first time. *L* Welcome to far north WI. We are incredibly far from everything and usually, it suits me fine.
I’m not surprised Lu lingo was lost on the parking lot or gate attendants. Most of those folks are volunteers and in the course of a summer, they field and direct fans for many big name performers, including Lu and Willie Nelson.
A concert under a giant canvas tent is a unique experience but Lu’s sound people seemed to deal quite quickly with the issue of such a space.
The concert was grand and even the stodgiest of tourists seemed to eat up her music.
I feel the need to call attention to Buick 6 and make special mention of Dave Sutton. Far too often the bass player goes forgotten but he makes it impossible not to notice. His passion and talent mix perfectly with Lu’s raw sound.
Oh, and for the record, next time, just ask for the poster…The folks at Big Top Chautauqua are some of the coolest folks around *L*
This was my first time to Bayfield and the Big Top. I was excited to see Lu and band at a small 800 seat venue.
My wife and I left Minneapolis at 9:00 AM bound for Duluth and an early lunch at Fitger’s Brewpub. From Duluth we travelled through Superior and continued on Highway 13 to Bayfield. The drive from Superior to Bayfield along Lake Superior is beautiful with many scenic spots to stop and cool off.
We stayed in Bayfield, less than 3 miles from the venue.
Arriving at the Big Top, we went right to the merchandise tent and picked up the Print Mafia poster for the show. Nice job on the poster. Although it felt like entering a drive in movie, I appreciated being able to leave the venue and visit your vehicle.
The ringing of a bell signalled the beginning of music as everyone filed into the tent.
Our seats were dead center in the bleachers. I thought the sound was excellent. The crowd was much more enthusiastic than last year’s Duluth show where it appeared that noone new who Lucinda even was. Lucinda is such a presence on stage and I enjoyed the addition of another guitar player (Chet).
The show was rocking, which helped drown out a few people chatting outside the tent. It was disappointing that there were sound issues for the band and that they had to start and stop a few tunes. Overall I enjoyed the show just didn’t feel the connection between band and audience. The people around us certainly did not seem bored. Hopefully the foolish comments from a few did not upset Lu or the band.
Last year I was fortunate enough to meet Lu and Butch and have them sign my West record. Lu was tired and not available after this show.
I thought the venue was cool, as where the people and it was well worth the 250 mile road cruise. Brewpubs, wineries, beaches and Lucinda. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get much better. I can’t wait till next time. I’d do it again in a second…
@fallgirl wrote:
Being a regular to Big Top Chautauqua, I always love to see the reactions of those visiting for the first time. *L* Welcome to far north WI. We are incredibly far from everything and usually, it suits me fine.
I’m not surprised Lu lingo was lost on the parking lot or gate attendants. Most of those folks are volunteers and in the course of a summer, they field and direct fans for many big name performers, including Lu and Willie Nelson.
A concert under a giant canvas tent is a unique experience but Lu’s sound people seemed to deal quite quickly with the issue of such a space.
The concert was grand and even the stodgiest of tourists seemed to eat up her music.
I feel the need to call attention to Buick 6 and make special mention of Dave Sutton. Far too often the bass player goes forgotten but he makes it impossible not to notice. His passion and talent mix perfectly with Lu’s raw sound.
Oh, and for the record, next time, just ask for the poster…The folks at Big Top Chautauqua are some of the coolest folks around *L*
Thanks for the insider’s scoop here. Yeah, I should have asked for the poster, but the headquarters building was dark (though obviously unlocked), and no human seemed around, initially. At the venue itself, “stodgy” tourists were legion, as you say (and maybe this is a nice play on my Lucinda Forum handle). Finally, you have a great community radio station out of Reserve, WI, a name I had to look for on my roadmap after stumbling across the station in my rental car. I won’t even try to spell the French name of the larger town. The afternoon “Porch” show was playing the likes of Gram Parsons and Jay Farrar, and in the wee hours driving back to Eau Claire, I was treated to Lu’s own “Rescue.” I envy (the wind, yes, too) your getting to live in such a beautiful place.
*LOL* No play on your handle but good one. Did you end up getting the poster? If not, let me know next time you’re up; I’m sure I can get it from the office…i’m there quite a bit.
Tourists were legion, I love it…they were too. So many “touristy” outfits and folks who didn’t seem to GET that they were in the presence of LU.
But we had fun didn’t we?
I too], was fortunate to see Lucinda at the Big Top, in Bayfield.
I happened to be in town visiting that week, and my brother, who already was a fan, had took me with him to see her concert.
I had never heard of any her songs before, but was pleasantly surprised. It was the high-lite of my summer, being back home in God’s country (the WI northwoods) and viewing such a talent! She ROCKS!
I now have 3 of her CD’s and am looking forward her coming back to Texas!
A New, Texas Fan of Lucinlda!
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