This week's concerts are a celebration of diversity, world music and global cultures. Acts promote healing through the universal language of music. Performances include a dance and drum company featuring Native American artists, storytelling, free workshops, and an internationally acclaimed African children's choir.
This Thursday marks the debut of Big Top Original Musical Moon Songs & Moon Shadows: A Tribute to the music of Paul Simon and Cat Stevens. The Blue Canvas Orchestra performs the songs of two of their favorite singer/songwriters: Paul Simon and Cat Stevens. Some of Paul's most memorable hits include "The Boxer," "Bridge over Troubled Water," "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes," "Graceland," "Mrs. Robinson," "Sound of Silence," and "Song about the Moon." Cat Stevens, who has since changed his name to Yusef Islam, is celebrated for the songs of an era including "Moon Shadow," "Peace Train," "Wild World," and "Oh Very Young." World debut on July 30 at 7:30. Tickets: Res. $18/$8, Gen. Admission $15/$4
Call for Peace Drum & Dance Company Opening set by Six Around One
Fri. 7/31 at 8:15pm
Global Dance Troupe - Tickets: $26/$20/$16
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Since 1990, Call for Peace Drum & Dance Company, a Global Treasure based in Madison, Wisconsin, has been inspiring national and international audiences with its performance, "From All Nations They Come Dancing" the dream of a new hope for humanity. Having performed at the 4th Global Summit for the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates in Rome, Italy, throughout the United States, in Germany, Russia, Israel and at the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Call for Peace weaves the pageantry of life, the power of hope and the wisdom of our Elders into a tapestry of rhythm, color and dance. Opening set by acclaimed world music group Six Around One led by BCO's famous fiddler, Bruce Bowers.
Larry Long Smithsonian Folkways Recording Artist
Family Matinee - Sat. 8/1 at 3:00pm Tickets: All Seats $4
8:15 Show with Blue Canvas Orchestra Tickets: Res. $18/$8, Gen. Admission $15/$4
Folk Storyteller & Musician
Once Larry gets wound up, watch out! Children of all ages suddenly find themselves jumping up out of their chairs and doing the strangest things - it's truly a sight to behold. "Larry Long is doing what more singers and songwriters should be doing; using music to help people learn to work together, and bring a world of peace." Pete Seeger
In poetry, storytelling, and song Larry Long will take us on a thirty-year journey through the heartland of America and beyond. Wrapped in a pastiche of musical styles Larry will weave together tales of the elder, family farmer, Brazilian romance, monarch butterfly, Tibet, river travel, the Anishinabeg and the gift of children.
African Children's Choir
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Sun. 8/2 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $38/$30/$20
The African Children's Choir has been working with the most vulnerable children in Africa for 23 years raising awareness of the plight of the orphaned and abandoned, but also showing the beauty, dignity and potential of the African child. They perform throughout the world bringing hope and joy to everyone they meet while shining the spotlight on children in Africa. The African Children's Choir, with a focus on education, is currently caring for several thousand underprivileged children throughout Africa. These are children who could have lost all hope, but have overcome their circumstances and now are making a positive impact on society by being a voice for millions of children.
FREE WORKSHOPS
Native American Culture by Art Shegonee
July 31, 3:00
An interactive workshop touching on Native American dance, storytelling and traditional and contemporary culture led by Founding Member and Lead Male Traditional Native American Dancer of the Call for Peace Drum and Dance Company. Art a member of the Menominee and Potowatomi tribes.
Influence of Music in the Northern Ireland Peace Process
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- A Personal Perspective by Stephen Matier - Aug. 2, 3:00
Examine the impact of music and musicians on the development and implementation of the peace process through the eyes of a Belfast, No. Ireland Citizen and founding member of "Different Drums of Ireland". We'll discuss how music can be utilized to both unite and divide communities. Bring a drum and we'll close out with a session.
Next week: Wild Woods & Waters, Joan Baez, American Stories and Dailey & Vincent.
Information, schedules and ticket prices are available at www.bigtop.org or by calling 888-BIG-TENT (888-244-8368).
