Events

Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter and spontaneity as Lost In the Woods Improv presents The Armando! This isn't your typical scripted performance – it's a completely unique experience crafted right before your eyes and exclusive to The Backstage. But who/what is Armando? The Armando is an improv show that bases the action […]

These three powerful women have all been members of the Blue Canvas Orchestra at one time or another and were all born and raised in the Chequamegon Bay area. For the first time they are joining forces as a trio to create a show of their original music and interpretations of familiar classics. Danielle Diamond […]

Let this team of funny people light your way to some laughs. Join us for the debut of the northwoods' newest improv group (yep, we now have three!). Look for the luminaries.

Thats right folks. It’s TWINE time! A soul captivating 5 piece band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The group is comprised of Will Effertz on electric guitar/vocals, Jon Miller-acoustic guitar/vocals, Brian (Snowman) Powers-saxophone, Scott Yonke-bass and John Hanson-drums. TWINE is known for their ability to listen to each other intently, as well as their genuine passion for […]

The title says it all and they have the lineup to make it happen. Join the BCO as they “release the hounds” in an unrestrained night of music designed to make you dance, dance, dance. In addition to “Rockin’ Molly Otis”, “Shredding James Shafstall”, “Groove master Nate Bean”, Thundering Tom Mitchell and the Hendrix style […]

Join Liz Woodworth at her white board as she breaks down Hamlet for the rest of us.  Bar opens at 4pm. 

Fast, furious, and hilarious! A night of fast paced improv games where we take audience suggestions for just about everything we do! Be prepared to laugh more than you ever have in an hour and a half.

Come join in for an old time jam! Bring your instruments and your favorite tunes to share. All skill levels welcome. Spectators welcome. Free event. Doors and bar open at 7.

We are so so proud to present this Midwestern modern-day cult classic that critics call "a comedic gem that gives a dam." Directed by Wisconsin filmmaker Mike Cheslik, Hundreds of Beavers has enjoyed festival accolades and is still making the circuit in small theaters. In this film, nearly absent of dialogue, JEAN KAYAK finds himself […]

Join us for an intimate house concert style vibe with singer, songwriter, fiddle, mandolin, guitar player Molly Otis and friends who together create a distinct sound with fresh takes on Classic Rock, Country, Bluegrass and Americana. with a twist of Celtic.

Buffalo Galaxy (Minneapolis, MN) is where heavy hitting psychedelia meets old timin’ bluegrass. Their songwriting, patience, and personalities prove they go deep!Banjo, Mandolin, Upright Bass, and Acoustic Guitar play off each other reaching both interstellar space and a universal familiarity. Their song catalog ranges from short and sweet Bill Monroe to here and now Lil […]

Join members of the BCO for a lyrical night of beauty, romance and unabashed love wrapped in a heart shaped musicbox. With songstresses Yazmin Bowers and Danielle Diamond filling the cold of this February night with song, you best be ready to melt into a puddle right then and there. Joining them will be the […]

*Valentine's Day Weekend Show* Free / 21+ Between Howls (Duluth, MN) are violinist Ren Howl & guitarist Nick Howl. The husband & wife duo’s unique blend of vocal harmonies, thoughtful lyrics and virtuosic instrumental arrangements have been drawing in audiences across the US since 2018. Nick & Ren met while attending college at the University […]

CANCELLED WEDNESDAY FEB. 18 Get up on stage or just grab a seat and listen. Join us for open mic nights every Wednesday at Big Top's new year-round venue The Backstage! Every other week we will be joined by special guest hosts, including some of your favorite Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians! Enjoy live entertainment and […]

The CBM string quartet from Chicago presents a musical journal of African-American composers representing our country’s historical eras. The concert includes works by Tom Wiggins, Florence Price, and Daniel Bernard Roumain.

Absinthe is a down-to-earth, classic Jazz & Blues cover band (with some unique originals thrown in there). The trio is comprised of Mark Rossow on vocals/jazz guitar, Adam Staupe on vocals and upright bass, and Emily Robertson on vocals. From R&B to Appalachian Bluegrass to Baroque Choral, they came together from varying genre backgrounds in […]

BINGO NIGHT at the Barrel Inn! Starts at 6:30 $2 per card Spin the wheel for a prize every round Progressive pot for black out round Bring your friends! Hosted by, the one and only, Cat!

Join us for an intimate house concert style vibe with singer, songwriter, fiddle, mandolin, guitar player Molly Otis and friends who together create a distinct sound with fresh takes on Classic Rock, Country, Bluegrass and Americana. with a twist of Celtic. Doors & Bar open at 6. Tickets $24.

Catch Low Hangin’ Fruit at The Alley from 7–10 PM—we’re bringing the beats, the attitude, and enough sass to warm up the whole bar. Show up cute, dance ugly. We won’t judge.

LONG-SHOT is an original Midwest based trio featuring Brad Long on guitar, harmonica and vocals, his twin brother Dustin Long on drums/vocals and Brian Sandstrom on upright bass. Their sound blends rock ’n’ roll, alt-country, and acoustic blues. With three albums released to date, their most recent record (2024) earned three RAMI Awards, including Album […]

Spring Fed performs March 5 at 7:30 PM in the Live in the Lounge series. Featuring a blend of funk, reggae, and blues, this group of Northwoods musicians brings laid-back energy and great live music to an intimate setting. $10 suggested donation at the door. More at bigtop.org.

Danielle Diamond and Wes-tone, each songwriters in their own original styles, have been together since 2014. With Danielle on keys and Wes on guitar and percussion, the two will tell the story of their unique relationship as partners in life and music. Blending genres of pop, Americana, and easy listening, the night will have a […]

Shake off the winter blues with Low Hangin’ Fruit!

Saltydog is a funk jam Improvisational exploration that takes the audience & band on a journey through their playfully crafted folk driven tunes inspired by the likes of everyone from The Talking Heads, The Band, those classic country and jam band staples along with everyone in between. The band spawned on the banks of Duluth’s […]

Feeling lucky, Ashland? Join us March 11th for Lucky You Bingo Night at The Sandbar. Irish themed drink specials! Wear green and get a FREE Card. We play 5-6 rounds and Black Out Grand Prize round. $2 cards. Come B4 to get a bite to eat and a seat.

North America's Number one Bon Jovi Tribute Explodes in Ashland This Year! Take a Ride from New Jersey to Wisconsin with the Magical Story and Music of one of the most Iconic bands in the world. Every Song is embedded in the History of Rock N ROLL.

Come shake a tail feather with us at Morty's in Bayfield

A joyful performance of music, songs, stories, and dance. From Irish laments to energetic reels to modern Celtic rock vibes, the band pushes traditional music with contagious beats and soaring solos. Along with great music, John Alder will spin a yarn or two into his unique tales. Let's hope he wears his green jumpsuit! Get […]

Growing up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin might not seem like the best place to hear and learn Rock n’ Roll, Soul, Funk, Jazz, Blues, and Roots, however music has a tendency to find individuals who are looking and willing to create it. Now celebrating his 30th year of playing guitar and performing, a Nick […]

Brady Dahl is an Ashland, Wisconsin native with a soulful voice, sharp guitar work, and an easygoing stage presence that pulls people in. Inspired by classic acts like The Beatles and The Band, he blends timeless rock vibes with a modern indie edge. For several years, Brady fronted The Whitecaps as lead guitarist and vocalist, […]

Laugh Effect is escaping the Bayfield Bubble and the Washburn Way and venturing on a brave journey around the peninsula. Come see the newest South Shore improv group at Lake Wind Coffee in Port Wing, Wisconsin on Friday, March 27th at 7pm for their Port Wing debut. Port Wing’s very own The Old 13 String […]

TrueGrassSouth Shore TaphouseWashburn WISaturday, March 28 20267:00 pm to 9:00 pm TrueGrass will soon be heading to one of their favorite northern venues - the South Shore Brewery & Taphouse in Washburn, Wisconsin. They’ll be celebrating the coming of spring on Saturday March 28 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Come raise a wrist along […]

The Chequamegon Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Music Director Nathan Mitchell, presents The Four Temperaments. The program features music by Jean Sibelius, Paul Hindemith, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Carl Nielsen, exploring a range of expressive orchestral styles inspired by the classic temperaments. Tickets available at the door. Website: www.chequamegonsymphony.org