Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield is hosting its 39th season as the region’s premier concert series. Held since 1986, its big blue tent has attracted dozens of national acts, as well as local performers — and some who fit both categories.
One act is northwest Wisconsin comedian Mary Mack, who often mines regional humor for material in her “The Tonight Show” and “Grand Ole Opry” appearances. In addition to her solo performance, this year she’s also emceeing some shows, including one featuring “yacht rock.”
“I’m stoked to host the yacht rock concert,” she said before the July 4 weekend event. “I don’t know how to dress for it. I’m thinking of dressing like Mrs. Howell from ‘Gilligan’s Island.’”
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Big Top Chautauqua has shows and concerts scheduled through mid-September.
Mack and Big Top Executive Director Garry Schalla joined WPR’s Robin Washington on “Morning Edition” recently to talk about this summer’s upcoming lineup.
The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Robin Washington: For the national acts, there’s something of a Latin theme this year, with Los Lobos and the Buena Vista Orchestra.
Garry Schalla: Los Lobos is an amazing ethnic and rock group. But not only do we have this big national act, we’ve got an amazing regional act that’s going to be opening for them — Javier Trejo y Caballo Cósmico.
The Buena Vista Social Orchestra [includes members of] and descendants of the original Buena Vista Social Club. It’s just a joy of Cuban music and celebration.
RW: What’s the most unusual act this season? Maybe something we haven’t seen before.
GS: It would be The Pack Drumline. They’ll have a free school show, but they’re also going to do an evening event. If you’ve been to a big city and seen street drumming, you’ll love it. It’s super high-energy.
RW: You have Bonnie Raitt. She’s been here before, hasn’t she?
Mary Mack: Yes. She’s a favorite. It sold out in a couple of weeks, didn’t it, Garry?
GS: In two days.
RW: Mary, in your national act, you use a lot of Wisconsin and Minnesota humor. But I’m wondering — do those jokes play the same locally as nationally?
MM: If I go down to Arizona, I ask the audience, “Where are you from?” And everybody is from the upper Midwest. But because of how popular comedy is, I don’t have to change it up that much. I can almost do all my jokes except for the ones about Menards. And then I just change it to Home Depot.
RW: I’ve been hearing the phrase “punching above their weight” a lot lately. Does that describe what you do at Big Top?
GS: We’ve had 39 years of the Blue Canvas Orchestra. They’re experienced musicians who just live for the stage and live for providing the audience with a really amazing experience.
MM: Ed Willett, who is the musical director, used to be an L.A. studio musician. He played on the “He-Man” theme song and soundtrack. I mean, if I would have known I’d be working with the cellist from the “He-Man” theme song, I would not have even bothered with college!
RW: Thank you, Mary and Garry — and did I just say Mary and Garry? That sounds like an act right there.
GS: Let’s talk about it, Mary. I can juggle or be your straight man.
MM: You know what? Let’s make it Garry and Mary. He’s my boss. He should go first.
If you have an idea about something in northern Wisconsin you think we should talk about on Morning Edition, send it to us at northern@wpr.org.
