If you are looking for some entertainment in a less-than-crowded setting and want to be outdoors, I have just the place in mind. Check out the Big Top Chautauqua (Shat-ta-qwa) south of Bayfield in northern Wisconsin.

Every spring the Big Top canvas tent is raised with the help of staff and many volunteers. The Big Top is a huge circus-size tent. It houses a stage and seating for 900 folks. The tent is located at the bottom of an old ski hill in the north woods setting.

Throughout the summer concerts are held under the Big Top tent with a variety of musicians and actors eager to share their tunes and talents. Entertainers and guests alike always appear to thoroughly enjoy the up close and personal setting.

I personally like being able to enjoy great entertainment without the hassles of too many people. Enjoying a concert in the outdoors is always much more pleasant and relaxing, especially when the evenings are cool and located far away from the big city.

Locals and tourists can enjoy songs from musicians such as the Oak Ridge boys, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Arlo Guthrie. Garrison Keillor and Michael Feldman appear from time to time to entertain with their stories and talk show entertainment.

My favorite concert was performed by the Different Drums of Ireland. This band, all the way from Ireland, plays amazing music with their mix of drums, flutes and bagpipes. A must see for everyone.

Each week Tent Show Radio broadcasts a live performance from the Big Top Chautauqua. This show is aired on public radio stations throughout the country. This year, author Michael Perry from Wisconsin started to host the weekly show.

The Big Top Chautauqua is a great place to spend an evening with family or friends while listening to your favorite band or performer. There is entertainment several nights a week throughout the summer.

By mid September, the tent is taken down and put away until the following spring when a new season of entertainment will begin.