Neighborhood Housing Services of Southwest Wisconsin, WRCO-AM-FM Radio, major and community partners will welcome and present the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua for an eighth consecutive annual performance. The Blue Canvas Orchestra and Special Guests will perform their production of Big Top Opry in Richland Center on Saturday, April 9, starting at 7:30 p.m. on the stage of the Richland High School auditorium.
Relive the heydays of the Grand Ole’ Opry with music from the hit makers of the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. The Blue Canvas Orchestra will recreate the songs of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and The Carter Family, plus many more familiar songs. Travel back to that simpler time with songs like “You Are My Sunshine,” “Green Green Grass of Home,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “Daddy Sang Bass.” Enjoy a night at the Grand Ole’ Opry, Big Top Chautauqua-style!
Sherry Klatt, NHS of Southwest Wisconsin Board Member and Fundraising Committee Chair, Judy Dutton and Leonard Frye, Fundraising committee members and representatives from the Richland County Veterans Honor Roll, and Sue Klingaman from GRACE are very excited to bring this very popular show to Richland Center.
Klatt says, “Each year we are making more friends and building our partnerships and community from the energy of the people of southwest Wisconsin who love the Big Top performances, many of whom attend every year.”
Now in its eighth year, with big to sold out audiences on their feet every year and over $70,000 reinvested in the community in the first seven years, Richland Center has become much like the ‘Big Top of Southern Wisconsin’ because of the exceptional fan interest and the hard teamwork of event partners and the great generosity of sponsors.
This year net proceeds will help GRACE, the Richland School District Foundation, the Richland County Veterans Honor Roll, and NHS of Southwest Wisconsin.
NHS representatives say, “Together we are ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ raising critical funding, building community and providing a regional arts and educational event of the highest quality anywhere.”
The pre-event is a free-to-the-public community building event (a ticket isn’t required) from 5:30-7:30. It will be featured in the atrium outside of the Richland Center High School auditorium. Informational tables for NHS, Big Top Chautauqua, GRACE, the Richland County Veterans Honor Roll, and other community organizations will be featured. Other business information and displays will be provided and announced.
Inside doors to the auditorium will open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show. Persons with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to attend and utilize the auditorium’s unique high- quality accessibility seating areas, with volunteers ready to assist!
Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door and are available next week in Richland Center at the Richland Center Shopping News, Gordy’s Market, Walsh’s Ace Hardware and at the Viroqua Food Co-op. *On the reverse side of each ticket Big Top Chautauqua fans are treated to a thank you recognition coupon from Culver’s of Richland Center, good for a FREE 2 scoop sundae with the purchase of a 2 scoop sundae. Tickets can also be purchased via credit card by calling Toll Free 888-244-8368 or online at www.bigtop.org
NHS of Southwest Wisconsin will continue to lead a community sponsorship tax-deductible contribution campaign. To become a sponsor call 608-647-4949 and ask for Bill or Corrina.
