Randy Sabien - "Listen closely to Sabien's great cascades of notes, and you will hear the grand arpeggios, broken octaves, double-stops, trills, and tremolos that have marked classical violin playing since the solo work of J.S. Bach. But that's just the starting point for Sabien's art which bristles with the spirit of bona fide jazz improvisation. Rather than simply embellishing a tune, he reconceives it, building and developing intriguing new musical motifs along the way." - Howard Reich, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Warren Nelson - Warren Nelson is one of Wisconsin's most accomplished and celebrated songwriters. He's an author, storyteller, songsmith and recording artist. Mr. Nelson received an honorary doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Superior for his contributions to the cultural life of Wisconsin and the region and was also elected a Fellow of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, recognizing his role as a folk historian/musician. He was commissioned by both the state of Wisconsin and the state of Minnesota to tell their stories during their statehood anniversary celebrations.
The Blue Canvas Orchestra - Back to the Garden, a 50th anniversary celebration of Woodstock. Curated and launched by the BCO's Corey Carlson and Severin Behnen, the program continues the Big Top Chautauqua's unique tradition of bringing together music, images and history. This program has taken its place as one of the Blue Canvas Orchestra's most popular productions.
The Chance Ensemble - Founded by cellist Ed Willett and vocalist Cheryl Leah, they coalesced in Los Angeles California, a coming together of two musicians with wildly diverse backgrounds. One of the few regularly concertizing voice and cello duos in the world, theirs is a truly rare and exciting musical experiment. Their work is intricate, strong, and undiluted. In recent years they've toured much of the U.S. as well as in Scotland with their original program entitled "John Muir - University of the Wilderness", a program which has enjoyed more than 70 performances.
Chamber Music - Ed Willett, cellist and co-founder of Willetthouse Music, worked in Los Angeles in the beginning of his career for 15 years as an orchestral and studio musician. He was a member of several symphonies in Los Angeles and has appeared in and recorded for film and television while there. Later he founded the musical ensemble "Chance" with Cheryl Leah. Currently, he divides his attention between his classical and original musical careers. For much of the last decade he's been a Musical Director and performer for one of Wisconsin's premiere music festivals, the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua.
