Went to the Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, Wisconsin to hear their “Shanties and Shipwrecks“ show with the Big Top Band. Wonderful show that repeats again on September 15th at 7:30 (www.bigtop.org.). Two of the evening‘s many highlights was baritone Phil Anich’s interpretation of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and a traditional shanty “Damn You All!”. His heartfelt singing drew you into the music immediately. His version of Gordon Lightfoot surpassed the original! 

Afterwards I went to nearby Washburn and ended up jamming with members of the Big Top‘s Blue Canvas Orchestra till closing! All spontaneous. They showed up their after the performance to relax, and just relaxed with more music! It was nice to see my old multi-instrumentalist friend Tom Draughon. It was a plesire to meet, and then play and sing along with Stevie Matier from Dublin rattling his amazing bones. What a rare and delightful evening! Visit this friendly and cozy pub if you’re ever in the area.