What is the alliance?

The Ashwabay Alliance was created to bring together the organizations that care for some of Bayfield’s most important cultural and recreational spaces.

For decades, Mount Ashwabay has provided outdoor adventure while venues like Big Top Chautauqua have built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most unique music destinations. By connecting these efforts, the Alliance creates a stronger future for both the mountain and the arts community.

Our Mission

To support and sustain the outdoor recreation and cultural venues that define the Bayfield experience.

Our Vision

A thriving Mount Ashwabay paired with vibrant music and arts venues, creating a year-round destination where nature, creativity, and community come together.

Our Venues & Recreation Spaces

Big Top Chautauqua

Big Top Chautauqua is a nationally recognized music and performance venue located at the base of Mt. Ashwabay near Bayfield, Wisconsin. Known for its iconic blue tent, Big Top hosts touring artists, original productions, and community events that celebrate the culture, music, and stories of the Lake Superior region.

Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation

Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area is a year round outdoor destination overlooking Lake Superior near Bayfield. In the winter it offers downhill skiing and Nordic trails, while the warmer months bring trail running, mountain biking, hiking, and community events that connect people with the outdoors.

StageNorth

StageNorth is an intimate indoor performance venue operated by Big Top Chautauqua, designed to bring live music, theater, and entertainment to the Northland in a welcoming, close-up setting. Located near Mt. Ashwabay, the venue allows audiences to experience performances year-round while surrounded by the natural beauty of the South Shore, expanding Big Top’s lineup of concerts, cultural programming, and community gatherings.

The Backstage

The BackStage is Big Top Chautauqua’s intimate indoor venue that hosts smaller concerts, storytelling events, and special performances throughout the year. It offers a cozy setting where audiences can experience live entertainment up close while still enjoying the spirit and creativity Big Top is known for.

Our Team

Garry Schalla

Executive Director

Sarah Lewis

Director of Operations

Doug Olson

Recreation Program Director

Jackie Moore

Director of Advancement

Darcy Schwerin

Marketing Program Director

Ashley Georgeson

Accounts Manager

Joe Van Der Puy

Facilities Technician

Zoe Blackman

Talent Director

Steve Norwick

Production manager

Liesl Settgas

Stage manager

Drew Kenny

Creative Media Specialist

Our Board of Directors

Keith Kylmala

President

Owner; Kylmala Truss

Chuck Finn

Vice President

Professor; State University of New York (retired)

Dominic Papatola

Secretary

Regional Director; Otto Bremer Trust

Jim Miller

Treasurer

College Enrollment Consultant & Former President; National Association for College Admission Counseling

John Gerzina

Board Member

Architect/Owner; DSGW Architects

Mark Ehlers

Board Member

Partner; Ehlers & Pierce CPAs (semi-retired)

Carol "Coke" Lindsey

Board Member

Owner & Engineer; Ashland Industries (retired)

John Thiel

Board Member

Owner; Howl Adventure Center

Kyle Ellefson

Board Member

Vice President; Northern State Bank

Scott Griffiths

Board Member

Co Owner of The Rhythm Reference Project

Cara Overland

Board Member

Overland Agency-American Family Insurance

Chris Basina

Board Member

Chef

Our Partners & Supporters

Community of Stars

Supernova - $25,000 & Up

Guiding Star - $10,000 -$24,999

Shooting Star - $5,000-$9,999

Shining Star - $2,500-$4,999

Rising Star - $1,000-$2,499

Twinkle Star - $500-$999

Blue canvas Club Members

$150 & Up Donations

Our History

1948 – Mt. Ashwabay Established

Mt. Ashwabay was established as a small alpine ski hill serving the communities of Ashland, Washburn, and Bayfield. The hill quickly became a winter gathering place for local families and outdoor enthusiasts.

1970s – Nordic Trails Added

Mt. Ashwabay expanded its recreation offerings by adding Nordic ski trails, transforming the hill into a broader outdoor recreation destination with cross-country skiing opportunities.

1986 – Big Top Chautauqua Opens

A permanent tent theater opened near Mt. Ashwabay, launching what became the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. The 900-seat blue canvas tent quickly became one of the Midwest’s most unique summer music venues, hosting artists like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Emmylou Harris.

2019 – Big Top Year-Round Vision Begins

Planning began to expand programming beyond the summer tent season, leading to indoor venues and partnerships that would support year-round music and arts.

 

2022 – The Backstage Opens​

The Backstage opened to provide a small indoor venue for concerts and community events, allowing programming to continue outside the summer tent season.

 

2025 – StageNorth Joins The Ashwabay Alliance

StageNorth first opened in 2001 in Washburn as a small community theater, later relocating in 2007 to a new purpose-built facility overlooking Lake Superior. Founded by local creatives and built with strong community involvement, the 150-seat venue quickly became a staple of the South Shore arts scene, hosting live music, theater, and performances in an intimate setting. Today, under the operation of Big Top Chautauqua, StageNorth continues to serve as a year-round extension of the region’s performing arts presence, connecting local talent and touring acts with audiences in the Bayfield area. 

2025 - Four Venue Ecosystem

The Alliance now supports programming across four locations:

Mt. Ashwabay, outdoor recreation and education
Big Top Chautauqua, large summer concert venue
StageNorth, performing arts venue in Washburn
The Backstage, intimate indoor music venue