‘Chance’ performance comes to Harrington Arts Center

If you’ve been to Northern Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, you’ve probably heard the house band’s cellist Ed Willett and lead vocalist Cheryl Leah. They have been an integral part of the summer festival and touring company for many happy summers. Willett and Leah have played crucial roles in the production of five Big Top albums, three PBS specials, and countless Nelson/Ferris productions. Since 2008, Willett has held the position of Music Director/co-Artistic Director and while in this role helped to bring about six new Big Top house shows.

However, fortune and time constraints have dictated that it’s time for them both to move on. In addition to Willett’s former Big Top duties and touring with the Willett/Leah project “Chance” in October 2011, he became a band member with the iconic Rock/Pop singer, Rickie Lee Jones. Ms. Jones discovered Ed when “Chance” opened for her at the Big Top. A month later her manager called and invited him to join her trio.

Willett and Leah will still be writing and recording music (four albums and a DVD so far). They’ll still reside on their 20-acre songwriting haven just south of Ashland, but will be turning their attentions to touring the treasures written there. So fear not “Chance” fans! You’ll still be able to experience the amazing music you’ve come to love, and every so often, right in your own back yard.

Cheryl and Ed will be joined on Saturday by their new band, bassist Jane Aleckson and drummer Tom Mitchell, of the Blue Canvas Orchestra.

In fact, they’ll be performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Harrington Arts Center. Tickets are $15 and available at the door.

Recent credits include opening for Rickie Lee Jones, Los Lonely Boys, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Little Feat and many more. For more on “Chance” please visit: www.sonicbids.com/Chance 8.

Tags: community, entertainment, events