Martin Sexton & KT Tunstall

Blue Canvas Club pre-sale begins Tue, Jan 31, 2023 - 12:00pm CT
General Public sale begins Tue, Feb 7, 2023 - 12:00pm CT

Still fiercely independent and headlining venues across the county, Martin Sexton has influenced a generation of contemporary artists. His songs have appeared in television series such as Scrubs, Parenthood, Masters of Sex, Sprung, and in numerous films, though it's his incendiary live show, honest lyrics, and vocal prowess that keep fans coming back for a new experience every time. The singer/songwriter is like an ultra-active antenna, adventuring through the static to grab a clear signal. When he dials in on one station, he then quickly shifts to the next one. His ever-shifting focus manifests itself in his freewheeling musicality. He nurtures his critically acclaimed trademark aesthetic by embracing soul, folk, blues, rock, pop, and sweet balladry. His return to touring with what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice,” acoustic guitar, and a suitcase full of heartfelt songs, will support his latest release, produced by 3-time Grammy nominee John Alagia, 2020 Vision. His first release in 6 years, the EP serves as a poetically emotive and elegantly evocative pandemic scrapbook, while showcasing Sexton’s ability to home in on little defining moments. Sexton’s stated mission continues to be unity through music with a commitment to sharing peace and harmony through song.

The leadoff single, “Hold On,” brims with soul guitar fixings, punchy horns, and a touching narrative of the simple pleasures of spending time with loved ones. “Calling On America,” follows in the grand tradition of tender R&B cultural commentary epitomized by soul poets like Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye. It’s a scene-setting song panning through visual vignettes of love and harmony while also contemplating division. The song’s purposeful messaging goes down smooth with folksy acoustic guitar, gospel-tinged organ playing, pining pedal steel, and Martin’s trademark honeyed vocals. “Calling On America” is further enhanced by John Mayer on electric guitar - a lyrical but fleet-fingered statement that hits that sweet spot between blues and country. The EP is rounded out by the impressionistic folk song, “Riding Through The Rain,” and the James Taylor-esque, “Penny from the Land of Plenty,” a powerful and hopeful statement on the opioid epidemic. 2020 Vision continues Sexton’s stated mission to be unity through music with a commitment to sharing peace and harmony through song.



KT Tunstall has never been one for creative stasis. The Grammy nominated singer/songwriter burst onto the music scene with the 2004 release of her multi-platinum debut album, Eye to the Telescope. The album went on to sell over 5 million copies and spawned multiple global hits including “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See.” These songs, paired with her pioneering looping skills, established Tunstall as a captivating and dynamic must see performer, as well as a songwriter with a singular knack for balancing introspective folk and propulsive rock.

KT followed up her early success with 2007’s Drastic Fantastic, 2010’s Tiger Suit, and 2013’s Invisible Empire//Crescent Moon, keeping the platinum sales rolling and cementing the Scottish singer-songwriter’s reputation as a major recording artist, as well as a mesmerizing live artist. Following a period of healing, soul-searching, and a change of scenery, 2016 hailed the arrival of the first of a trilogy of albums that evoke, separately and in sequence, spirit, body and mind. With 2016’s KIN being her phoenix- from-the-ashes 'spirit' album, 2018’s WAX served as the body, with its first single “The River,” being named one of Rolling Stone’s “Song’s You Need To Know.” Her latest release NUT is the mind record and serves the culmination of the seven-year project.

Tunstall has had an accomplished career. She was the UK’s top selling female artist in 2005, won the 2006 Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist, landed a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal performance with “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,” and was awarded the Ivor Novello Best Song award and Q Award for Track of the Year with “Suddenly I See.”

Ticket Options

Lawn/Grounds Pass (Outside/Uncovered)

• General admission access to grounds. Seating is not provided by the venue. BYO chair or blanket. Weather may impact sight lines. No access to tent seating.

Reserved Seating (Inside/Covered)

• Includes seating provided by the venue inside the tent and covered by structure. Available seating options include 1st tier, 2nd tier, box seating, and table seating.

Ticketing Policies & Fees

*Plus applicable taxes and fees

• 5.5% State and local sales tax
• $3 Facility Fee per ticket (facility fee is used for tent, building, and grounds needs)
• 2% Handling Fee per order, up to a maximum of $8
• "All-In Gate Pricing" Purchases at the gate (totaled with taxes and fees) will be rounded up to the nearest dollar to expedite the line
• No refunds or exchanges for any shows

Ticket holders and attendees are subject the following conditions:

• Attendees grant unrestricted rights & licenses for use of their likeness in any form of public broadcast and production, and for promotional purposes.
• Big Top Chautauqua reserves the right to refuse admission or evict anyone from the venue premises due to disorderly behavior without issuing a refund.
• Big Top Chautauqua reserves the right to search all persons, packages, bags, and other items entering venue grounds and/or other properties owned by Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. The safety of our guests, volunteers, staff, and artists are top priority.
• All venue policies and procedures are subject to change without notice.

Make an annual donation of $125 or more and receive exclusive access to ticket pre-sales, usually a week before the general public. Learn more about the Blue Canvas Club HERE