Chautauqua in Boulder City, Nevada, began in 1992, and continues today as an exploration and enrichment of life through three pillars of programming: education, cultural arts, and recreation. Today it is alive because of our local non-profit, but the history of the performance goes back a century.
Chautauqua began as an educational gathering, originating as an American movement in the late 1800s, providing public lectures, religious programs and concerts during the summer months. It was an adult education movement in the United States, highly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chautauqua assemblies expanded and spread throughout rural America until the mid-1920s. The Chautauqua brought entertainment and culture for the whole community, with speakers, teachers, musicians, showmen, preachers, and specialists of the day. Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was quoted as saying that Chautauqua is “the most American thing in America.”
As we know it today, we get to enjoy these creative and masterful performances, and in Boulder City, this year will be no exception.
The 2023 Boulder City Chautauqua features three fantastic musical Legends for this year’s event – Influencers of Note.
Woody Guthrie, Mama Cass Elliot, John Lennon
Friday & Saturday, October 20-21, 2023
Performance times are:
- Friday 7:00 PM – Woody Guthrie
- Saturday 2:00 PM – Mama Cass Elliot
- Saturday 7:00 PM – John Lennon
Woody Guthrie by Chautauqua scholar/actor Randy Noojin.
Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter, one of the most significant figures in American folk music. His work focused on themes of American socialism and anti-fascism. He inspired several generations both politically and musically with his songs. Guthrie wrote hundreds of country, folk, and children’s songs, along with ballads and improvised works. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Songwriters who have acknowledged Guthrie as a major influence on their work include Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Pete Seeger, Jerry Garcia, and many more.
Karen Vuranch as she portrays the legendary Sunshine Pop influencer Mama Cass Elliot.
Ellen Naomi Cohen (September 19, 1941 – July 29, 1974), known professionally as Mama Cass and later on as Cass Elliot, was an American singer and voice actress. She was a member of the singing group The Mamas & the Papas. After the group broke up, Elliot released five solo albums. In 1998, she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for her work with The Mamas & the Papas. Elliot was known for her sense of humor and optimism, and was considered by many to be the most charismatic member of The Mamas & the Papas group. Her powerful, distinctive voice was a major factor in their string of hits including: “California Dreamin’”, “Monday, Monday”, and “Words of Love”. She also performed the solo “Dream a Little Dream of Me” which the group recorded in 1968.
Randy Noojin, in his moving and provocative portrayal of John Lennon.
John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who achieved worldwide fame as founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. Lennon’s work was characterized by the rebellious nature and acerbic wit of his music, writing and drawings, on film, and in interviews. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful in history.
FEATURING AGAIN THIS YEAR – Pre-Show Dinner Special at the Boulder Creek Grill, adjacent to the Pavilion.
TICKETS AVAILABLE IN PERSON:
At the following locations: :
Ace Hardware, 541 Nevada Way;
Boulder Dam Hotel, 1305 Arizona Street;
BC Chamber of Commerce, 100 Nevada Way (check or cash only please at these locations)
OR – Tickets available on-line @ bcchautauqua.org
