DULUTH September 6-7, 2023—Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra and Mick Sterling will be the featured performers at an expanded, two-night recognition of the Duluth Bethel’s 150th birthday and the Concert for Recovery, a celebration of mental health and recovery from substance abuse disorders sponsored by the Bethel and supporters.
The two free events coincide with National Recovery Month in September. As it celebrates 150 years of service to the Twin Ports region, the Duluth Bethel Society, as it is formally known, is one of the longest-serving human-service agencies in the Northland.
The celebration starts at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 in Symphony Hall of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center with Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra performing a show of music and visuals created to recognize Lake Superior history and 150 years of the Bethel. Symphony Hall doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
With a backdrop of historical images from the Bethel and the Twin Ports, the Bayfield-based ensemble will perform new music written to honor the Bethel and its place in the Northland, starting in 1871 when missionaries sent from the Western Seamen’s Friend Society of Cleveland came to the port to minister to the Great Lakes sailors and all others who would listen. Their work culminated in the Bethel’s incorporation Sept. 6, 1873.
One night after the Big Top performance, on Sept. 7, the Mick Sterling Tribute Show will perform a concert starting at 8:30 p.m. in Bayfront Festival Park. Sterling is a Twin Cities musical icon whose songs range from soul to rock and blues. In 40 years of appearing on stages across the Midwest, his shows honor the artists that influenced him and regularly play to large crowds. Guitarist and vocalist Tommy Wotruba will open for Sterling at 6:30 p.m. Bayfront gates open at 5:30 p.m.
As part of the Bethel’s 150th anniversary, both shows will be free and open to the public. Support from generous donors, sponsors and attendees will allow the public to enjoy both performances at no charge. Attendees can simply arrive at Symphony Hall and Bayfront on the nights of the performances. Attendance will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
“We are thrilled to have Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra and Mick Sterling as our premier performers this year,” Bethel Executive Director Dennis Cummings said. “We are fortunate to have tremendous support and services for recovery and mental health in our region. Three years ago, we started the Concert for Recovery to honor that and spread the word, especially to those in need. This year, we’re proud to expand the Concert for Recovery to celebrate recovery and the Bethel’s 150th anniversary.”
Cummings thanked sponsors, including media sponsor WDIO/WIRT-TV. Though both performances will be free, attendees will have the opportunity to donate to the Bethel and the Concert for Recovery at these two community events.
For the latest information, please check the Bethel’s website and social media profiles, linked from the site. To inquire about sponsorship or donation opportunities, please contact us.
News coverage of the concerts announcement: