Big Ears Festival returns to Knoxville, Tennesseethis spring for its tenth edition and organizers have announced the majority of musical artists that will grace stages across the city over the three-day event.
The more than 200 concerts, which run from March 30 to April 2, feature a wide range of musical styles and other artistic displays. Additionally, there are pop-up events, exhibits, movie screenings, literary readings, workshops, and conversations at the festival.
The historic Tennessee Theatre and Bijou Theatre, as well as churches, renovated warehouse spaces, museums, bars, and other locations, all host performances. The majority of the events will take place right in the heart of downtown, and the festival offers a special trolley service to transport attendees between sites.
Following two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event resumed in 2022. The 2022 edition featured Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Patti Smith. Wilco, Sons of Kemet, St. Vincent, John Luther Adams, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and countless other artists have performed in the past.
According to a study by AngelouEconomics, the 2022 event boosted Knoxville’s economy by $36 million and generated $2,627,303 in more municipal, county, and state tax revenue. According to the data, over 72% of participants came from outside the city, including 47 states and 16 different countries.
As “the widest-angle music festival in the country, crossing the spaces between the classical tradition, improvised music, electronics, and guitars,” the New York Times characterised Big Ears Festival in 2016 It was dubbed “the most open-minded music gathering in the country” by The New Yorker’s Alex Ross.
Ashley Capps, the CEO of AC Entertainment, launched the event in 2009, and according to its website, it is “a unique festival experience that explores links between musicians and artists, seamlessly breaking the borders.”
Big Ears Festival 2023 Lineup
View this post on Instagram
