Silk Jazz Festival Launches In Knoxville

WUOT | By Todd Steed

Published September 14, 2026 at 3:03 PM EDT

The first Silk Jazz Festival comes to downtown Knoxville’s Market Square on Sunday, September 27. The free, all-ages outdoor festival, runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a jazz jam session to follow.

In this conversation, Silk Jazz Festival founders and Knoxville musicians Margherita Fava, Taber Gable, and Cameron Moore discuss the idea behind the event, the local jazz community, and what listeners can expect on Market Square.

Todd Steed (who will serve as emcee) gets the scoop and more from the founders.

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Magherita Fava Taber Gable

Todd Steed

A Knoxville native, Todd is the Tuesday evening Improvisations host. He began working at WUOT in 2006 as jazz coordinator, program director and host of Studio 865/Flipside, Improvisations and Changing Course. Todd got his start in radio at WUTK, where he served as both news and music director while earning his undergraduate degree in journalism at UT. He later earned a master’s degree in education from UT and worked for several years in Programs Abroad. Todd was inducted into the East Tennessee Writer's Hall of Fame in 2023. He was also honored with the UT School of Journalism and Media2024 Alumni of the Year Award.

You can reach Todd at steed@wuot.org

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