Hailed by Christopher Weingarten of Rolling Stone Magazine as: "the most ambitious avant-garde festival to emerge in America in more than a decade" and praised by Philip Glass as a "tremendous experience", Knoxville's own Big Ears Festival is gearing up for another weekend of incredible music, art exhibitions, film screenings, and more.
The term "big ears" refers to someone who has the ability to hear things many may miss; someone who is capable of discerning and perceptive listening. The Big Ears Festival aims to introduce audiences to new and exciting music, performances, workshops and discussions. The goal is not only to entertain, but also to awaken and inspire the creative spirit in all of us.
Past years' lineups have featured well-known composers: Terry Riley, Philip Glass, and Steve Reich, in addition to Bryce Dessner of The National, Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead, and John Cale of The Velvet Underground, among many others. This year's Artist-in-Residence is the legendary Kronos Quartet, considered the most celebrated new music ensemble in the world.
The Big Ears Festival takes place in various venues throughout downtown Knoxville, over a 3-day weekend. This year, the dates are March 27th through the 29th.
This week, founder of the festival Ashley Capps, came in to talk with Morning Concert host, Melony Dodson, about this year's exciting lineup, some surprises that may be in store, and a little bit about the festival in general.
