The Big Ears Festival is an annual music festival held in Knoxville, Tennessee, featuring a diverse lineup of musical acts, including indie rock, classical music, contemporary classical music, alternative rock, minimalist music, jazz, metal, electronica, pop, drone, avant-garde, and ambient. The festival is created and produced by AC Entertainment, and it brings together both iconic trailblazers and young iconoclast performers.
The programming at Big Ears Festival transcends generation and genre, sometimes blending classical and contemporary composition, jazz, rock, folk traditions from throughout the world, and beyond. The festival’s lineup and performances aim to showcase music that is experimental, unique, and often not showcased in other mainstream music festivals.
Fans of all genres and styles of music are sure to find something to enjoy at Big Ears Festival.
History Of Big Ears Festival
The Big Ears Festival, created by AC Entertainment, is an annual music event that takes place in Knoxville, Tennessee. The festival lineup features a diverse range of genres, including indie rock, classical music, contemporary classical music, alternative rock, minimalist music, jazz, metal, and electronica, among others.
Foundation And Early Years
The Big Ears Festival is a renowned annual music festival held in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was started in 2009 by the production company AC Entertainment. Initially, the festival was aimed at promoting classical music and bringing it to a more mainstream audience. However, it quickly diversified and expanded to include alternative, jazz, rock, ambient, and other genres. The festival’s early years were marked by experimentation and a willingness to take risks, which set it apart from other festivals.
Growth And Popularity
The Big Ears Festival quickly gained popularity among music lovers and critics alike, both in the United States and internationally. Over time, it also expanded to include more venues and performances. The festival’s growth was due in part to its ability to attract big-name artists such as Laurie Anderson, Herbie Hancock, and John Paul Jones, as well as up-and-coming indie acts. Additionally, the festival’s dedication to presenting experimental and avant-garde music, combined with its Knoxville location, gave it a unique identity.
Current Status
Now in its twelfth year, the Big Ears Festival continues to draw crowds from all over the world. While the festival has faced challenges in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has adapted by offering virtual performances and other online content. Despite these hurdles, the festival remains committed to presenting cutting-edge, boundary-pushing music. With its blend of classical and contemporary sounds, the Big Ears Festival continues to be one of the most exciting and innovative music festivals in the world.
Genres Featured At Big Ears Festival
Big Ears Festival lineup features a diverse array of genres, including indie rock, classical music, contemporary classical music, alternative rock, minimalist music, jazz, metal, electronica and more. The festival takes place annually in Knoxville, Tennessee and showcases a range of musicians from iconic trailblazers to young iconoclasts.
Classical Music
The Big Ears Festival in Austin, Texas showcases all things music, including classical music. Fans of classical music should not miss this festival, as it features performances from some of the best contemporary and classical musicians in the world.
Contemporary Classical Music
Contemporary classical music is also a prominent genre at the Big Ears Festival. This festival brings together both classical and experimental music in a way that appeals to fans of both genres. If you’re a fan of contemporary classical music, then the Big Ears Festival is a must-see event.
Alternative And Indie Rock
The Big Ears Festival also features performances from well-known alternative and indie rock musicians. These artists bring their unique style and sound to the festival and make it an unforgettable experience for music fans in attendance. Be sure to check out the lineup to see which alternative and indie rock musicians are performing at this year’s event.
Metal
If you’re a fan of metal music, then the Big Ears Festival has something for you too. The festival brings together some of the best metal bands from around the world, so you can catch your favorite acts live in concert.
Jazz
Jazz music is another major genre at the Big Ears Festival. The festival features performances from both established jazz musicians and up-and-coming artists who are pushing the genre forward. Jazz fans should not miss out on this incredible festival.
Electronica
Electronic music fans will love the Big Ears Festival’s electronica performances. The festival features artists who are pushing the boundaries of electronic music and experimenting with new sounds. If you’re a fan of electronica, then this festival is a must-attend event.
Folk Traditions
The Big Ears Festival also showcases music from around the world, including traditional folk music from various cultures. This genre adds a unique and diverse element to the festival, giving attendees an opportunity to experience the art and music of other cultures.
Big Ears Festival Lineup 2022
The Big Ears Festival is a one-of-a-kind music festival that brings together classical and contemporary compositions, jazz, rock, folk traditions, pop, and experimental music in a unique setting. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet, with an incredible lineup of musicians from around the world.
Thursday Lineup
- Adrianne Lenker – American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her work with the band Big Thief
- Herbie Hancock – American pianist and composer considered one of the most influential figures in jazz
- Lauren Anderson – American avant-garde musician and experimental artist known for her work with the violin and electronic media
Friday Lineup
- Paul Jones – American saxophonist known for his work with the legendary jazz ensemble, the Sun Ra Arkestra
- John Paul – American musician and composer known for his work with the post-rock band, Slint
- Ashley Capps – American concert promoter and co-founder of AC Entertainment, the producer of the Big Ears Festival
Saturday Lineup
- Big Ears Festival – This collective ensemble brings together some of the festival’s most talented musicians to create a unique performance experience
- The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain – An orchestra composed of young musicians from across the UK, dedicated to promoting classical music to younger audiences
- Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Festival – An annual music festival in Florida that combines music with environmental activism and marine conservation
Sunday Lineup
- Classical Music and Contemporary Jazz Ensemble – This ensemble of classically trained musicians will be performing contemporary jazz compositions in a unique and innovative way
- Jazz Band of America – A high school jazz band that promotes jazz education and performance for young musicians across the United States
- Metallica – One of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time, known for their intense live performances and groundbreaking albums
These are just a few of the amazing musicians that will be performing at this year’s Big Ears Festival. From classical music to avant-garde experimentation, there’s something for everyone at this incredible musical extravaganza.
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Highlights Of Big Ears Festival Lineup
The Big Ears Festival Lineup features a diverse mix of genres, including classical, contemporary, jazz, rock, and electronica music. The lineup showcases iconic musicians and exciting young talents who perform and blend different genres to create a unique musical experience.
The Big Ears Festival, held annually in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers a unique experience with its diverse music genres, making it an attraction for music lovers worldwide. This festival is not limited to classical music and instead brings together a mix of iconic trailblazers, emerging artists, experimental, and contemporary compositions. We take a closer look at some of the highlights of the Big Ears Festival lineup through the following H3 headings in HTML syntax.
Iconic Trailblazers
The Big Ears Festival 2021 lineup includes some of the most iconic musicians in the industry. Herbie Hancock, Laurie Anderson, and the festival’s artist-in-residence Patti Smith will grace the stage with their performances. You can also expect to see John Paul Jones, bassist and keyboardist of Led Zeppelin, and the avant-garde jazz pianist, Vijay Iyer. These artists have inspired generations and continue to reign supreme with their timeless soundscapes.
Young And Emerging Artists
The Big Ears Festival lineup also shines a light on young and emerging artists. With performers like Adrianne Lenker and Moses Sumney, the festival features fresh talent and groundbreaking sounds. You can’t afford to miss the performances of Jennifer Koh, a virtuoso violinist, and Rafiq Bhatia, a young guitarist and composer who blends jazz, rock, and experimental music with his unique sound.
Classical And Contemporary Compositions
The festival explores the intersections of classical and contemporary compositions with performances from the Colin Stetson Ex Eye ensemble, Alarm Will Sound, and Mivos Quartet. The festival boasts compositions that create unique soundscapes from the works of Bach to Beethoven, which harmoniously blend with contemporary sounds from modern composers like Nico Muhly.
Experimental Music
The festival is a hub of experimental music that pushes the boundaries of sound and performance. With acts like the Japanese avant-garde/noise musician, Merzbow, and the improvisational group, the Necks, the festival seeks to broaden our understanding and appreciation for experimental music. The festival also features the experimental electronic duo Mouse on Mars and Sun Ra’s Arkestra, which blends Afrofuturism with cosmic jazz. In short, the Big Ears Festival lineup is a melting pot of musical genres and styles that cater to different audiences’ interests. It brings together iconic trailblazers and young emerging artists who perform classical and contemporary compositions alongside experimental sounds. It is an event you do not want to miss.
Big Ears Festival Locations
The Big Ears Festival takes place in various locations in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Its lineup goes beyond classical music, featuring artists that blend different genres such as jazz, rock, folk, and pop, among others. Explore the festival’s lineup on their website.
The Big Ears Festival is a unique music festival that takes place in Knoxville, Tennessee. It features a diverse lineup of musicians who perform in various locations throughout the city.
Downtown Knoxville
The heart of the Big Ears Festival is downtown Knoxville. This is where most of the performances take place, and it’s where you’ll find numerous venues hosting concerts simultaneously. Among these venues are the Tennessee Theatre and the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
Tennessee Theatre
The Tennessee Theatre is a historic venue that dates back to 1928. It has played host to numerous musical acts over the years, and it’s a popular spot for Big Ears performances. The theater has a stunning interior and acoustics that are second to none, making it a perfect choice for the festival’s lineup of classical and contemporary musicians.
Knoxville Civic Auditorium
The Knoxville Civic Auditorium is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, just a short walk from the Tennessee Theatre. It’s a modern venue with a capacity of over 2,500, making it one of the largest spaces available for Big Ears performances. The auditorium has hosted a variety of events over the years, including concerts, conventions, and sporting events.
Whether you’re visiting Knoxville for the first time or you’re a local looking to experience the best music the city has to offer, the Big Ears Festival is an event that shouldn’t be missed. With performances taking place in some of the city’s best venues, you’re sure to have a great time no matter where you go.
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Big Ears Festival: More Than Just Music
If you think the Big Ears Festival is all about music, then you are in for a surprise. The festival is much more than that. The organizers go out of their way to ensure that attendees have a truly enriching experience and leave the festival with a broader perspective on music and culture.
Art Installations
Big Ears Festival features a range of captivating art installations every year. You can expect to see some stunning visual art pieces that blur the boundaries between art and music. The installations are curated to complement the music performances and provide festival-goers with a multi-sensory experience. From murals to sculptures, there is a lot to admire and appreciate at the festival.
Film Screenings
The festival also offers a diverse range of film screenings, showcasing avant-garde, experimental, and documentary films. You can catch some rare and unique films that explore the intersection of music and the visual arts. The films are carefully selected to offer festival-goers an insight into the creative process of the musicians and artists performing at the festival.
Panel Discussions And Workshops
Big Ears Festival provides a platform for engaging discussions and workshops on a variety of topics pertaining to music, culture, and art. These sessions offer an opportunity for attendees to interact with artists, performers, and industry professionals. The discussions and workshops cover a range of topics, from music theory to the role of technology in music production. You can expect to gain fresh insights and perspectives on music and culture.
Overall, the Big Ears Festival is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience music beyond just the confines of conventional genres and styles. With its diverse range of art installations, film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops, the festival offers a truly immersive and enriching experience for all attendees.
Ticket Information And Booking
Experience a diverse range of music genres at the Big Ears Festival Lineup in Knoxville, Tennessee, featuring classical, alternative, minimalist, jazz, metal, electronica and more. Book your tickets now to join iconic performers and cutting-edge artists for a weekend of unforgettable live music.
If you’re looking for a music festival that transcends genres and generations, the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee is where you need to be. Created and produced by AC Entertainment, this annual event brings together iconic trailblazers and young iconoclasts from around the world to perform classical and contemporary composition, jazz, rock, folk traditions and much more. It’s not just about music, it’s about the culture and artistry that each artist brings with them. With so many talented performers on the lineup, you definitely don’t want to miss out.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the Big Ears Festival vary depending on the type of pass you purchase. A weekend pass grants access to all festival events from Thursday to Sunday, while a day pass grants access to one day of events. Prices for the 2021 festival range from $125 for a day pass to $350 for a weekend pass, with VIP options available at a higher cost. It’s important to note that prices do increase the closer it gets to the festival, so it’s best to book your tickets as soon as possible.
Membership Discounts
If you’re a member of AC Entertainment, you can enjoy an exclusive discount on your Big Ears Festival tickets. Members receive a 10% discount on all passes, including VIP options. Being a member not only gives you the opportunity to save money on tickets, but also access to exclusive events and pre-sales for other festivals and concerts throughout the year. It’s definitely worth becoming a member if you plan on attending multiple events in the future.
How To Book
Booking your tickets for the Big Ears Festival is easy – just head to their website and select the type of pass you want. You can choose to have your passes shipped to you or select an e-ticket option. It’s important to note that all sales are final, so make sure you choose the correct pass type and date when purchasing. Once your order is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your purchase. Don’t forget to book early to lock in the best prices and avoid any last-minute stress. In conclusion, the Big Ears Festival is a must-attend event for music lovers from all walks of life. With so many talented performers and a variety of events to choose from, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Book your tickets now to secure your spot at this year’s festival.
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Frequently Asked Questions Of Big Ears Festival Lineup
Is The Big Ears Festival Only Classical Music?
No, the Big Ears Festival features a variety of genres including classical and contemporary composition, jazz, rock, folk traditions, pop, drone, avant-garde, ambient and more, blending both iconic and young performers.
Does The Big Ears Festival Feature Experimental Music?
Yes, the Big Ears Festival features experimental music, as well as a mix of classical music, contemporary composition, jazz, rock, folk traditions from around the world, pop, drone, avant-garde, ambient, and more.
What Are Big Ears?
Big ears are ears with a size greater than what would correspond in relation to the skull and the face of an individual. They are ears with a natural shape and correct position, but have an abnormal dimension disproportionate to the patient’s head.
Where Is Big Ears?
Big Ears is the name of an annual music festival created and produced by AC Entertainment, held in Knoxville, Tennessee. The festival features performances from various genres such as classical music, contemporary classical music, minimalist music, metal, electronica, jazz, alternative rock, and more, and the lineup includes both iconic trailblazers and young iconoclasts.
Conclusion
Experience the unforgettable musical journey and immerse yourself in the diverse genres offered by the Big Ears Festival lineup. From classical to metal and everything in between, this festival promises to transcend boundaries and bring together legendary performers and up-and-coming talent.
Embrace the unfamiliar and discover new sounds as you lose yourself in the captivating atmosphere of this annual music festival. With its unique programming and exceptional lineup, the Big Ears Festival guarantees an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after it ends.
