Imagine, if you will: A modest, intimate music festival in which interesting musicians and artists all come together to perform in gorgeous, historic theaters in a small, yet quaint city in the Southeastern U.S.
It sounds like a welcome respite from massive (yet quality) U.S. festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. Fortunately for all of us, such a festival already exists. Big Ears, a music festival based out of Knoxville, Tennessee, premiered last year and attracted major media attention from the likes of the New York Times and Pitchfork. Understandably so, considering the founder of the festival is also responsible for the much-anticipated Bonnaroo festival every year in Manchester, TN. Last year, Big Ears hosted an impressive line-up of artists such as Antony and the Johnsons, composer Philip Glass, and electronic acts such as Matmos, Dan Deacon, and Fennesz.
Today, Big Ears announced a rather diverse line-up, which includes Vampire Weekend, Joanna Newsom, St. Vincent, Andrew W.K., The xx, Nico Muhly, DJ/Rupture, My Brightest Diamond, jj, The Ex, Javelin, Gang Gang Dance, and more. American composer Terry Riley has been attached to the festival as an artist-in-residence.
Mark your calendars: the dates are March 26, 27, and 28 of next year. Follow the Big Ears Festival Twitter page for ticket sale info and news on more artists, expected to be announced later.
