Results for "Knoxville"

Big Ears Festival 2024

by Mark Sullivan
April 1, 2024

Big Ears Festival Knoxville, TN March 21-24, 2024 After last year's triumphant tenth anniversary, the festival returned with the slogan “The adventure continues." The iconic and influential Nonesuch Records' 60th anniversary was celebrated with performances by Brad Mehldau, Caroline Shaw, Darcy James Argue, Mary Halvorson, Davóne Tines, Sam Amidon, Hurray for the ...

Makaya McCraven: In The Moment to In These Times

by Rob Garratt
June 13, 2023

Makaya McCraven needs a coffee--fast. It's 4pm and he's crashing. It will be his third of the day. His first caffeine hit, consumed on stage six hours earlier, was a chemical necessity; McCraven was drinking at a nearby Irish pub until the early hours and nearly missed his early morning panel talk appearance alongside fellow percussion ...

Big Ears Festival 2023

by Mark Sullivan
April 17, 2023

Big Ears Festival Knoxville, Tennesse March 30-April 2, 2023 The second full edition after the pandemic found the Big Ears Festival still growing in attendance. Organizers responded by increasing the number of venues, including new ones like the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and ones that had not been used for some time, ...

Big Ears Festival 2022

by Mark Sullivan
April 5, 2022

Big Ears Festival Knoxville, TN March 24-27, 2022 The Big Ears Festival found ways to continue virtually during the pandemic—most notably by sponsoring the Norwegian Digital Jazz Festival—but there is no substitute for the big glorious eclectic event that is the in-person festival. Past festivals have usually opened with a big kickoff ...

Don Wood

Born: November 4, 1963

The Bad Plus at Bijou Theatre

by Mark Sullivan
December 18, 2020

The Bad Plus Bijou Theatre From Big Ears, Part 2 Knoxville, TN December 4, 2020 The Bad Plus kicked off the virtual concert series “Sites & Sounds from Big Ears" with their October 9th concert streamed from Knoxville's historic Bijou Theatre. This second installment began with a point of view ...

Brian Varner

Bryan's love of music started when he joined band in his teens. He earned a music scholarship to UT and studied classical trumpet. He found his singing voice in his 30s. As a vocalist he has a background in choral music and musical theater, but his main interest is jazz from the great American songbook. He has been a featured guest singer at different venues around Knoxville including the Red Piano Lounge and has earned air time on Kelle Jolly’s jazz jam show on WUOT public radio. Brian lost his eyesight as an adult which makes his story as a vocalist and a musician even more remarkable.

Jane George

Grace Moore recipient at University of Tennessee School of Music. Has performed as vocalist, actress, and worked in stand-up comedy. Jane George recently moved to Knoxville from Los Angeles where she performs with SWINGBOOTY and is involved with numerous personal recording projects.

Connor Lafollette

Connor Lafollette is a drummer and keyboard player based out of Knoxville, TN. He is junior at University of Tennessee School of Music. He has played in numerous jazz bands including The Terrapin Quartet, the Jake Bird Trio, and Swingbooty.

Tom C. Smith

Born: December, 1962

A bass player since 1975, Tom's tendency to overplay was due to his 60s rock influences and angered many, many guitar players. Fast forward 40 years and we find Tom indulging in the gypsy jazz world playing bass to the music of long-time favorite Django Reinhardt. Tom also loves jam band and freestyle improv music and will play normal music as well...sometimes.