Big eyes at Big Ears

Select artists in concerts at the Big Ears Festival, March 27 -30, 2025

From left: Micah Thomas, piano; Daryl Johns, bass; June McDoom, voice; Ganavya, voice; Yaw Agyeman, voice; Pierre Serrao, chef; Immanuel Wilkins, alto saxophone; Kweku Sumbry, drums.

On March 28 alto saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins brought his Blues Blood ensemble to the Bijou Theater.  It was a treat not only for the eyes and the ears but also for the sense of smell, as he had chef Pierre Serrao cooking with aromatic spices.

The Bijou also featured guitarist Jeff Parker and his ETA IVtet.  The theater was full for the afternoon concert.  The four musicians interpreted the meditative and soulful music with perfect synergy.

In the evening, alto saxophonist Steve Coleman brought his five elements to the same historic venue for a stimulating and funk-infused, exciting session.

The beautifully designed modern building of the Knoxville Museum of Art, with its sun-filled rooms, also served as a venue, especially for some solo artists.

Back at the Bijou, pianist Sylvie Courvoisier’s Chimaera ensemble —

From left: Sylvie Courvoisier, piano; Drew Gress. bass; Kenny Wollesen. drums, vibraphone; Nate Wooley, trumpet; Nasheet Waits, drums; Ikue Moril, electronics; Wadada Leo Smith, trumpet
Arooj Aftab with violinist Darian Donovan Thomas of her band at Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Flutist Claire Chase and the Mivos String Quartet performing  composer Terry Riley’s “Holly Liftoff,” a composition with improvisational passages, at the First Presbyterian Sanctuary

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