INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEWS / DOWN BEAT CRITICS POLL
THANK YOU!
Ticketing Update
As we pause to enjoy the holiday season, we want to THANK YOU for another unprecedented response to Big Ears 2024.
Last September we announced we’re capping the number of festival passes this year at slightly less than last year’s levels – even as we add a new venue (more on that soon) – to insure an optimal Big Ears Festival experience for all. As a result, some pass options are no longer available or have very limited supplies remaining.
Four-Day Weekend Premier and Sonic Explorer VIP passes are sold out.
The allotment of Four-Day Weekend GA passes at current pricing is also dwindling.
Saturday only Premier passes will be sold out soon, as will the allotment of Saturday only GA passes at Tier 1 pricing.
Both Friday only and Sunday only Premier passes are also very limited and may sell out before the first of the year.
Big Ears 2024 is going to be another exhilarating, unforgettable four days of music,
conversation, and community. More details about festival offering will be announced after the New Year. We look forward to seeing you in just 3 short months!
Wishing you the Very Best for his Holiday Season and the coming New Year.
Insightful Interviews
Throughout the year we’ve shared with you many insightful interviews with 2024 Big Ears artists, offering a fascinating glimpse into their creative processes and personal challenges. Here are just a few that had us hanging onto their every word.
Brad Mehldau
One of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano, Brad Mehldau has forged a unique path, which embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism and pop allure. Earlier this year he chatted with DownBeat about his determination to avoid “a fixed story”, the interface between writing and playing music, and of course, his storied career. We’re looking forward to his solo show and collaboration with Christian McBide next year.
Beth Orton
Beth Orton surprised many in 2022 with her stunning recording, Weather Alive, yet another career-defining highlight of a 25 year+ career. She spoke with Under The Radar about the record recently, a year after its release. And we’re happy that Beth will perform at Big Ears on Saturday, March 24, after having to postpone her planned 2023 festival appearance.
JJJJJerome Ellis
Through music, text, performance, video, and photography, JJJJJerome Ellis researches relationships among blackness, disabled speech, divinity, nature, sound, and time. He chatted with the Guardian on how his disfluency and blackness informed his latest release, The Clearing (2021). Experience his artistry on March 23.
Kristin Hersh
Throwing Muse leader Kristin Hersh talks songs, inspiration and exploration with WFPK’s Kyle Meredith. On the heels of an acclaimed new record, Clear Pond Road, she will revisit her 90s classic Hips and Makers on Friday, March 22, at Big Ears, joined by her musical foil on the original recording, cellist Jane Scarpantoni.
Down Beat Critics Poll
The 71st Annual Downbeat Critics Poll featured several artists who’ll be joining us next year. — including Mary Halvorson (Jazz Album of the Year / Guitarist of the Year) and Charles Lloyd (Tenor Saxophonist of the Year / Artist of the Year) who both had two wins. Other winners included Herbie Hancock (Keyboardist of the Year), Christian McBride (Bassist of the Year), and Rhiannon Giddens (Beyond Artist or Group).
