A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AND DAZZLING INSPIRATIONS
Notable and Newsworthy
Laurie Anderson
Congrats are in order for Laurie Anderson who has been named one of the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards honorees. A six-time GRAMMY award nominee throughout her recording career, Anderson received the GRAMMY for Best Chamber Music / Small Ensemble Performance for her 2018 Nonesuch album Landfall in collaboration with Kronos Quartet. She will be presented the award during GRAMMY week alongside fellow honorees: Gladys Night, the Clark Sisters, N.W.A, and posthumously Donna Summer and Tammy Wynette. We can’t think of a more deserving artist than Laurie Anderson! Don’t miss her Friday, March 22, performance of “Let X=X” joined by Sexmob.
Colin Stetson
To call the musical dynamo that is Colin Stetson an amazing saxophonist doesn’t even begin to capture the breadth and depth of his work, from The Arcade Fire to scoring maybe scariest horror film of the past decade (Hereditary), Stetson’s visceral and commanding live performances are one-of-a-kind. In March, he performs solo on Saturday, March 23, and then breathtaking free improv in Void Patrol (with Elliot Sharp, Billy Martin, and Peyton MacDonald) on Sunday, March 24.
Samora Pinderhughes
Composer, pianist, vocalist, filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist Samora Pinderhughes is shaping new worlds through his art, his honesty, and his vulnerability. He is known for examining sociopolitical issues and fighting for change through his art. Pinderhughes has collaborated with many artists including another Big Ears 2024 artist, Herbie Hancock. Most recently, he co-composed the film Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project with Chris Pattis. See him and his amazing band perform on March 24, the closing day of Big Ears 2024.
Armand Hammer
If you’re operating under the illusion that rap has lost its edge, that the underground scene isn’t as vital and creative as ever…well, you haven’t been listening to the duo of Billy Woods and Elucid — known as Armand Hammer. They are back and have something to say at Big Ears Festival on Saturday, March 23.
Zsela
We suspect that some of you have yet to discover Zsela, but we’re here to help change that. With a new record in the works, following up on her intoxicating EP, Ache of Victory, from three years back, she’ll perform Thursday evening on the opening night of Big Ears 2024.
Laraaji
Hailed as one of the forefathers of both ambient electronic and new age music, Laraaji is best known for his 1980 collaboration with Brian Eno, Ambient 3: Day of Radiance. In the 70s, he began his lifelong study of Eastern Mysticism and has continued to blend this with musical explorations. Previously appearing at Big Ears in 2014, Laraaji performed as well as led audiences through a workshop on Seriously Playful Laughter Meditation – because laughter IS the best medicine. At Big Ears 2024, Laraaji will perform alongside Suphala, a tabla trailblazer, as part of King Britt’s Blacktronika series.
Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why some people feel unworthy of others, why it’s important to feel rejection, and how music can connect all types of people. Jon and Dax Shepard talk about why they want to evolve as artists, how priorities can change when a loved one is sick, and what it’s like to have a relationship in the public eye. Jon explains what obligations he feels when fans approach him on the street, how TV shows can affect people’s view of other cultures, and why he can still accept criticism of his work. We’re thrilled to have this brilliant, prolific, and accomplished musician join us, along with his band, on Sunday, March 24.
