Appalachian Happening Curated By Anna Roberts-Gevalt of Anna & Elizabeth

OLD TIME JAMS + PERCUSSIVE DANCE + FIDDLERS CONVENTION + OLD HARP SINGING

Inspired by Big Ears artists who carry the torch of traditional music with their unique twist (to name a few: Béla Fleck, Abigail Washburn, Jerry Douglas, Wu Fei), we decided to dig deep into Knoxville’s musical heritage. Here’s a taste of our Appalachian Happening, curated by Anna Roberts-Gevalt: 

THURSDAY: Join us for a square dance on Market Square (or as it is lovingly called in Knoxville, the “Square on the Square”) with Knoxville caller Stan Sharp alongside Anna Roberts-Gevalt and percussive dancer Becky Hill. Be on the look-out for Big Ears artist pickers making a surprise appearance to join in with Knoxville’s all-star string band, The A Four Forties. After the Square on the Square, head to the Jig & Reel for a late night old time jam hosted by Anna & Elizabeth, which will continue till the early hours of the morning… 

FRIDAY: Anna Roberts-Gevalt welcomes players to join an Eternal Jam noon-6pm on Market Square with a rotating cast of pickers. Bring your instrument and jam with Big Ears artists and special guests, then head back to the Jig & Reel Friday night for another late night session, this time with an Irish flavor, led by Sam Amidon & Cleek Schrey.

SATURDAY: Sam Amidon will lead a morning sing at the Knoxville Museum of Art with Old Harp singers from around the region. The Eternal Jam will be kicking again noon-6pm on Market Square. And as dusk falls, over 30 players will convene on Market Square to pick and play in Big Ears’ first Fiddler’s Convention. Jam with us during the day, and join as fiddlers invade Market Square as night falls. 

But that’s just the beginning…stay tuned as more details about the Appalachian Happening are revealed!