BIG EARS FESTIVAL

BLACKTRONIKA PART 3: FUTURE FUNK / 2024 VOLUNTEER INFO

From LA to London

We’ve been sharing the artists who will be a part of the King Britt-curated Blacktronika program for our 2024 festival. Today, we’re excited to share the four artists who’ll get us moving and grooving with the sounds of future funk from LA to London at Big Ears on Saturday, March 23.

Brandon Coleman

Dubbed “Professor Boogie” by renowned jazz saxophonist Kamasi, Brandon Coleman represents a new chapter in the evolution of jazz and funk fusion. The LA-based keyboard maestro, vocalist, composer, producer, and arranger bends the future of sound and takes ivory and ebony to destinations unknown.

Charlie Dark MBE

Raised in South London on a diet of pirate radio and warehouse parties, Charlie Dark MBE has been producing (founding member of trip hop legends Attica Blues) and igniting dance floors since the early eighties. Dark’s predominately vinyl sets are known for their eclecticism spanning Dub to Disco to House, Funk, Soul Reggae, African gems and beyond. He is also the founder of the original ‘Blacktronica’ events in London in the early 2000s.

Dibia$e

A foundational pioneer of LA’s lauded beat scene, Dibia$e is known for his distinctive, gritty lofi sound and his affinity for Roland’s SP-303 and SP-404 samplers. His productions run the gamut from 8-bit video game classics to seductive soul to raw grungy bangers – this visionary has no limitations; no sample is safe.

Computer Jay

Computer Jay aesthetically splits the difference between a mad sound scientist and a groove-rich keyboardist. He welds modern electro-funk from his DIY synth gear, with one foot in the current LA beat scene and the other in G-funk’s past. 

2024 VOLUNTEER AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Volunteering with the Big Ears Festival presents a unique and enriching opportunity for individuals passionate about music, arts, and community engagement. Ambassadors contributed over 1300 hours of time in 2023 and the festival would not be possible without this dedicated group. Participants will find themselves at the center of the action contributing to the festival’s success while forging connections with artists, audiences, and other ambassadors.

In exchange for their time, Volunteer Ambassadors will receive passes and the opportunity to see some of their favorite artists perform during the festival weekend. Head over to our website to check out the different options available for Volunteer Ambassadors and apply today

BIG EARS
03.27_03.30.25
Knoxville, TN · USA

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