Lineup Additions & New Tunes
Welcoming William Tyler
We’re thrilled to welcome back one of our favorites, William Tyler, to Big Ears. Having graced our stages in both 2015 and 2022, as well as a special, collaborative performance with Marisa Anderson streamed during the pandemic, Tyler’s enchanting guitar work and evocative compositions have made a lasting impression on our hearts and ears. As part of the festival’s Across the Horizon series, curated by Bob Holmes and Suss, and with rumors of new music around the bend, we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us this time around.
Tall Tall Trees Joins Big Big Ears
Get ready to soar with Tall Tall Trees, the boundary-pushing project of multi-instrumentalist Mike Savino. Blending hypnotic banjo riffs (from his trusty Banjotron 6500) with lush, layered electronics, Savino creates a mesmerizing fusion of folk, psych, and world music. Combining the tenderness of Cat Stevens, the melancholic introspection of Elliott Smith, the anthemic psychedelia of Pink Floyd, and a deep abiding respect for Earl Scruggs, Savino will be joined by Josiah Wolf of the band Why? for this special performance. George Jones and Roger Miller would be proud.
Run the Gauntlet with Kris Davis Trio
One of the most acclaimed pianists in jazz, Kris Davis returns to Big Ears with her new trio featuring bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Johnathan Blake. On their first album, Run the Gauntlet, released this past week, Davis weaves intricate, original compositions that honor six pioneering women pianists who shaped her career, including Geri Allen, Carla Bley, and Marilyn Crispell. Rather than covering their works, Davis channels their influence into her own distinctive style, creating a collection of songs both reflective and forward-looking, making this a must-see performance during the 2025 festival weekend.
