Podcast
BIG EARS: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MUSIC
Big Ears: Conversations About Music is a podcast that brings together cutting-edge musicians, journalists, and community leaders in discussions about the creative process, collaboration, and the transformative power of music. Big Ears: Conversations About Music will offer one-on-one talks between artists, roundtables and interactions with fans offering a behind-the-scenes look at the stories and connections that make Big Ears one of the world’s most unique festival experiences. You can listen to episodes here or click below to find your preferred podcast platform.
LATEST EPISODE
Kaoru Watanabe & Larry Blumenfeld
March 10, 2026
Flutist and taiko drummer Kaoru Watanabe discusses Bloodlines Interwoven, a multi-year project exploring heritage, immigration, and diaspora through music and storytelling. The son of Japanese immigrants and symphonic musicians, Watanabe’s path has included formative time on a remote Japanese island, years touring with the taiko ensemble Kodo, and collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Laurie Anderson, Jason Moran, André 3000, and Rhiannon Giddens and the Silkroad Ensemble. Launched in 2024 with support from the Mellon Foundation, Loghaven Artist Residency, and the Aslan Foundation, Bloodlines Interwoven brings together musicians and storytellers to transform family histories into shared creative work. At Big Ears 2026, the project unfolds across four performances at venues throughout downtown Knoxville. Culture journalist Larry Blumenfeld, who has followed the project since its early development, joins Watanabe for a conversation about its origins and how it will come to life at Big Ears.
