ASHLEY CAPPS // EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Ashley Capps is one of the foremost concert promoters and festival producers in the United States. He began promoting concerts in 1979 while finishing his major at the University of Tennessee. In 1991, Capps founded AC Entertainment which began promoting concerts in the southeast and would eventually go on to found the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and other signature events throughout the United States. In 2009, Capps launched the multi-faceted, genre-defying Big Ears Festival which takes place every spring in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. Big Ears became a 501(c)3 in 2016 and Capps currently serves as both its Executive and Artistic Director.

EMMY CARTER // DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS

With a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from The New School, Emmy’s multifaceted career has included tenure at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and the Cunningham Dance Foundation, where she played a key role in supporting the groundbreaking Legacy Plan to celebrate and preserve the work of legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham.

After relocating to Minneapolis, she spent eight years at The Cedar Cultural Center, a global music venue, where she served as Director of Development and Communications as well as Booking Director during a period of significant growth. She oversaw strategic resource development and led the implementation of both new and ongoing programs. In addition, she served as an adjunct faculty member and developed curriculum for the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

Passionate about locally sourced fiber arts and supporting artists across all genres, she is particularly drawn to DIY and creative spaces where exploration and experimentation thrive. Having attended Big Ears for seven of its eleven years as a fan and industry colleague, we are overjoyed to have her with us as we explore and plan for Big Ears’ continuing evolution as both a festival and an organization.

BRYAN CROW // FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Bryan Crow has over a decade of experience in the live music and event industry and has worked in various capacities for Big Ears since 2014. Before joining the Big Ears team full time in 2021, Crow worked for concert and festival promoters AC Entertainment and Live Nation where he served as Project Manager and Executive Assistant to founder and president, Ashley Capps. During his tenure at AC / Live Nation, Crow produced the 2018 MusicNOW Festival and assisted in production and operations of events such as Bonnaroo, Forecastle, and High Water festivals.

MORGAN FLEMING // ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Morgan Fleming has nearly two decades of experience working with nonprofit arts organizations. Prior to joining Big Ears Festival, Fleming served as Data Coordinator for Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and led the box office staff through multiple ticketing system transitions and day-to-day sales. In partnership with other departments, she worked to create sustainable relationships with the organization’s constituency. Fleming has a background in dance performance & choreography and has spent many years providing organizational support and board service to various groups including Circle Modern Dance and Tennessee Association of Dance. Her passion for the nonprofit performing arts world is directly influenced by early internships with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, American Dance Festival, and Athens International Film + Video Festival. Her own choreography has been presented in Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. Fleming is also a fully certified Pilates instructor. When not working in an administrative capacity, she leads group classes and provides private instruction throughout Knoxville.

SARA HOUCHINS // DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

A native Knoxvilian, Sara Houchins spent most of the past two decades working in New York City, where she worked in the fashion and clothing retail world and opened and operated a candy store; later, she opened and owned a restaurant in Mexico City. Returning home to be closer to family in 2023, she worked with downtown Knoxville’s pioneering real estate firm, Dewhirst Properties, before joining Clayton Homes to lead their corporate retreat center, where she focused on elevating and transforming the guest experience and introducing and managing new initiatives. 

Sara’s dynamic personality, creative approach to problem-solving, attention to detail, and embrace of new challenges and opportunities will be at the forefront as Big Ears’ continues to strengthen its relationships and partnerships in our communities – local and national – and explore  and develop some of many opportunities that lie ahead.

CECILIA STAIR // COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Cecilia is a musician and board-certified music therapist. She earned a BA in Music at the University of Tennessee, followed by a MM in Music Therapy at the University of Kentucky. Her current clinical work is focused on supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, as well  as individuals in treatment or recovery from substance use disorders. Previously, she has taught at the Central Music Academy in Lexington and the Community School for the Arts in Knoxville.

As a cellist, she has performed and recorded with a number of artists, including the Lonetones, Tyler Childers, Senora May, Lucette, and Warren Byrom.  She is performing at Big Ears this year with RB Morris/William Wright as well as William Tyler.

Cecilia is passionate about increasing access to the arts, providing others with opportunities for self-expression, and making connections that foster understanding and empathy.