Big Ears Festival Expands 2020 Lineup

Patti Smith and a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the invention of the Theremin are among the additions to Big Ears Festival’s 2020 lineup. The event returns to various venues in Knoxville, Tennessee March 26 – 29.

The tribute to the Theremin will be led by Theremin master Rob Schwimmer featuring a trio that also includes pianist Uri Caine and violinist Mark Feldman. In addition, Bell Orchestre – an ensemble that features Sarah Neufeld and Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire – will make their debut at the festival. Smith will not only perform at Big Ears but will also present a literary program/conversation at the event.

Ensemble Dal Niente with saxophonist Ken Vandermark, Fennesz, Nivhek, Jacob Kirkegaard, Arooj Aftab’s Vulture Prince Ensemble, Josephine Foster, The Claudia Quintet, Ben LaMar Gay, Gyda Valtysdottir, Sam Gendel, Che Apalache, Astrid Sonne, Sonja LaBianca and D. Scot Williams have also been added to the Big Ears 2020 lineup.

Devendra Banhart, Sons of Chipotle featuring Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Anssi Karttunen, Thundercat, Anthony Braxton, Peter Brötzmann, Andrew Cyrille, Joe Henry, Kronos Quartet, Meredith Monk & Bang On A Can All-stars, Jason Moran, Múm, The Necks, Annette Peacock, Marc Ribot, Terry Riley, Caroline Shaw & So Percussion, Damo Suzuki, Network and Tindersticks were among previously announced Big Ears performers. In addition, the festival will host a recreation of the soundtrack to Andy Warhol’s Kiss led by Kim Gordon and Steve Gunn.

Tickets are on sale now here. Head to the festival’s website for more information.