May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Pat Metheny will perform with his Side-Eye III ensemble at Big Ears 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee, next March.
(Photo: Jimmy Katz)Big Ears has announced the lineup for its 2026 festival, which will take place March 26–29 and include 250 performances at more than 20 venues in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The fest will present sets by major jazz and jazz-adjacent artists, including Pat Metheny Side-Eye III, Chucho Valdez, John Scofield Trio, Marc Ribot, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Nels Cline & Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Shabaka, Julian Lage Quartet, Either/Orchestra, Mary Halvorson, Flying Lotus, and numerous others. John Zorn will play 12 shows over two days, including sets with Masada Quartet, Barbara Hannigan, Harry Smith Films, Junction Trio, Brian Marsella Trio, Awakening Sound, Cobra, Incerto, Love Songs and a duo with Laurie Anderson.
From the pop realm, listeners at Big Ears will enjoy music by David Byrne, Robert Plant, Laurie Anderson, Richard Thompson, Blind Boys of Alabama and many other big-name artists.
Big Ears will move to an “all in” model for next year’s fest where the ticketing, processing and venue fees — which were previously added to a purchase — will now be absorbed into the overall price of a festival pass. Big Ears 2026 will also introduce several stand-alone concerts that will require an additional ticket (beyond a festival pass) to attend. Festival pass holders will be given first access to purchase these tickets, as well as preferred pricing. These concerts will also feature reserved seating.
In the coming months, Big Ears plans to reveal more about the programming and the slate of residencies, workshops, exhibitions, activations and conversations that will take place during the festival weekend.
To check out the Big Ears 2026 Reveal video, CLICK HERE. DB
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
