By Bryson Seabold
Mj Lenderman performing in Knoxville Civic Auditorium | Saturday April 4, 2026 | Bryson Seabold
Big Ears has once again swept me off of my feet. A festival like no other, Big Ears brings world-class musicians across the many intimate venues scattered throughout the city of Knoxville. With each passing year, Big Ears cements itself as one of the most exciting festivals out there.
This year’s line-up was spectacular as ever. From some of the most renowned musicians of the last 50 years to up-and-coming stars, Big Ears never fails to create an awe-inspiring line-up with the ability to charm you around every corner.
With Big Ears being so packed to the brim with star-studded talent, it makes it nearly impossible to make every show, but that’s part of the beauty. It’s not something that you can rigidly plan out; my best experiences were when I was heading elsewhere, and along my way I was drawn into a venue from the music I could hear bleeding through the walls. This is where Big Ears truly shines – when you stop trying to plan each show, and instead allow yourself the music to lead your way.
SML is the perfect example of this serendipity; before Big Ears I hadn’t ever heard of them, but they seemed to be the band on everyone’s lips throughout the weekend. So, Friday night I decided to check them out, and boy, am I happy I did. From the moment I walked into the Greyhound station, turned concert venue for Big Ears this year, the electronic/jazz group was instantly captivating. Immediately I was drawn in, absorbed into their trance-like synth, beating drums, and impressive, experimental saxophone playing.
As for some other spotlight artists, my top show of the weekend has to be Mei Semones, whose performance was as catchy as it was technically impressive. While flexing her rigorously trained jazz guitar skills, Mei sings her self-described “too honest songs” that flow between slower bossa nova with jazz licks thrown in, and rock music that you can’t help but nod your head along to.
Model/Actriz dominated the stage unlike many performers I’ve ever seen before. The lead singer, Cole Haden, had what I believe to be the most captivating stage presence I have seen yet. Haden throughout the set flowed from dancing on stage to going into the crowd and jumping around with fans. With the flashing lights and a thumping kick drum, Model/Actriz turned Mill & Mine into their dance floor.
Some other stand-out shows were Thurston Moore & Steve Shelley’s secret show which featured Thurston’s unique ways to use a guitar as he reunited with his longtime Sonic Youth bandmate for an explosive jam; MJ Lenderman and his slacker, alt-country rock and ripping guitar solos; and Flying Lotus, who was remixing Thundercat, Kendrick Lamar, and un-released Mac Miller, as he turned them into psychedelic electronic tunes with heavy, thumping basslines that transport you.
Not only is the music each year fantastic, but the festival attendees are just as important to the festival as the music is. So much of Big Ears is the people that you meet along the way. The crowds at Big Ears have been some of the most kind, courteous, and friendly people that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. With each show that I went to, I always ended up talking to the person next to me about who they saw the previous night, or who’s going to be at a cool concert later in the day, and even a few times I went to the next concert with the person I just met. At Big Ears there is just a general air of excitement amongst the concert-goers, and I couldn’t go to a concert without hearing all of the chatter amongst strangers sharing their passion for music.
During Big Ears weekend, the city itself shines brighter than ever. The tight-knit community here in Knoxville is never more apparent than during Big Ears – from certain local restaurants opening early to have lunch options for concert goers, to local businesses putting on their own shows as well, the city of Knoxville is never more alive than during Big Ears weekend.
Even though the festival only ended this past Sunday, I’m already in anticipation of next year. As a certified Big Ears lover, I already am beginning to plan how I can make Big Ears 2027!