Big Ears Festival Announces 2027 Lineup

The Big Ears Festival has announced its initial lineup for the 2027 event, scheduled to take place in Knoxville, Tennessee. Headlining the festival are acclaimed musicians Jeff Tweedy, Robert Glasper, and Weyes Blood, signaling a diverse and artistically driven program. These headliners represent distinct yet complementary genres, with Tweedy known for his work in alternative rock and Americana, Glasper as a Grammy-winning jazz pianist and composer, and Weyes Blood celebrated for her ethereal indie folk sound. The festival, now in its 10th edition, has consistently drawn a global audience interested in experimental, avant-garde, and genre-bending music, alongside visual arts and performance.

Beyond the main headliners, the festival will feature a robust roster of over 30 additional artists, spanning a wide spectrum of musical styles. Notable acts confirmed to perform include Oneohtrix Point Never, the electronic music project of Daniel Lopatin, known for his innovative soundscapes and film scores. Also slated to appear is Thundercat, a Grammy-winning bassist and singer whose work blends jazz, funk, and R&B. The lineup further includes Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, indie electronic duo Sylvan Esso, and the collaborative jazz ensemble Dinner Party, which features Glasper himself alongside Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington, and 9th Wonder. Other confirmed performers include the experimental electronic artist SML and the eclectic musician Wednesday.

The Big Ears Festival, founded in 2006 by Ashley Capps, has established itself as a significant cultural event, particularly within the independent music scene. It is recognized for its unique programming that often juxtaposes established artists with emerging talents and for its commitment to presenting music that challenges conventional boundaries. The festival's setting in Knoxville provides a distinctive backdrop, utilizing various venues across the city, from historic theaters to more intimate spaces, fostering a sense of discovery for attendees. The announcement of the 2027 lineup follows a successful 2024 festival, which featured artists such as The Smile, Caroline Polachek, and Jon Batiste, further cementing Big Ears' reputation for curating forward-thinking and critically acclaimed musical experiences. The festival aims to create an immersive environment where diverse artistic expressions can converge and resonate with a dedicated audience.