Big Ears has been known for its boundary blurring performances, but this year festival goers will be treated to the once in a lifetime opportunity of hearing avant-garde artist Laurie Anderson and classical composer Phillip Glass perform together. Big Ears founder and curator, Ashley Capps, explained that the pair had only collaborated on stage once before and likely would never be doing it again. Making sure that the festival doesn't do as much harm as good, Big Ears has also announced the return of their complimentary bike rental service for all Big Ears patrons.
They may seem like unlikely collaborators, but this spring experimental performance artist, Laurie Anderson will be taking the stage at Big Ears Festival with classical American composer Philp Glass in tow.
During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, festival founder and curator Ashley Capps explained that Anderson had actually approached him about performing with Glass at Big Ears this year:
"It's a performance that will most likely only take place at Big Ears during 2016.
"They've only done it once before, in Italy this past summer. Laurie was so excited about it. She was just like, 'We've gotta do this at Big Ears.'
"Not that I would want to say no, but how could you say no?"
While Capps' festival is all about bringing unique musical talents together, Big Ears is dedicated to doing so in an environmentally responsible way.
In a recent press release, the powers that be at Big Ears announced that once again they would be encouraging the festival's patrons to use bicycles when traveling around Knoxville:
"We're proud to announce the return of our complimentary Bike Rental service to all Big Ears patrons presented by MailChimp and powered by Tennessee Valley Bikes!
"Available throughout the duration of the festival, bikes can be rented on a daily basis at Tennessee Valley Bikes' shop, located within walking distance to all of our Big Ears venues!"
For more information about bike rentals or Big Ears 2016 lineup be sure to check out their official website.
