etc.: March 2010 Archives

If you think we're overdoing it with the Big Ears coverage, well, argue with Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale. He's declared this officially the Big Ears Festival Weekend.

 Knoxville, Tenn. -- Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale has proclaimed this weekend, March 26-28, as Big Ears Festival Weekend in Knox County.  Mayor Ragsdale visited the offices of Festival organizer Ashley Capps, president of A.C. Entertainment, to issue the proclamation.  

"We are thrilled to have such a wonderful showcase of the music and musicians of our area," the Mayor told Capps.  "We really appreciate this creative festival and the needed boost it brings to tourism in Knox County."

The Big Ears Festival debuted in Knox County in 2009 and has been cited by the New York Times as an event "...for people who like hearing nuanced music in excellent theaters."  More than 50 concerts are planned during the weekend, plus talks, exhibitions, and other activities.

The Festival's mission is "to offer an exciting and dynamic platform of musical and artistic discovery by artists possessed of singular and unique visions that stand apart from the mainstream."  Find out more about the Festival at www.bigearsfestival.com/2010/.

The Fred Eaglesmith show at the Shed in Maryville that's listed for Saturday in this week's print edition--the one that's listed as free--is actually $20 for general admission, $30 for reserved seating. Oops. Sorry about that.

You can get more info and buy tickets at the Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson website.

WUTK 90.3 FM is airing an interview with James Brown, recorded backstage either before or after his 1968 concert at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, on Sunday morning. No word on where the footage came from or why it's being broadcast now, but any reason to listen to the Godfather of Soul is a good one.

The broadcast starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, with an NPR program featuring Ry Cooder and the Chieftans.