Big Ears 2010: In Conclusion

{Buke and Gass}
When it comes to music, I have a lot to learn. This, in part, is why I decided to buy an Inner Ear pass to this past weekend's Big Ears Festival. Based on my reaction last year to the festival, I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out again this year. Tickets were not cheap, but I knew once the festival rolled around, I'd want to be a part of it all.






















{The Ex}

Living in Knoxville for so many years, I've heard all sorts of opinions surrounding A.C. Entertainment: Bonnaroo is too commercial, Sundown in the City is too trashy, the Big Ears lineup this year is too mainstream.

But, I did go to Bonnaroo for the first time last summer, and it was extremely fun. And I was fortunate to attend Big Ears this past weekend, and it was...














{Vampire Weekend}

What struck me the most was that, during several shows, the artists thanked Ashley Capps and shared how grateful they were to be a part of such an incredible line up.

It's true. It was an incredible line up.















{The xx}

For me, the past three days have conjured up so many thoughts and ideas. I wish I could pin them down before they all float away. I could tell you about the bands that knocked my socks off (The Ex, Buke and Gass, The Dirty Projectors, there are more). I could talk about the shrilling screams of little girls at Vampire Weekend. I could tell you about patting Matt Berninger on the back when he climbed down into the crowd at the Tennessee Theater. There's lots to talk about.


  



















{DJ Rupture}

But right now, while my ears are still ringing, I want to join the many smart, witty, and congenial musicians that were here this past weekend in thanking Ashley as well. He isn't the savior of Knoxville, as I heard someone say a few days ago. We couldn't name just one. (This is sentimental, but) I think if you've bought a cup of coffee on a regular basis downtown, you've become its savior. It's all efforts combined that have transformed Knoxville into a place where world renowned musicians can be received and given beautiful places to play. Our city has become a location where visionaries like Ashley can make their dreams tangible.

And that, my friends, is really something.






















{Joanna Newsom}