Anyone going to Big Ears ‘23?

#21
Michedelic said:
That’s the whole point of these gatherings; besides being a destination event like a vacation, the way they are curated, based on the familiar(which is an eclectic mix in itself), you get exposed to emerging and unexepected artists in similar realms, to expand your listening and get out of any musical ruts or cocoons you might be in. Plus it’s often an opportunity to experience those who don’t perform live much, in a setting that’s respectful to musician and audience, or to experience rare collaborations. For example, guitarist Mary Halvorson, who I’ve heard great things from and about, is playing in a few different ensembles, as well as Frisell, who I’ve been a fan of for almost 40 years.

I learned about the fest from a neighbor who is deeply into the ECM label, as was I in the 70’s; last year there was a reunion of sorts of many of their legacy artists, some of whom rarely play out any more. I’ve never had a chance to see Marc Ribot, and just the fact that the Sun Ra organization is still going is amazing; I would never pass on an opportunity(if possible)to see that although I saw them twice when he was still alive(one time they even used my bass amp). There was a time I didn’t know jack about Bob Wills, but I saw the surviving(at the time)Texas Playboys out of curiosity, and became a fan.

What you do beforehand is to sample what’s on the lineup roster, there may be some pleasant surprises, and some revelations, and you’re the more wiser for it. As with all festivals, there will be less appealing acts. But new music should not be something to be afraid of.
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Nah, not for me. Besides the cost, there is the distance from me. I can listen to most on the web for free.
 
#25
Michedelic said:
Not even Pino? Bill Laswell? Bill Frisell? Bela Fleck? John Zorn? Sun Ra(Arkestra)?
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Reggie “FREAKING” Workman? Probably the best living jazz bassist in my all caps opinion!

Bonny Light Horseman are wonderful.

Andrew Bird is a world class songwriter, again in my opinion.

This sounds great. Knox Vegas is really pretty in April too. Have fun.
 
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#27
Thumpin6string said:
If it is close by and it is someone I want to see. Not interested in spending several hundred dollars to see unknown artists.
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Well, it depends on who you know, and how often they perform. There were plenty of names I was familiar with, enough to motivate me to go, and some I’m not a direct fan of, but I have enough regard for that I’d enjoy the opportunity to see them perform. Plus all the special events. I want to be enlightened, and maybe witness unique musical moments. And on that note, as far as those I wasn’t aware of, as I had suggested, I went down the roster, checked most of them out, and now I have some new discoveries that I would want to see/hear. That’s the whole point.

As far as expense, festivals are actually more bang for the buck. I’m going to this in May, and while I’m indifferent about some acts, I don’t mind seeing them anyway if there’s nothing else going on in that time slot(there’s three stages)…and the unknowns, if they appeal to me, are gravy. Then if I went to individual shows by those I do want to see, it would be far more costly…
Cruel World | May 20, 2023 | Pasadena, CA
 
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#28
Michedelic said:
Well, it depends on who you know, and how often they perform. There were plenty of names I was familiar with, enough to motivate me to go, and some I’m not a direct fan of, but I have enough regard for that I’d enjoy the opportunity to see them perform. Plus all the special events. I want to be enlightened, and maybe witness unique musical moments. And on that note, as far as those I wasn’t aware of, as I had suggested, I went down the roster, checked most of them out, and now I have some new discoveries that I would want to see/hear. That’s the whole point.

As far as expense, festivals are actually more bang for the buck. I’m going to this in May, and while I’m indifferent about some acts, I don’t mind seeing them anyway if there’s nothing else going on in that time slot(there’s three stages)…and the unknowns, if they appeal to me, are gravy. Then if I went to individual shows by those I do want to see, it would be far more costly…
Cruel World | May 20, 2023 | Pasadena, CA
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I hope you enjoy it. In my old age, I much prefer seeing bands in smaller venues. Obviously we have different tastes, but that is a good thing.
 
#29
Big time heavy hitters in there.

Jeff Coffin, Viktor Kraus, Reggie Workman, The Bad Plus, Bela Fleck, Jorge Roeder, Christian McBride, Edgar Meyer, Pino, Blake Mills, Bill Frisell, Antonio Sanchez, Nate Smith, Joe Lovano, Julian Lage, Kenny Wollensen, John Medeski, Bill Laswell, Sierra Hull, Mark Schatz, Bryan Sutton, Michael Cleveland, Andrew Bird...

That's more than a few legends.
 
#30
Besides all the great Jazz/ Avant Garde / legends mentioned, I think Lucius is a great band that doesn't get enough love. Those gals are amazing vocalists.

Zorn is always a treat ! Never have seen Laswell, Edgar Meyer , Pino and most of these guys live.

I might try to go to this, moved to NC not too long ago and it is about 2 1/2 hours from me.
 
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#33
I don't have money or time off from work to travel but the idea of seeing OPN, Marc Ribot, and Billy Woods at the same festival is very appealing. I hope people going have a lot of fun and check out some cool acts they haven't heard of before!
 
#34
Sam Wilkes and Sam Gendel. Frisell, Bad Plus. Margaret Glaspy with Julian Page Trio. Bonny Light Horseman. Christian McBride. Edgar Meyer. Makaya McCraven. Marc Robot. Nate Smith and Kinfolk!

So much amazing stuff..

But I'd go just for Pino and Blake Mills.
 
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#38
I'd definitely check it out, if it was closer, and I wasn't already committed to likely two other festivals this year. Big Ears comes up for discussion on my prog site, and a lot of people rave about it, although they do say that it is a lot of walking around between venues and picking one artist over another, as there is so much to check out.

I agree with the OP that if you are into adventurous music, it would be a great opportunity to explore new bands and discover new music.
 
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#40
J.Wolf said:
Are the democrats forcing people to go this festival or something? I’ve never seen so much pushback from folks who would rather not attend. Suuuuper simple solution to not wanting to be at this festival yall.
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Your point would be much better served if you didn't drag politics into the equation of a musical endeavor. IMO.
 
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