Day Two of Big Ears 2025: ANOHNI, Jessica Pratt, and a Musical Kaleidoscope

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Setting: Knoxville's Musical Landscape
4. ANOHNI & The Johnsons: A Performance to Remember
5. Jessica Pratt: A Tropicalia-Inspired Offering
6. The Day's Other Highlights: A Tapestry of Genres
7. Implications for the Future of Music Festivals
8. Conclusion: A Community Built on Sound
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Festival Vibe: Big Ears 2025 continues to showcase a spectacular array of musical acts from genres like jazz, indie, noise rock, and hip hop at various Knoxville venues.
• Featured Acts: The standout performances included ANOHNI & The Johnsons and Jessica Pratt, both delivering unforgettable sets that resonated with emotional depth and social commentary.
• Memorable Experiences: Across the festival, attendees enjoyed a mix of scheduled shows and spontaneous delights, enhanced by the vibrant atmosphere and sense of community.

Introduction

Music festivals often operate as microcosms of artistic diversity, with audiences traversing varied sounds and experiences across countless performances. The Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, exemplifies this phenomenon. Aimed at celebrating innovative music and interdisciplinary art, Big Ears 2025 delivered two days filled with extraordinary performances, captivating conversations, and a palpable spirit of creative exploration. With acts ranging from indie icons to avant-garde jazz, attendees were not just spectators; they were participants in a rich tapestry of sound that interrogated personal and collective narratives.

Among the day's highlights on March 29, 2025, were performances by ANOHNI & The Johnsons and Jessica Pratt—two artists known for their distinct and impactful musical styles. As audiences shifted between venues, the energy of each performance intertwined with the festival's overall aesthetic, making this a day to remember.

The Setting: Knoxville's Musical Landscape

The choice of Knoxville as the host for Big Ears reflects a broader trend of cities embracing the arts as economic and cultural cornerstones. Over the years, Knoxville has mined its rich musical heritage—from its roots in folk and country to contemporary synth-driven pop—to establish itself as a pivotal destination for music lovers.

This year, Big Ears transformed the city into a sonic playground, with events spanning iconic venues like the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and the Tennessee Theatre. Each space offered a unique atmosphere, amplifying the festival’s eclectic lineup. This year’s agenda continued the festival’s legacy of celebrating both emerging and established artists from numerous disciplines.

ANOHNI & The Johnsons: A Performance to Remember

One of the hallmark performances of the festival came from ANOHNI & The Johnsons at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. Transitioning from a more intimate setting the night prior with Portishead's Beth Gibbons, audience members braced themselves for an immersive, almost two-hour-long experience featuring ANOHNI’s signature blend of emotive ballads and political commentary.

Gathered in anticipation, the audience was treated to a skilled ensemble performing a mix of classics and new material, drawn predominantly from ANOHNI's 2023 album, My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross. It comprised musicians with stellar backgrounds, including producer Jimmy Hogarth and guitarist Leo Abrahams. The sound in the auditorium was expertly managed, allowing ANOHNI's rich vocals to soar above the layered instrumental textures.

ANOHNI's performance explored resonant themes such as ecological collapse and the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities in the current U.S. political landscape. This combination of artistry and activism has characterized ANOHNI’s career, allowing her music to transcend mere entertainment. During the concert, she humorously reflected on a previous performance in Washington, D.C., where her passionate speech veered into territory that elicited chuckles, thanking the band for ‘playing her off’ when the anecdotes got too lengthy. She encapsulated the performance's spirit, stating, "I fucking love doing this shit," after an engaging spoken word segment.

The setlist, featuring hits like “Scapegoat” and “Hopelessness,” captivated the audience, culminating in a powerful rendition of "I'm Set Free" that echoed long after the band exited the stage, leaving an imprint on the festival's atmosphere.

Jessica Pratt: A Tropicalia-Inspired Offering

Following ANOHNI's powerful performance, attendees were treated to Jessica Pratt’s set at the Tennessee Theatre, where the California-born singer-songwriter showcased her unique style that blends folk with jazzy riffs and elements of tropicalia.

Fans were excited to hear tracks largely from her critically acclaimed album, Here in the Pitch, released in 2024. Pratt’s soothing voice cascaded through the venue, creating an intimate atmosphere that enveloped the audience. Her lyrical storytelling, paired with intricate guitar work, painted vivid pictures that resonated with listeners, evoking deep emotions that lingered long after the last note.

Pratt’s performance was particularly noted for its clarity and professionalism, with her band accentuating her light and breezy sound. Songs like "This Time" and "Back to the Start" pulsated through the room, intertwining the collective experience of the adoring crowd. The mix of her joyous melodies and profound lyrics reflected a broader narrative at the festival, underlining themes of connection, identity, and finding one’s voice amidst the noise of the world.

The synergy between her folk-pop sensibilities and the eclectic atmosphere of Big Ears encapsulated what the festival aims to celebrate—a convergence of creativity in its most authentic form.

The Day's Other Highlights: A Tapestry of Genres

The day didn’t just revolve around the standout performances by ANOHNI and Pratt; it also included a rich variety of artists that contributed to Big Ears' eclectic tapestry:

• Nels Cline Singers: Known for their avant-garde approach to jazz, the ensemble elevated the atmosphere at The Mill & Mine. Featuring punk/jazz greats like Skerik on saxophone, the group delivered a set marked by improvisation and sonic experimentation. Their blend of sound brought the cozy environment to life with energetic and complex interplays that left audiences buzzing.

• Meshell Ndegeocello: The neo-soul virtuoso took the stage at Tennessee Theatre with a powerful performance that celebrated her robust catalog while introducing new material. Accompanied by her band, Ndegeocello’s command of the stage and connection with the crowd showcased her artistry and ability to blend genres seamlessly.

• Alabaster DePlume: At yet another venue, DePlume’s set was a mesmerizing mix of spoken word, jazz-infused melodies, and humor. His ability to engage the audience with both laughter and contemplative thoughts reflected the broader narrative of artistic expression found at Big Ears.

• Joseph Keckler: A unique performer who broke traditional boundaries with his multimedia opera production meant audiences were introduced to a blend of performance art, comedy, and music in sun-lit daytime settings.

Implications for the Future of Music Festivals

Events like Big Ears highlight the evolving nature of music festivals in today’s cultural climate. The willingness of festivals to thrive on diversity—from avant-garde performances like those of ANOHNI and DePlume to more mainstream acts—signals a broader acceptance of varied artistic expressions.

Moreover, the emphasis on social issues and narratives woven into performances illustrates a significant trend wherein artists articulate their passions, pushing for awareness and change within their communities through their art. Big Ears serves as a platform not only for musical exploration but also for fostering conversations around critical global issues.

Conclusion: A Community Built on Sound

As Day Two of Big Ears 2025 unfolded, it became clear that the festival is more than just a collection of performances; it's a community built on shared experiences through sound. The eclectic mix of artists not only celebrated individual creativity but also forged connections between the audience and performers.

It is in such spaces, enriched by the vibrancy of diverse musical genres and impassioned artistry, that the core of music festivals can be found—a collective journey through sound that resonates across cultures and generations.

FAQ

What is the Big Ears Festival?

Big Ears is an annual music festival held in Knoxville, Tennessee, showcasing a mix of genres, including experimental music, jazz, indie, classical, and more.

Who were the featured artists on Day Two of Big Ears 2025?

The standout performances included ANOHNI & The Johnsons, Jessica Pratt, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Nels Cline Singers, among others.

How does Big Ears differ from other music festivals?

Big Ears focuses on a diverse range of artistic expressions and genres, often featuring innovative and avant-garde artists alongside popular ones, providing a platform for meaningful artistic explorations.

What type of audience attends Big Ears?

The audience typically comprises music lovers who appreciate a broad spectrum of music, including fans of experimental and independent artists seeking out unique live experiences.

How often does Big Ears occur?

Big Ears is an annual festival, usually held in late March, and has been running since its inception in 2009.

Are tickets required to attend the festival?

Yes, attendees need to purchase tickets, which grant access to various performances across multiple venues in Knoxville.

Is there an element of community engagement at Big Ears?

Yes, the festival frequently includes talks, panel discussions, and film screenings that engage attendees in conversations around art, culture, and pressing social issues.