Latest news with #BigEarsFestival
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Summerfest in Milwaukee loses 2025 headliner after Julien Baker cancels tour
Summerfest 2025 has lost a buzzy act after Julien Baker canceled her planned tour with Torres, including a headlining show at the Milwaukee music festival's Aurora Pavilion June 27. Baker, 27, an acclaimed singer-songwriter and member of Grammy-winning supergroup Boygenius with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, announced on May 4 on Instagram that "due to recent events" she was "prioritizing her well-being and taking time to focus on her health." She added: "This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment this may cause for fans. We deeply appreciate your understanding." Torres shared the statement on Instagram. Further details were not available. However, the news came after Baker and Torres canceled a March 27 speaking engagement and performance at Ohio University because "one of our key members sustained a concussion and will need to take the next few weeks to recover." They also canceled an appearance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, in late March. Baker and Torres's tour had stops planned throughout the summer for cities including New Orleans, Dallas and Philadelphia, behind their critically acclaimed country album "Send a Prayer My Way." Baker released her debut studio album, "Sprained Ankle," in 2015. Since 2018, she also has performed as part of Boygenius, snagging three Grammy wins in 2024 for best rock performance, best rock song and best alternative music album. Julien Baker, singer-songwriter and guitarist with the music group Boygenius, performs a surprise show during South by Southwest at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Austin. Baker has cancelled a planned tour with Torres, including a Summerfest headlining appearance in Milwaukee, for health reasons. A replacement has yet to be named for the canceled Summerfest show. Most of the headliners have been announced for the 2025 festival, with a couple prominent openings remaining, including closing slots at the festival's UScellular Connection Stage June 20, Miller Lite Oasis June 28, Aurora Pavilion July 4 and BMO Pavilion July 5. Summerfest will take place June 19 to 21, June 26 to 28 and July 3 to 5. Brendan Morrow from USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Summerfest loses 2025 headliner after Julien Baker cancels tour
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Did Julien Baker Cancel Her Tour? Health Update
Julien Baker has sparked concern after announcing the cancellation of her joint tour with Torres. A brief statement cited recent events and a need to focus on her health, prompting questions from fans and followers. Julien Baker has canceled the remainder of her Send a Prayer My Way Tour with Torres to prioritize her health. A joint statement posted on May 4, 2025, via both artists' Instagram pages stated, 'Due to recent events, Julien Baker is prioritizing her well-being and taking time to focus on her health.' The announcement emphasized that the decision 'was not made lightly' and acknowledged the 'disappointment' it may cause for fans. The canceled tour, which began on April 23, 2025, included summer dates in cities such as New Orleans, Dallas, and Philadelphia. The musicians' statement also noted that refunds and ticketing information would be handled by the original point of purchase. This cancellation follows earlier disruptions. On March 27, Baker and Torres canceled a performance and speaking engagement at Ohio University, citing that 'one of our key members sustained a concussion and will need to take the next few weeks to recover.' They also pulled out of the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, that same month (via USA Today). Baker and Torres released their collaborative country album 'Send a Prayer My Way' on April 18, 2025. In a March interview on The Daily Show, Torres said the album had been in development for five years and started after she texted Baker during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Julien was the first person I thought of because she's from Tennessee, I'm from Georgia,' she said. 'It just made sense.' Baker, 29, first gained recognition with her 2015 debut album Sprained Ankle. She is also part of the Grammy-winning group Boygenius, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. In 2024, Boygenius won three Grammy Awards and later announced a hiatus in February during a secret Los Angeles performance. The post Why Did Julien Baker Cancel Her Tour? Health Update appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Perth Now
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Julien Baker quits tour 'focus on her mental health'
Julien Baker has cancelled the remaining dates of her tour with Torres to "focus on her mental health". The Boygenius star, 29, and her collaborator have been forced to shelve the rest of their 'Send a Prayer My Way Tour' in support of their joint country album - due to "recent events" impacting Julien's mental health. The announcement came just hours before their planned performance at the Stable Hall in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday (04.05.25). Julien's Instagram statement read: 'Due to recent events, Julien Baker is prioritizing her well-being and taking time to focus on her health. 'Therefore, the Julien Baker and TORRES 'Send A Prayer My Way' Tour has been canceled. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment this may cause for fans. We deeply appreciate your understanding. (sic)" Full refunds will be offered to fans from their original points of sale. In March, they had to cancel shows at Ohio University and at Knoxville's Big Ears Festival after 'one of our key members sustained a concussion'. The tour began on April 23 in Richmond, Virginia. The pair came to collaborate on the LP after Torres - whose real name is Mackenzie Scott - got high on marijuana one night amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Julien told The Independent: 'I committed to that bit and here we are.' The pair - who are queer - used the album to explore complex themes of sexuality, religion, and growing up in the American South. Julien mused: 'I was being a contrarian and people would be like, 'Well, how's it been being a queer person in the South?'' The two became friends a decade ago, after meeting backstage at a show they played together in Chicago. In Tennessee, they were both raised around country music. However, Baker said the genre didn't click as she was growing up. She told the outlet: 'I wanted nothing to do with country music, but no matter what I did, I couldn't escape it because I lived in Tennessee.'
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Julien Baker cancels joint tour with Torres to 'focus on her health'
Julien Baker cancels joint tour with Torres to 'focus on her health' Julien Baker is putting her health first. The "Boygenius" singer has canceled the rest of her Send a Prayer My Way Tour with Torres (whose real name is Mackenzie Ruth Scott), which began on April 23, for health reasons, according to a statement shared May 4 on both musicians' Instagram pages. The country duo announced that "due to recent events," Baker, 29, is "prioritizing her well-being and taking time to focus on her health," adding, "This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment this may cause for fans. We deeply appreciate your understanding." USA TODAY has reached out to representatives of Baker for more information. Boygenius confirms it's going on a hiatus days before the supergroup's Grammys debut Further details were not made available. However, the news came after Baker and Torres canceled a March 27 speaking engagement and performance at Ohio University because "one of our key members sustained a concussion and will need to take the next few weeks to recover." They also canceled an appearance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, in late March. Baker and Torres's tour had stops planned throughout the summer for cities including New Orleans, Dallas and Philadelphia. The two musicians released their country album "Send a Prayer My Way," which received four out of five stars from Rolling Stone, on April 18. During a joint interview with Baker on "The Daily Show" in March, Torres explained the record was in the works for five years and came together after she texted Baker about collaborating on a country album during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Julien was the first person I thought of because she's from Tennessee, I'm from Georgia," Torres said. "It just made sense." Carlos Santana postpones second concert after contracting COVID-19 Baker released her debut studio album, "Sprained Ankle," in 2015, and since 2018 has performed as part of the trio Boygenius alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. The group snagged three Grammy wins in 2024 for best rock performance, best rock song and best alternative music album. In February 2024, Boygenius confirmed during a secret show in Los Angeles that they would be going on hiatus. Dacus said at the time, "This is our last show, and we're feeling it."
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
No pass? No problem! Free shows and events to check out during the 2025 Big Ears Festival
The Big Ears Festival is back for another year of great music, art and conversation in Knoxville. Although single-day passes have sold out, that doesn't mean you have to miss out. You can still experience incredible performances, moving exhibitions and engaging discussions – for free! From Grammy-winning musicians to intimate artist talks, these events offer a taste of Big Ears' eclectic programming without the cost of admission. And there's something for every music fan, whether you're into jazz, classical, bluegrass, electronic or gospel. A full list of free Big Ears events is available at but here's a quick guide to a few of the free performances and exhibitions to check out during this year's festival. ALL IN ONE PLACE! Our Big Ears guide ensures you won't miss a moment as Knoxville braces for festival weekend The Grammy-winning trombonist and composer is known for her innovative approach to jazz, blending traditional elements with modern improvisation. Vandever has toured internationally with her quartet and has performed with popular artists, including Harry Styles, Lizzo, Japanese Breakfast, Jennifer Hudson and Demi Lovato. Her debut album 'We Fell in Turn' was released in 2023. Time: 4 p.m. Venue: Knoxville Museum of Art | 1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive Yuka Honda, a founder of the band Cibo Matto, is an accomplished electronic instrumentalist, composer and producer. She is a prominent figure in New York City in avant-garde and indie rock scenes. Honda is known as eucademix for her solo electronic projects. Her music spans genres, which she collectively calls 'sensory music.' And according to her Big Ears bio, she has a 'deep fascination with microorganisms and humorously refers to herself as a 'de-composer.'' Time: 6:30 p.m. Venue: Knoxville Museum of Art | 1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive This duo is a leader for the new generations of roots musicians, bringing a fresh sound to bluegrass music through de Groot's band and Hargreaves' fiddle. The duo's award-winning album 'Hurricane Clarice' (2022) 'reflects history, family, literature, live performance and environmental instability in the sounds, feelings, and sensations that permeate their music,' according to the Big Ears website. Time: 1:30 p.m. Venue: Knoxville Museum of Art | 1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive Joyful Noise Recordings brings together its Big Ears-attending artists for a special improvised performance. This rare treat for attendees features Wendy Eisenberg, Greg Saunier, Tall Tall Trees, Kramer and Thor Harris. Time: 3 p.m. Venue: Pretentious Beer Company | 131 S. Central St. The Mivos Quartet specializes in performing contemporary classical music to diverse audiences worldwide. The quartet collaborates with established and emerging composers across a broad range of demographics and compositional aesthetics, striving for a deep and meaningful listening experience for audiences. Mivos operates as a nonprofit organization based in New York City, dedicated to performing, commissioning and collaborating on music being written today. Time: 3:45 p.m. Venue: Knoxville Museum of Art | 1050 Worlds Fair Park Drive Dedicated Men of Zion joins the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir for evening of 'pure spiritual elevation.' The quartet's sound is rooted in the traditions of gospel, soul and sacred spirituals. The Big Ears site promises 'a performance filled with deep grooves, impassioned call-and-response and an unwavering devotion to the joyful, redemptive spirit of gospel music.' Free tickets can be reserved at Time: 5 p.m. Venue: Knoxville Civic Auditorium | 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Violins of Hope is an exhibition created by Louis Gauci that collects, restores and showcases violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Each instrument has been restored and preserved, and each has a physical connection to the hatred, persecution, violence and suffering of the Holocaust. These instruments now serve as powerful symbols of hope and survival. The exhibition will 'guide visitors through the history of the Holocaust, while emphasizing the power of music to foster hope, resilience and acceptance,' according to the Big Ears site. Many of the instruments are in Knoxville this spring for the exhibit and performances by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at the Tennessee Theatre April 9. The first Knoxville performance was March 5. Times: Noon-6 p.m. March 26-28 | 1-4 p.m. March 29 Venue: Digital Motif Gallery | 108 S. Gay St. 'Kite Symphony' is an exhibition by musician Roberto Carlos Lange and visual artist Kristi Sword that intersects music, performance and visual art. The project features a series of drawings called Radio Telescope and two films: an experimental visual music piece called 'Star Scores' and a film documenting sculptural interventions from their time in Marfa, Texas. Time: Noon-9 p.m. March 27-29; noon-6 p.m. March 30 Venue: UT Downtown Gallery | 106 S. Gay St. Historian and director of the Knoxville History Project Jack Neely dives into Knoxville's rich and surprising cultural and musical heritage, which includes early blues and country roots to the city's connections with jazz, rock and experimental music. The talk will highlight key moments, legendary artists and overlooked stories that have shaped Knoxville's music identity. Time: 3:30 p.m. Venue: Visit Knoxville Visitors Center | 301 S. Gay St. A panel of acclaimed music critics come together for a lively discussion previewing the 2025 festival. They'll highlight must-see performances and emerging artists to check out and share why they look forward to the Big Ears Festival each year. The panel includes Ann Powers (NPR Music), Nate Chinen (The Gig, JazzTimes), Marcus J. Moore (The New York Times, The Atlantic) and Ashley Kahn ("A Love Supreme: The Story of John Coltrane's Signature Album"). This is the perfect guide to navigating the festival's eclectic musical offerings. Time: 5 p.m. Venue: Visit Knoxville Visitors Center | 301 S. Gay St. Singer-songwriter Dawn Richard and music journalist Marcus Moore dig deep into her artistic evolution and career. Paving her own path, Richard has blurred the lines between R&B, electronic, and experimental sounds. And look to Moore for deep dives into Black music and culture. Time: 12:30 p.m. Venue: Visit Knoxville Visitors Center | 301 S. Gay St. Lance Ledbetter, founder of the Grammy-winning archival label Dust-to-Digital and the preservation-focused Dust-to-Digital Foundation, joins Terika Dean, chair of the Blues Foundation, will discuss the evolving role of archives in the digital age and why these recordings still resonate today. Time: 11 a.m. Venue: Visit Knoxville Visitors Center | 301 S. Gay St. Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Free 2025 Big Ears Festival shows and events in Knoxville
