Big Ears Festival is a celebration of musical exploration, and you never know what you’ll find.

With a lineup spanning jazz, experimental folk, boundary-pushing electronica, global fusion and much more, the festival offers something for every listener. To help navigate these wide-ranging soundscapes, we’ve highlighted a few artists who may not be headliners but deserve a spot on your schedule, too.

The full Big Ears lineup and schedule is available at bigearsfestival.org. These hidden gems embody the creative spirit of Big Ears, showcase various styles and promise unforgettable experiences not to be missed. You might even witness a surprise or two.

6:15 p.m. March 27 | Jackson Terminal

Sunny War is “America’s brightest star and biggest disruptor,” according to Uncut Magazine. The folk-blues artist blends intricate strumming with raw, soulful storytelling. Her 2023 project “Anarchist Gospel” earned critical acclaim, showcasing her innovative guitarwork and insightful lyricism.

8:30 p.m. March 27 | Jackson Terminal

The legendary guitarist from the indie band Low continues to expand his limits while experimenting with various soundscapes, ranging from whisper-soft to earth-shaking. He recently collaborated with Yo La Tengo, Peder Mannerfelt, Charlie Parr and funk band Derecho Rhythm Section. His second solo album with Trampled by Turtles will be released in May.

3:30 p.m. March 28 | Jackson Terminal

The North Carolina-based quartet’s sound is rooted in Black gospel but also incorporates blues, R&B, soul and funk. Their music “evokes the four a.m. juncture where Saturday night bleeds into Sunday morning,” their Big Ears bio notes.

Dedicated Men of Zion also will perform with the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir on March 30.

5 p.m. March 28 | Boyd’s Jig and Reel

Mike Savino – aka Tall Tall Trees – uses effects, loops and experimental techniques to turn banjo music into a psychedelic experience. Savino is a pioneer in experimental banjo music in the psychedelic folk, rock and world music styles. Audiences will quickly “recognize the tenderness of Cat Stevens, the melancholy introspection of Elliott Smith, the anthemic psychedelia of Pink Floyd, and a deep abiding respect for Earl Scruggs” in his work, according to his Big Ears bio.

12:45 p.m. March 29 | Jackson Terminal

Tunisian-American singer-songwriter Emel is bringing a pop sound to Big Ears that crosses time, countries and continents. Emel rose to fame in 2012 with her protest song “Kelmti Horra” (My Word Is Free) and was subsequently dubbed the voice of the Arab spring.

“It’s rare to find a pop star who can claim to be genuinely revolutionary, but she fits both descriptors equally well,” writes Pop Matters.

8:30 p.m. March 29 | Tennessee Theatre

This Ukrainian band creates a world of new sound, as the quartet uses traditional African, Arabic, Indian and Ukrainian instrumentation to produce trans-national music rooted in Ukrainian culture. Their powerful voices and extraordinary range must be heard in person to believe.

4:30 p.m. March 30 | Regas Square

Macie Stewart is a multi-instrumentalist based in Chicago who blends folk, jazz, and experimental sounds. Stewart’s experience collaborating with a wide range of artists “has led their music to become fluid and expansive- drawing on all that has come before while intentionally searching for something new,” according to their Big Ears bio.

7 p.m. March 30 | Regas Square

This Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist has worked with some of music’s most innovative artists, including Makaya McCraven, Nate Mercereau and Kiefer. He served as soul singer Leon Bridges’ musical director for four years, and he can be heard on records by Harry Styles, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Moonchild, Broken Bells, Miley Cyrus and many others.

There are three secret performances scheduled at Boyd’s Jig and Reel. “Expect the unexpected. A surprise artist. An intimate setting. A one-of-a-kind Big Ears moment,” according to Big Ears. Artists will be revealed via the festival app a few hours before their scheduled showtimes.

Showtimes:

Popular performances to check out

11:30 p.m. March 27 | Mill & Mine

Now a trio and known for their intense concerts, Darkside reinvented the jam band with electronic music influenced by psychedelia, art rock and jazz influences. Darkside’s third album, “Nothing,” came out in February.

6:30 p.m. March 28 | Knoxville Civic Auditorium

Five-time Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding is “the 21st century’s jazz genius,” NPR praises. The artist’s work interweaves instrumental music, improvisation, singing, composition, poetry, dance, therapeutic research, storytelling and teaching.

7:15 p.m. March 29 | Knoxville Civic Auditorium

Arooj Aftab’s ethereal voice floats, transporting audiences another world. Her music draws from a wide range of influences, including jazz, pop, blues and South Asian classical music. In 2022, she became the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy for her song “Mohabbat.”

Aftab’s latest album, “Night Reign” received two Grammy nominations earlier this year.

9 p.m. March 30 | Mill & Mine The post-rock band is known for its bold, emotional, cinematic music and epic live shows. Explosions in the Sky has achieved commercial success with their unique sound and film scores, including the soundtrack for “Friday Night Lights.”

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Big Ears 2025: Hidden gems and must-see shows in downtown Knoxville