Vibraphonist Vance Thompson brings his quartet featuring pianist Taber Gable, bassist Taylor Coker, and drummer Kenneth Brown to the Emporium for an evening of music from his latest album, Lost and Found, which The Times of London heralded as “a joyous, jubilant portrait of musical rebirth,” and an “irresistible album.” Thompson enjoyed a successful career as a trumpeter for many years before a medical issue forced him to change course. Discovering the vibraphone provided a new lease on musical life.

Jack Bowers, writing for All About Jazz, had this to say: “what is most remarkable is that Thompson sounds like he has been playing the vibraphone all his life….While regret for what Thompson lost is understandable, delight in what he found is even more appropriate, especially in light of this remarkable illustration of his composure and endurance. As Sinatra once sang, there are times when things can be ‘even lovelier, the second time around.’”

Nels Cline: Lovers

Conducted by Michael Leonhart with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra

Purchase Big Ears passes here.

Nels Cline is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and creative guitarists of his generation. Over the course of a career spanning more than 200 recordings, he has led numerous groups, collaborated across genres from jazz to rock to experimental music, and been a full-time member of Wilco for over two decades.

One of Cline’s most ambitious works is Lovers, a project first envisioned in the 1980s, and conceived of as a darker take on atmospheric “mood music”. The album weaves together jazz standards with works by Sonic Youth, Annette Peacock, The Ambitious Lovers, and Cline himself, and is an expansive exploration of some less-traveled aspects of romance, love, and sex.

Longtime friend/poet/producer David Breskin, championed the idea for years before helping secure funding to make this project possible. When Cline met composer/arranger Michael Leonhart, he found a co-conspirator who shared his vision, and through hard work and inspiration they brought the project to life.

The team of Cline, Breskin, and Leonhart assembled a 23-piece ensemble and recorded over five days, with an additional day for strings and harp. What began as an almost overwhelming concept became an 18-track double album that unfolds like a musical memoir, moving from Nels’ early jazz influences to later experimental inspirations, honoring friends, mentors, and personal milestones.

In 2026, Lovers celebrates its tenth anniversary. Nearly a decade ago, a planned Big Ears performance was canceled when a snowstorm kept Cline grounded in New York City, making a  return especially poignant. The large ensemble, conducted by Leonhart, will feature Chris Lightcap (bass), Alex Cline (drums), Guitarist Gregg Belisle-Chi (2nd guitar), members of Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, and Cline himself.

Join pianist Margherita Fava and her band for an evening of great music. Free and open to the public.

Margherita Fava - piano
Alan Wyatt - tenor saxophone
Matt Nelson - bass
Nolan Nevels - drums

Join pianist Margherita Fava and her band for a performance celebrating the release of her new album Murrina. Show starts at 8pm at Barley’s Taproom in the Old City. $5 cover.

Featuring:
Margherita Fava: keys and compositions
David Williford: saxophone
Ken Perkerwicz - bass
Willie Barthel - drums

Vibraphonist Vance Thompson and pianist Sam Adams present a special duo performance in the Nave of Church Street United Methodist Church. Free and open to the public.

The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra will perform a free concert at the Clayton Performing Arts Center on the campus of Pellissippi State Community College.

This event is a benefit for the Oak Ridge High School Band program. Admission is free, but donations to the band boosters are encouraged.

The program will include music by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren, Jerome Kern, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Donald Brown, Lee Morgan and others. Special guests include vocalist Stina Nesbit, saxophonist Mace Hibbard and trumpeter Jim Hynes.

The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra will perform a free concert at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City. The program will include music by Thelonious Monk, Mulgrew Miller, Donald Brown, Horace Silver, Jimmy Van Huesen, Donny Hathaway and others. Special guests include vocalist Evelyn Jack and trombonist Rick Simerly.

The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra will present the final set of music for the 2023 Rossini Festival on Market Square Stage. This is a free concert.