Knoxville, Tennessee may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of music scenes, but it has a rich history and vibrant present when it comes to live music. From local music venues to annual festivals, Knoxville has something for every music lover. Let's take a look at the history, venues, events, and bands that make up the Knoxville music scene.
Knoxville, Tennessee has a rich musical history that dates back over 200 years. The city has been a hub of Appalachian music and culture since before the Civil War. In those days, Knoxville was a bustling town that hosted traveling shows and minstrel acts, bringing music and entertainment to the masses.
After the war, Knoxville continued to grow and diversify musically. The city's musical roots are firmly planted in the sounds of the Cumberland Gap region of Appalachia. The accordion, fiddle, and banjo became the soundtrack of the area, which was settled by Scottish, Irish, and English immigrants. African American musicians also played a big role in shaping early Knoxville music, especially blues and jazz.
The early influences on Knoxville's music scene were diverse and far-reaching. The city's location at the crossroads of several major highways made it a popular stop for traveling musicians. As a result, Knoxville became a melting pot of musical styles and traditions.
The city's musical heritage is deeply rooted in the sounds of the Appalachian Mountains. The region's distinctive blend of folk, country, and bluegrass music has been a major influence on Knoxville's music scene for generations. The accordion, fiddle, and banjo became the soundtrack of the area, which was settled by Scottish, Irish, and English immigrants. African American musicians also played a big role in shaping early Knoxville music, especially blues and jazz.
Throughout the 20th century, Knoxville's music scene grew and evolved. Local bands like The Blackwoods Quartet, who had their own radio show, and The Osborne Brothers, who went on to become bluegrass legends, made their mark on the national music scene.
Along with the bands, Knoxville's venues also made their mark. The Bijou Theatre, which opened in 1909, has hosted a wide variety of performers over the years, from vaudeville acts to rock bands. The Tennessee Theatre, which opened in 1928, is another iconic Knoxville venue that has hosted countless musical acts over the years.
Other notable Knoxville venues include The Pilot Light, a small club that has been a launching pad for many local bands, and The Square Room, a more intimate venue that has hosted a wide variety of performers over the years.
In the 1990s, Knoxville exploded onto the national music scene with the success of alternative rock band Superdrag. The band's catchy, guitar-driven sound caught the attention of music fans across the country, and they quickly became one of the most popular bands of the decade.
Other Knoxville bands like The V-Roys and The Judybats also gained prominence during this time. Both bands had a unique sound that blended elements of country, rock, and folk music.
Today, Knoxville continues to produce talented musicians and bands, making it a city to watch in the music industry. From indie rock to bluegrass, Knoxville's music scene is diverse and thriving, with something for everyone.
Knoxville is a city that has been home to a rich music culture for many years. From historic theaters to small clubs, there are a wide range of music venues that have played host to some of the most legendary performances in the city's history. Here are a few of the most notable ones:
The Bijou Theatre is Knoxville's oldest movie theater, dating back to 1909. This stunning venue has been a cornerstone of the city's music scene for over a century. It has played host to many concerts and events over the years, from jazz to rock to opera. The venue is known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, which make it the perfect place to experience live music.
One of the most memorable performances at the Bijou was by legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington in 1943. The theater was packed to capacity, and Ellington's performance was so impressive that it led to a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes. Since then, the Bijou has continued to attract some of the biggest names in music, including Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, and The Black Keys.
The Tennessee Theatre is a stunningly beautiful venue that opened in 1928. This historic theater has undergone several renovations over the years and is now a state-of-the-art performance space. The Tennessee has hosted big names like Bob Dylan and B.B. King, as well as local acts.
One of the most memorable performances at the Tennessee Theatre was by legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton in 1988. The theater was packed to capacity, and Parton's performance was so impressive that it led to a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes. Since then, the Tennessee Theatre has continued to attract some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Costello, Norah Jones, and the Avett Brothers.
The Mill & Mine opened in 2016 and quickly became one of Knoxville's most popular music venues. This spacious, industrial-style space has played host to a mix of local and national acts, making it a favorite among music fans of all ages.
One of the most memorable performances at the Mill & Mine was by indie rock band Vampire Weekend in 2019. The venue was packed with fans, and the band's high-energy performance had everyone dancing and singing along. Since then, the Mill & Mine has continued to attract some of the biggest names in music, including St. Vincent, The National, and Tyler, The Creator.
The Pilot Light is a small, underground venue that has been a staple of the Knoxville music scene since the 1990s. This intimate space has played host to some of the most eclectic and experimental acts in the city's history.
One of the most memorable performances at The Pilot Light was by punk rock band Dead Kennedys in 1995. The venue was packed with fans, and the band's high-energy performance had everyone moshing and stage diving. Since then, The Pilot Light has continued to attract some of the most innovative and boundary-pushing acts in music, including Animal Collective, Lightning Bolt, and Xiu Xiu.
If you're a music lover in Knoxville, these iconic venues are a must-visit. Whether you're into jazz, rock, punk, or indie, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse music scene.
Knoxville's music scene wouldn't be complete without its annual festivals and events. Here are a few of the most popular:
The Big Ears Festival is an annual festival that celebrates avant-garde, experimental, and improvisational music. It features both local and international acts and takes place in various venues throughout the city.
Started in 2009, the Big Ears Festival has become a highlight of Knoxville's music scene. It attracts music lovers from all over the country, who come to experience the unique and boundary-pushing performances. The festival has been praised for its diverse lineup and its commitment to showcasing new and innovative music.
Over the years, the festival has featured a wide range of performers, from jazz legends like Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell to indie rock favorites like St. Vincent and The National. In addition to the music, the festival also includes film screenings, art exhibits, and other events that celebrate experimental art and culture.
Rhythm N' Blooms is a three-day festival that takes place in Knoxville's Old City neighborhood. It focuses on Americana and roots music, with a mix of national and local acts.
The festival started in 2010 and has quickly become a staple of Knoxville's music calendar. It takes place in the spring, when the city's dogwood trees are in bloom, adding to the festive atmosphere. The festival features a variety of stages and venues, including outdoor stages, intimate clubs, and historic theaters.
Over the years, Rhythm N' Blooms has hosted a number of notable performers, including The Mavericks, Nikki Lane, and Margo Price. In addition to the music, the festival also includes food vendors, craft beer, and other activities that celebrate Knoxville's vibrant culture.
The Rossini Festival is a free event that takes place on Knoxville's Market Square. It features live opera, local music, food vendors, and more. It's a great way to get a taste of Knoxville's music and culture scene.
The festival is named after the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, who is best known for his operas. The event takes place in April, when the weather is starting to warm up and the city is coming alive after a long winter.
In addition to the opera performances, the festival also features a variety of other musical acts, including local bands and solo performers. There are also food vendors selling everything from Italian specialties to classic American fare. The festival is a great way to spend a day in downtown Knoxville, enjoying the music, food, and culture.
The Dogwood Arts Festival is a month-long event that celebrates Knoxville's culture and arts scene. It includes a variety of music events, as well as art exhibits, performances, and more.
The festival takes place in April, when the city's famous dogwood trees are in full bloom. It's a celebration of springtime and the renewal of nature. In addition to the music events, the festival also includes art exhibits, craft fairs, and other cultural activities.
Over the years, the festival has hosted a variety of musical acts, including blues legend B.B. King, country star Dolly Parton, and indie rockers The Black Keys. The festival is a great way to experience Knoxville's diverse and vibrant arts scene.
Knoxville has a diverse and thriving music scene that is home to a plethora of talented local bands and artists. From indie rock to country, jazz to hip-hop, there is something for every music lover in this vibrant city. Here are a few of the many Knoxville-based acts that you should definitely keep an eye on:
Whether you're a fan of jazz, blues, indie rock, or country, Knoxville's music scene has something for everyone. From historic venues like the Bijou Theatre and the Tennessee Theatre to new festivals like the Big Ears Festival and the Rhythm N' Blooms Festival, Knoxville is a music lover's paradise. So come explore the city and discover the sounds of Knoxville.
