It’s not just the eclectic and distinguished lineup that sets Big Ears Festival apart in 2024. It’s the host city of Knoxville, Tennessee, that pairs Southern charm with world sounds to present a festival that’s more comfortable than most, with world-class venues that are closer than what most other cities can offer.

Listen as Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka – co-hosts, journalists and Big Ears veterans – talk about how to plan for this year's festival, including some changes that might surprise those who have been before. 

>> Link: 10 must-see Big Ears concerts and what to know for this weekend's downtown music festival

>> Link: Don’t miss him! Tickets to Andre 3000's Knoxville shows are available separately from Big Ears

"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

It’s not just <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2023/10/10/jon-batiste-joins-big-ears-festival-2024-lineup-in-knoxville/71117994007/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}">the eclectic and distinguished lineup</a> that sets Big Ears Festival apart in 2024. It’s the host city of Knoxville, Tennessee, that pairs Southern charm with world sounds to present a festival that’s more comfortable than most, with world-class venues that are closer than what most other cities can offer.
Listen as Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka – co-hosts, journalists and Big Ears veterans – talk about how to plan for this year's festival, including some changes that might surprise those who have been before. 
&gt;&gt; Link: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/03/19/big-ears-festival-guide-to-knoxville-tennessee-and-andre-3000-tickets/73016410007/">10 must-see Big Ears concerts and what to know for this weekend's downtown music festival</a>
&gt;&gt; Link: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/03/19/how-to-get-the-remaining-passes-to-big-ears-festival-in-knoxville/73027264007/">Don’t miss him! Tickets to Andre 3000's Knoxville shows are available separately from Big Ears</a>
"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/">knoxnews.com. </a>Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by <a href="https://profile.knoxnews.com/newsletters/urban-knoxville">clicking here,</a> and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2476530172607529/">the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.</a>

Every Tuesday, host Ryan Wilusz and expert guests bring you the latest news happening in and around downtown Knoxville. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com, part of the USA Today Network.

Every Tuesday, host Ryan Wilusz and expert guests bring you the latest news happening in and around downtown Knoxville. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com, part of the USA Today Network.

Each Monday, Ryan Wilusz and expert guests bring you the latest news happening in and around downtown Knoxville. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by Knox News, part of the USA Today Network.

The Scruffy Stuff

Kick back with Ryan Wilusz and Calvin Mattheis each Monday for the latest news happening in and around downtown Knoxville, and stay tuned on Thursdays for "Last Call" conversations with special guests. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by Knox News, part of the USA Today Network.

It’s not just the eclectic and distinguished lineup that sets Big Ears Festival apart in 2024. It’s the host city of Knoxville, Tennessee, that pairs Southern charm with world sounds to present a festival that’s more comfortable than most, with world-class venues that are closer than what most other cities can offer.  Listen as Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka – co-hosts, journalists and Big Ears veterans – talk about how to plan for this year's festival, including some changes that might surprise those who have been before.   >> Link: 10 must-see Big Ears concerts and what to know for this weekend's downtown music festival  >> Link: Don’t miss him! Tickets to Andre 3000's Knoxville shows are available separately from Big Ears  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

What should you know before heading to Big Ears Festival 2024?

While it took a while for Kern's Food Hall to finally open, it didn't take long for people to begin exploring the property in packs – enjoying sushi and pizza from vendors, sipping on rooftop drinks, and shopping for flowers, clothes and artsy paper goods. 

Take it from this week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka, who visited on a Thursday afternoon and were welcomed by the bustling sounds of a diverse customer base, including UT students. It makes sense with all the apartments aimed at college students nearby.

Kern's Food Hall is no Marble City Market, Knoxville's first food hall, and that's OK. We break down some of the differences, what makes Kern's unique, how it could affect South Knoxville growth and everything else you should expect before visiting. That includes a breakdown of what's open in this first phase. 

>> Link: Kern's Food Hall is ready to spill some secrets - restaurants, rooftops, brewery and all

>> Link: Kern's Food Hall is open! Here are 9 things to know, from eating to parking

>> Photos: See Kern's Food Hall on opening day!

"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

While it took a while for Kern's Food Hall to finally open, it didn't take long for people to begin exploring the property in packs – enjoying sushi and pizza from vendors, sipping on rooftop drinks, and shopping for flowers, clothes and artsy paper goods. 
Take it from this week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka, who visited on a Thursday afternoon and were welcomed by the bustling sounds of a diverse customer base, including UT students. It makes sense with all <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/03/01/kennedy-concepts-mimosas-restaurant-could-be-gateway-to-south-knoxville/72745273007/">the apartments aimed at college students</a> nearby.
Kern's Food Hall is no Marble City Market, Knoxville's first food hall, and that's OK. We break down some of the differences, what makes Kern's unique, how it could affect South Knoxville growth and everything else you should expect before visiting. That includes a breakdown of what's open in this first phase. 
&gt;&gt; Link: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/03/29/kerns-food-hall-opening-with-south-knoxville-restaurants-bars-shopping/73096662007/">Kern's Food Hall is ready to spill some secrets - restaurants, rooftops, brewery and all</a>
&gt;&gt; Link: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/04/09/kerns-food-hall-restaurants-bars-parking-at-south-knoxville-destination/73129208007/">Kern's Food Hall is open! Here are 9 things to know, from eating to parking</a>
&gt;&gt; Photos: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/picture-gallery/money/business/2024/04/13/see-kerns-food-hall-on-opening-day/73314143007/">See Kern's Food Hall on opening day!</a>
"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/">knoxnews.com. </a>Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by <a href="https://profile.knoxnews.com/newsletters/urban-knoxville">clicking here,</a> and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2476530172607529/">the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.</a>

While it took a while for Kern's Food Hall to finally open, it didn't take long for people to begin exploring the property in packs – enjoying sushi and pizza from vendors, sipping on rooftop drinks, and shopping for flowers, clothes and artsy paper goods.   Take it from this week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka, who visited on a Thursday afternoon and were welcomed by the bustling sounds of a diverse customer base, including UT students. It makes sense with all the apartments aimed at college students nearby.  Kern's Food Hall is no Marble City Market, Knoxville's first food hall, and that's OK. We break down some of the differences, what makes Kern's unique, how it could affect South Knoxville growth and everything else you should expect before visiting. That includes a breakdown of what's open in this first phase.   >> Link: Kern's Food Hall is ready to spill some secrets - restaurants, rooftops, brewery and all  >> Link: Kern's Food Hall is open! Here are 9 things to know, from eating to parking  >> Photos: See Kern's Food Hall on opening day!  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

Is Kern's Food Hall living up to expectation in South Knoxville?

Orson Welles has nothing on the far-fetched story inspiring a new out-of-this-world nightclub in the newly established Asylum District that could expand what people consider the boundaries of downtown Knoxville.

The tall tale, from the mind of owner Scott West, goes like this: Rogue doctors from Oak Ridge recently hauled an extraterrestrial artifact they discovered to limestone caves beneath The International property in downtown Knoxville, where radiation technology was used to see what's inside. The experiment came with unexpected consequences, resulting in a rift in space and time that has caused these humans to become aliens, the past to become present, and myth to become reality.

This week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Keenan Thomas, were at opening weekend of Asylum 801 to document how this nightclub could change Knoxville, from bridging the gap between downtown and the university to serving as an incubator for up-and-coming artists by giving them a state-of-the-art stage to perform on. Not to mention filling a dancing void in downtown, which has been without a regularly programmed nightlife venue of this magnitude. 

>> Link: Asylum 801, a new downtown club, is ready to blast off in extraterrestrial fashion

>> Photos: Check out opening night of Asylum 801 club in Knoxville

"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

Orson Welles has nothing on the far-fetched story inspiring a new out-of-this-world nightclub in <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2024/01/08/downtown-knoxville-business-owners-want-asylum-district-at-lunaverse/72124437007/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}">the newly established Asylum District</a> that could expand what people consider the boundaries of downtown Knoxville.
The tall tale, from the mind of owner Scott West, goes like this: Rogue doctors from Oak Ridge recently hauled an extraterrestrial artifact they discovered to limestone caves beneath The International property in downtown Knoxville, where radiation technology was used to see what's inside. The experiment came with unexpected consequences, resulting in a rift in space and time that has caused these humans to become aliens, the past to become present, and myth to become reality.
This week's co-hosts, <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/staff/2646486001/ryan-wilusz/">Ryan Wilusz</a> and<a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/staff/7710999001/keenan-thomas/"> Keenan Thomas,</a> were at opening weekend of Asylum 801 to document how this nightclub could change Knoxville, from bridging the gap between downtown and the university to serving as an incubator for up-and-coming artists by giving them a state-of-the-art stage to perform on. Not to mention filling a dancing void in downtown, which has been without a regularly programmed nightlife venue of this magnitude. 
&gt;&gt; Link: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2024/03/28/asylum-801-club-opening-in-downtown-knoxville-with-concerts-dancing/73096511007/">Asylum 801, a new downtown club, is ready to blast off in extraterrestrial fashion</a>
&gt;&gt; Photos: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/2024/04/05/asylum-801-club-open-in-downtown-knoxville-part-of-lunaverse/73212765007/">Check out opening night of Asylum 801 club in Knoxville</a>
"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/">knoxnews.com. </a>Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by <a href="https://profile.knoxnews.com/newsletters/urban-knoxville">clicking here,</a> and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2476530172607529/">the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.</a>

Orson Welles has nothing on the far-fetched story inspiring a new out-of-this-world nightclub in the newly established Asylum District that could expand what people consider the boundaries of downtown Knoxville.  The tall tale, from the mind of owner Scott West, goes like this: Rogue doctors from Oak Ridge recently hauled an extraterrestrial artifact they discovered to limestone caves beneath The International property in downtown Knoxville, where radiation technology was used to see what's inside. The experiment came with unexpected consequences, resulting in a rift in space and time that has caused these humans to become aliens, the past to become present, and myth to become reality.  This week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Keenan Thomas, were at opening weekend of Asylum 801 to document how this nightclub could change Knoxville, from bridging the gap between downtown and the university to serving as an incubator for up-and-coming artists by giving them a state-of-the-art stage to perform on. Not to mention filling a dancing void in downtown, which has been without a regularly programmed nightlife venue of this magnitude.   >> Link: Asylum 801, a new downtown club, is ready to blast off in extraterrestrial fashion  >> Photos: Check out opening night of Asylum 801 club in Knoxville  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

How could Asylum 801 take Knoxville to new heights?

Before you read about it on CBS News or even our own USA TODAY, Knox News was first to report that a Dolly Parton and Beyoncé collaboration could be happening as part of the latter's album "Cowboy Carter." 

How did we know? Trending news reporter Devarrick Turner straight-up asked Parton during a Dollywood interview, and she seemed eager to spill the tea. The result was a whirlwind of coverage related to the possibility of a "Jolene" cover, all citing Knox News and Turner's work. 

Turner joins host Ryan Wilusz on this week's episode to discuss why he asked the question in the first place, what it's like to interview Parton and how the media craze caused by his reporting unfolded right before his eyes. 

>> Link: Will Dolly Parton be on Beyoncé’s new country album? Here’s what Dolly had to say

>> Link: Hear and see Dolly Parton on Beyoncé’s new album 'Cowboy Carter'

>> Link: Will Knoxville radio play Beyonce's cover of ‘Jolene’ or shops sell 'Cowboy Carter' vinyl?

"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

Before you read about it on CBS News or even our own USA TODAY, Knox News was first to report that a Dolly Parton and Beyoncé collaboration could be happening as part of the latter's album "Cowboy Carter." 
How did we know? Trending news reporter <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/staff/7133028001/devarrick-turner/">Devarrick Turner</a> straight-up asked Parton during a Dollywood interview, and she seemed eager to spill the tea. The result was a whirlwind of coverage related to the possibility of a "Jolene" cover, all citing Knox News and Turner's work. 
Turner joins host Ryan Wilusz on this week's episode to discuss why he asked the question in the first place, what it's like to interview Parton and how the media craze caused by his reporting unfolded right before his eyes. 
&gt;&gt; Link: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/03/11/did-beyonc-cover-dolly-partons-jolene-for-act-ii-country-album/72909922007/">Will Dolly Parton be on Beyoncé’s new country album? Here’s what Dolly had to say</a>
&gt;&gt; Link: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/03/29/beyonce-features-dolly-parton-on-cowboy-carter-watch-and-listen/73142765007/">Hear and see Dolly Parton on Beyoncé’s new album 'Cowboy Carter'</a>
&gt;&gt; Link: <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/03/29/beyonce-dolly-parton-how-to-hear-and-buy-cowboy-carter-in-knoxville/73136049007/">Will Knoxville radio play Beyonce's cover of ‘Jolene’ or shops sell 'Cowboy Carter' vinyl?</a>
"The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/">knoxnews.com. </a>Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by <a href="https://profile.knoxnews.com/newsletters/urban-knoxville">clicking here,</a> and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2476530172607529/">the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.</a>

Before you read about it on CBS News or even our own USA TODAY, Knox News was first to report that a Dolly Parton and Beyoncé collaboration could be happening as part of the latter's album "Cowboy Carter."   How did we know? Trending news reporter Devarrick Turner straight-up asked Parton during a Dollywood interview, and she seemed eager to spill the tea. The result was a whirlwind of coverage related to the possibility of a "Jolene" cover, all citing Knox News and Turner's work.   Turner joins host Ryan Wilusz on this week's episode to discuss why he asked the question in the first place, what it's like to interview Parton and how the media craze caused by his reporting unfolded right before his eyes.   >> Link: Will Dolly Parton be on Beyoncé’s new country album? Here’s what Dolly had to say  >> Link: Hear and see Dolly Parton on Beyoncé’s new album 'Cowboy Carter'  >> Link: Will Knoxville radio play Beyonce's cover of ‘Jolene’ or shops sell 'Cowboy Carter' vinyl?  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

What should you know before heading to Big Ears Festival 2024?

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