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So how open do your ears have to be to appreciate the Big Ears Festival?

Festival founder Ashley Capps, president of AC Entertainment, says not all that wide.

"This is a collection of some of the greatest artists of our time. In most cases, if you go to one of these concerts the music will engage you immediately," says Capps.

The festival, which runs from Friday-Sunday, Feb. 6-8, will bring more than 25 music artists from around the world - many known better by critics and peers than general audiences. Yet, the idea that most modern avant garde music is dissonant and difficult is wrong.

"For the most part, (music by the Big Ears artists) is very tonal and melodic," says Capps. "One thing that many of the artists share is a sensual quality to the music. It envelops you."

Knoxville might seem like an unlikely site for the festival, but Capps says he has modeled it on European events, which are often held in towns smaller than Knoxville. He says Knoxville, with its number of great music venues, is a perfect fit.

Capps says the deteriorating economy kept the festival plans more modest.

"We made the logistical decision to scale it down," says Capps. "We wanted to start small."

He says Big Ears will be the blueprint for other festivals that he hopes to create in the city.

And will Big Ears be an annual event?

"Absolutely."

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel
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