Source: I Care If You Listen.
Unlike the programming in years previous, the Big Ears 2018 lineup was particularly jazz- and Appalachian music-focused, limiting the offerings of contemporary art music or experimental-leaning pop. While the spirit of the festival encourages attendees to engage with music with which they typically might not, the new music-forward lineups of years past were missed.
Thankfully, the contemporary classical acts that were programmed this year did a great deal of work that should be celebrated. Bang on a Can All-Stars, Nief-Norf, the International Contemporary Ensemble, and others performed two or more concerts each, showcasing versatility in performing a gamut of styles in their programs.
Avant Music News 