In 2019, David Byrne—known for being the face of Talking Heads and for his diverse solo work—announced a venture called Reasons to be Cheerful, a project that calls itself “part magazine, part therapy session, part blueprint for a better world.”
Through Byrne’s non-profit organization, Arbutus, Reasons to be Cheerful aims toward fulfilling this sensibility, applying it now to the future of our world. Through stories of hope, Reasons to be Cheerful seeks to provide inspiration to those who want to know how the world can be better and how we can be part of that change.
Byrne will be coming to Big Ears 2023 to discuss the goals and effects of solutions-based journalism and speak with two inspiring regional activists and change-makers who are committed to creating practical, effective solutions to problems in their communities. One can easily speculate, though, that Byrne will be involved in other ways while on-site in Knoxville.
Big Ears is also announcing some additional performers: musician, visual artist, writer, and co-founder of Sonic Youth, Lee Ranaldo; classical cellist, pianist, and composer, Dave Eggar; New York based pianist and composer David Virelles; steel guitarist Luke Schneider; and “ambient country” trio Suss.
Big Ears also announced that the Big Ears 2023 Detailed Schedule And App will be available on Thursday, March 2. Stay tuned for more. Check out Big Ears Weekend Pass details here.
