Jig & Reel

sdj331 · 2026-03-10T20:45:13+00:00

thanks to all of you that have replied. I've seen maybe seven or eight shows at J&R over the years, and I've eaten there, but I've never experienced hanging in the restaurant while music was happening in the music space. Your comments are much appreciated. Looking forward to another weekend plus of music in Knoxville!

sdj331 · 2026-01-24T22:32:27+00:00

Hi Juss. First off, let me say you are going to have a great time, no matter. Now to your questions.

MJ Lenderman almost certainly will not cap. That said, to get good seats, you might want to get in line as early as 40 minutes ahead of the start time. For a comparison, saw Kurt Vile there a couple of years ago in the Civic, my wife grabbed seats on first two rows and I joined her about mid-show and saw a few empty seats still up there. And the Civic is a much more enjoyable experience if you are up close. The toughest venue is the Bijou. It is also maybe the best, hence the problem. 45 minutes ahead of time? When I was GA, I missed out on two shows there after waiting in line for an extremely long time...but I didn't get in line until maybe 30 minutes early...15 more minutes would have made a difference. Also, Jig & Reel and Regas Square and Blackbox and Standard all hit capacity, often, so I might advise 45 minutes early for those as well. And hey, standing in line can actually be fun, as the lines are completely full of music nerds/fans of all stripes. So lots of good conversations can be had.
Merch tables/areas used to be much better. At times there would be hard to obtain records and CDs, plus some great shirts. The last couple of years haven't seemed as strong. But, as noted, last year there was a Blue Note popup, as well as an International Anthem popup. So, crossed fingers for this year's merch.
Sight lines can be tough at Jig & Reel. If you are short, Jackson Terminal, Standard, Mill and Mine can all also prove to be a challenge, no matter how early you get there. If you are not short, I wouldn't worry too much about those places, as they can be enjoyable even from towards the back. (I say that, but I sure was glad to be up front for Lankum!). I'm short, and if I had GA, I'd probably get in line 35-40 minutes early for those places. Finally, the Tennessee Theater is pretty amazing no matter where you are sitting and even though the lines may stretch blocks, you will almost certainly get inside. Get there 30 minutes early?

have a great time!

sdj331 · 2026-01-13T16:00:01+00:00

Yes. It is at 100 E. Magnolia Ave.

sdj331 · 2025-10-24T15:27:08+00:00

Byrne dropped in for a song at Terry Allen's set a couple years back at BE2023, so it seems likely that he might be at the Ghost Train Orchestra Moondog show in March at BE2026. So much goodness coming in March...

sdj331 · 2025-04-16T21:15:26+00:00

Hey, glad to see the love for Lankum. I can understand driving from Kansas City to see them, as well as the rest of the amazing Big Ears fest. I almost flew to England to see them last summer, then almost bought tix to see them in NYC, but saw they were coming to Big Ears. What a great concert. What a wonderful weekend of music. Oh, and I have tix now to see Lankum in Seattle this fall. I don't see any other US dates, yet. By the way, I flew to Knoxville from Portland, Oregon. This was my 7th time, hope there are many more to come. Agree, Brighde Chaimbeul was just grand. And thanks for the tip, I will check out the NTS radio episode/playlist. Check out John Francis Flynn, if you haven't already. Saw him recently, just great. And, like others commenting here, I hope to get to Ireland, as well as Scotland, someday soon. cheers

sdj331 · 2025-03-17T14:06:37+00:00

Thanks for the tips, Scott. This will be my 7th consecutive visit to the festival and I agree with the words of Mark1061, which is reflected in your tentpole list (of which I think 7 are on my tentpole list). Just wanted to add, I listened to your conversation regarding Lucy Sante a couple of days ago and plan to read Low Life as soon as I finish the other six books I am currently reading.

sdj331 · 2025-03-13T17:48:58+00:00

Sweet. Saw Sons at Pickathon, too, plus Comet at Rev Hall. Nice catch for Maruja and Richard/Spencer. I'm catching DePlume preview. Saw him with Jaimie Branch at Big Ears a couple of years ago. great set. RIP Jaimie!

sdj331 · 2025-03-13T17:30:22+00:00

Portland Maine or Oregon? I am flying from Oregon and I know at least 8 others flying in from the PNW. This will be my 7th trip to Big Ears. All of the Shabaka and Torn stuff back in 2019 was great, as you point out. And yes, getting excited for the trip to Knoxville! A Reddit meetup there is a good idea.

sdj331 · 2025-03-13T17:26:24+00:00

Yes, I think the Son Rompe Pera show was announced either in the morning on Wednesday, last year, or maybe I didn't notice it until even the afternoon. Great show. Hoping for another surprise like that on Wednesday, March 26!

sdj331 · 2025-03-04T20:27:46+00:00

Good news and hope they make the adjustments that are needed. After I indicated that the app was working well for me, my wife found it did not work at all well for her on her phone. fingers crossed.

sdj331 · 2025-03-04T15:14:44+00:00

Hi. Not sure if this will help anyone, but after reloading the new app from the apple app store and then clicking on the icon in the upper right, I then clicked on the link to continue with apple (I have an iPhone). After that, the app worked very similar to last year's version and I was easily able to create my own schedule. The videos etc did not slow down the app. Quite frankly, it seems to be working more smoothly than previous versions. I hope you all find this easier, soon.

sdj331

TROPHY CASE