Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change

This podcast is a part of the Tennessee Theatre’s Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change series, providing an opportunity for artists from marginalized and underserved communities to share their art with others. Through podcast episodes, concerts/performances, visual art displays, discussions and panels focusing on important issues, and educational opportunities, artists have the chance to engage with the community. The Tennessee Theatre is proud to provide a space for audiences and artists to better understand one another.

The Big Ears Collection #5: Sunny War

Jul 3, 2024

For this episode of Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change, we spoke with singer songwriter Sunny War prior to her performance at the Pilot Light in Knoxville. Sunny War’s early musical history was rooted in punk music, and she has successfully blended these punk influences with elements of roots music— a...

The Big Ears Collection #4: Leyla McCalla

Jul 3, 2024

For this episode of Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change, we talked to songwriter, activist, and multi-instrumentalist Leyla McCalla during the 2024 Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. Previously, Leyla performed as part of the GRAMMY award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops. She is also a founding member of...

The Big Ears Collection #3: Samora Pinderhughes

Jul 3, 2024

For this episode of Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change, we spoke to composer, pianist/vocalist, and interdisciplinary artist Samora Pinderhughes during the 2024 Big Ears Festival. Samora is a graduate of The Julliard School and is currently completing a PhD in Creative Practice and Critical Inquiry. He is the...

The Big Ears Collection #2: Amythyst Kiah

Jul 3, 2024

For this episode of Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change, we spoke to Amythyst Kiah during the 2024 Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. Amythyst earned a GRAMMY nomination for her song “Black Myself” in the category of Best American Roots Song. She is also a member of the “all women of color...

The Big Ears Collection #1: Ashley Capps & Casey Fox

Jul 3, 2024

For this episode of Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change, we decided to highlight some of the sights, sounds, and experiences of the 2024 Big Ears Festival. We spoke with the festival’s executive and artistic director, Ashley Capps, and Big Ears’ development director, Casey Fox, about the philosophy behind...