Pilot Light Celebrates 25 Years of Music and Community

Knoxville TN, September 26, 2025

News Summary

Pilot Light, a key player in Knoxville’s music scene, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an all-day block party on September 14. The non-profit venue has hosted a diverse range of independent and experimental performances, creating a unique atmosphere that nurtures creativity and community. As it transitions to new leadership, Pilot Light aims to continue its mission of supporting local artists and fostering creativity through diverse musical events.

Knoxville, a vibrant hub for music and culture, is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone as the Pilot Light marks its 25th anniversary. This non-profit music venue, located on East Jackson Avenue in the Old City of Knoxville, is recognized for its role as a platform for independent and experimental music and performances.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Pilot Light will host an all-day block party on September 14, 2023, featuring multiple stages and a diverse array of performances. This event aims to bring the community together and showcase the wide-ranging artistic talent that the venue has helped nurture over the years.

Pilot Light has served as a significant contributor to Knoxville’s music scene by hosting a variety of experimental music genres performed in non-traditional settings, such as basements and small spaces. Over the years, the venue has seen performances from string quartets, folk bands, hip-hop artists, and even unconventional acts, such as live burrito performances.

The venue fosters an attentive and respectful audience, enhancing the experience for performing artists. This unique atmosphere is essential for cultivating creativity, as it allows musicians to explore their art without the pressure to prioritize commercial success. Many artists who have performed at Pilot Light have expressed a sense of belonging and community, making the venue more than just a music location; it serves as a creative sanctuary.

Pilot Light has also been resilient through challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining its commitment to a diverse lineup of musical events. The venue is currently undergoing a leadership transition, with Jason Boardman, the founder and outgoing executive director, stepping back from daily operations. He will be succeeded by Kat Brock, the incoming executive director, and George Rutsyamuka, the incoming artistic director.

As part of the transition, the venue will kick off its first membership drive aimed at expanding community support as a nonprofit organization. The Pilot Light continues to prioritize community involvement, with numerous volunteers helping sustain its operations over the years.

In addition to the block party, the venue will also feature various merchandise for sale, including T-shirts and posters designed by local artists. This collaborative celebration is supported by partnerships formed with the Tennessee Arts Commission.

New episodes of the “Scruffy City Beat” podcast will premiere every Wednesday on WBIR+ and WBIR’s YouTube page, further highlighting the venue’s contributions to Knoxville’s music culture.

The legacy of the Pilot Light exemplifies the importance of small venues in the music ecosystem, demonstrating their role in nurturing creativity, providing a platform for new talent, and fostering a supportive community for both artists and audiences alike.

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Additional Resources

• WBIR: Scruffy City Beat Pilot Light Celebrates 25 Years of Music
• Knox News: The Pilot Light Makes Me Want to Revive My High School Band
• Inside of Knoxville: Pilot Light’s 25th Anniversary Block Party
• Knox News: Pilot Light Praised by Bands and Artists
• WBIR: The Scruffy City Beat Episode 7
• Wikipedia: Pilot Light
• Google Search: Pilot Light Knoxville
• Google Scholar: Pilot Light Knoxville
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pilot Light
• Google News: Pilot Light Knoxville

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.