Knoxville TN, October 26, 2025
News Summary
The Knoxville Broadcast festival took place at World’s Fair Park, featuring a site-specific ‘spatial symphony’ by composer Lisa Bielawa. The event highlighted Knoxville’s diverse musical landscape, uniting musicians and encouraging community connection through music. Following the performances, Bielawa discussed her artistic vision with WBIR’s Jillian Taylor, while the festival served as a platform to celebrate local talents. The event is part of the ongoing ‘Scruffy City Beat’ series, aiming to engage viewers with the vibrant music scene in Knoxville.
Knoxville hosted the “Knoxville Broadcast” festival on Friday, October 17, featuring a large-scale site-specific “spatial symphony” created by award-winning composer Lisa Bielawa. The event took place at World’s Fair Park and offered free public performances, uniting hundreds of musicians from across the Knoxville area.
The festival aimed to create a unique and immersive musical experience, drawing attention to Knoxville’s diverse musical landscape. Attendees experienced a collaborative performance that showcased local talents and celebrated community unity through music. Following the event, Lisa Bielawa communicated with WBIR’s Jillian Taylor, discussing her ongoing move to New York City and her artistic vision.
The festival was part of the broader effort to highlight Knoxville’s rich cultural scene. After the event, Bielawa and Taylor provided an “audio experience” of the festival, which included commentary reflecting on the significance of the performance and its impact on the community. This episode is part of the “Scruffy City Beat” series, which focuses on the unique and vibrant music scene in Knoxville.
New episodes of “Scruffy City Beat” are released weekly on WBIR+ and the WBIR YouTube page, allowing music lovers and locals alike to connect with the city’s cultural happenings. The host of this segment shared their personal journey with music, illustrating how their background in singing and performance has shaped their current role in journalism. The host began singing at a very young age and emphasized the importance of storytelling through music.
Engagement with music has always been a key part of the host’s life, performing in numerous school and musical theater productions. This deep-rooted connection allows them to cover major concerts and local events effectively. Their experiences include reporting on prominent artists such as Morgan Wallen and Kelsea Ballerini, as well as unique performances featured at the Big Ears Festival. The enthusiasm for music is palpable, with the host conveying a readiness to participate in performances, whether in events or informal settings at home.
Background Context
The “Knoxville Broadcast” festival represents a significant cultural event designed to enhance community connections through music. Lisa Bielawa’s work as a composer brings together a mix of contemporary performances that appeal to various audiences. The initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing local musicians and creating platforms for expression, in addition to drawing attention to the city’s music scene.
Upcoming Features
As the “Scruffy City Beat” series progresses, viewers can expect more insightful episodes showcasing Knoxville’s artistic offerings, providing an inclusive overview of the musical talents that define the city.
FAQ
- What is the “Knoxville Broadcast” festival? The “Knoxville Broadcast” is a large-scale site-specific “spatial symphony” festival created by award-winning composer Lisa Bielawa.
- When did the festival take place? The festival took place on Friday, October 17.
- Where was the event held? The event was held at World’s Fair Park.
- What was the goal of the festival? The event aimed to unite hundreds of musicians from across Knoxville.
- What can viewers find in the weekly episodes of “Scruffy City Beat”? New episodes of “Scruffy City Beat” feature commentary from Bielawa and Taylor and provide an “audio experience” of the festival.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Announces Independence Day Concert
Knoxville Community Media Faces Funding Challenges Ahead of 50th Anniversary
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Scruffy City Beat Experience Knoxville Broadcast
- Knox News: Knoxville Music Scene Connection
- Livability: Tennessee Cities Where Music Matters
- Knox News: Knoxville Rave Culture and Dance Scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music
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.
