A former Rhythm N' Blooms headliner and a Knoxville icon added to Big Ears 2023

Big Ears Festival is attended by music fans from all over the world but, following lineup additions announced Monday, the 2023 event will feature artists that should be a big hit with locals.

For one, Nikki Giovanni will be returning for the second consecutive year, just months before the acclaimed poet-activist's 80th birthday.

Tank and the Bangas, who rose to stardom by winning the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk competition, also has been added to the lineup. The band headlined the last Rhythm N' Blooms festival in downtown Knoxville.

Both artists will be joining an eclectic group of world-renowned musicians pushing boundaries in their respective genres.

Andrew Bird, Iron & Wine, Devendra Banhart, The Mountain Goats and dozens of additional artists were announced in September.

Monday's lineup announcement also included the addition of Beth Orton, Margaret Glaspy, Kae Tempest, Lucius, The Sun Ra Arkestra and more.

Big Ears will be held across multiple downtown Knoxville venues March 30-April 2.

Giovanni held a free performance at The Mill & Mine during the 2022 festival. This time, she will be joined by saxophonist Javon Jackson for the program "The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni."

Last year's festival had additional local ties, including a headlining set by Yves Tumor, a Knoxville native who closed out the festival in flamboyant fashion in front of a highly energized crowd.

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Big Ears 2023:Big Ears reveals eclectic, international lineup for 2023 music festival in downtown Knoxville

Keeping with tradition, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will play a substantial role in the 2023 festival and will now participate in two nights of programs.

KSO will perform Michael Schachter's "Cycle of Life," which celebrates Richard Jolley's glass installation at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The symphony also will perform with guitarist Bill Frisell for a North American premiere of their collaboration.

A third KSO performance will feature five leading female composers: Rachel Grimes, Angélica Negrón, Shara Nova, Caroline Shaw, and Sarah Kirkland Snider. The performance, called "The Blue Hour," is based on the Carolyn Forche poem "On Earth."

KSO is led by its music director, Aram Demirjian, who will lead all three performances.

For more information about the festival and to view the full lineup and ticket options, visit bigearsfestival.org.

Ryan Wilusz, downtown reporter and urban explorer for Knox News, can be reached at 865-317-5138 or by email at ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Follow Ryan's work on Instagram @KnoxScruff, and sign up for the free, weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter. Unlock premium perks and support strong local journalism at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Big Ears Festival adds artists to 2023 lineup with Knoxville ties