Decisions, Decisions! A Critical Guide to Big Ears 2025

Get ready for Big Ears 2025 with this special roundtable featuring Nate Chinen, Ann Powers, Marcus J. Moore, and Ashley Kahn. Our panel of top critics shares favorite moments, past surprises, must-see picks, and even culinary highlights.


Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, this lively, insightful conversation is the perfect aperitif to kick off your festival week with the spirit and euphoria Big Ears always delivers.


Music featured in this episode:

Terry Riley - “In C”

Black Monument Ensemble - “Keep Your Mind Free”

Jason Moran / Milford Graves - “With Bikongo Ifá: Spirit of the Being”

Arooj Aftab - “Mohabbat”

Beth Gibbons - “Tell Me Who You Are Today”

Annette Peacock - “Real & Defined Androgens”

Herbie Hancock - “Hang Up Your Hang Ups”

Charles Lloyd - “The Lonely One”

Lonnie Holley - “Sometimes I Wanna Dance”

Magic Tuber String Band - “Trumpet of the Dead”

Joy Guidry - “Inner Child”

Helado Negro - “Running”

Carla Kihlstedt - “Auction Block”

June McDoom - “On My Way”

Om Podcasten

Big Ears: Conversations About Music is a podcast that brings together cutting-edge musicians, journalists, and community leaders in discussions about the creative process, collaboration, and the transformative power of music. Big Ears: Conversations About Music will offer one-on-one talks between artists, roundtables and interactions with fans offering a behind-the-scenes look at the stories and connections that make Big Ears one of the world’s most unique festival experiences.