The pop-up shows included a short performance at Lakeshore Park, where Ma was joined by a poet and flutist. At Cades Cove, Ma performed for cyclists touring the loop road. The surprise appearances generated excitement for Our Common Nature, a new festival celebrating Appalachian arts and culture.
In partnership with Big Ears, Our Common Nature will feature music, storytelling, food, crafts, and more from May 25 to 27. The festival aims to highlight the region’s diverse voices, including those of Indigenous, European, Latinx, and Black communities.
At 8 p.m. on Friday, Ma will take the north lawn stage alongside musicians Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, and Rhiannon Giddens. Their performance will follow several opening acts on the free, public lawn. Additional festival events include concerts at the Bijou Theatre, craft activities, parades, dancing, and storytelling across downtown Knoxville.
Our Common Nature and Ma’s appearance build on Knoxville’s growing reputation as an arts and culture destination. In a statement, festival organizers said, “We created this festival to celebrate the cultural richness of Southern Appalachia…The region has a vibrant arts community, and we wanted to showcase that.”
Ma, a prolific musician and United Nations Messenger of Peace, regularly uses art to foster cross-cultural connections. His impromptu Knoxville performances exemplify this mission while giving locals a memorable surprise and taste of what’s to come this weekend. Our Common Nature promises to be a one-of-a-kind event celebrating Knoxville’s creative spirit.
