An inuksuk, plural inuksuit, is a human-made stone landmark used by various tribes (Inuit, Yupik) and people of the Arctic region of North America. The inuksuk may have been used for navigation, as a point of reference, such as a marker for travel routes or fishing places.

This idea inspired the creation of the 2013 album by Big Ears Festival’s 2016 Composer-In-Residence John Luther Adams, titled Inuksuit. As someone who has spent numerous years in Alaska among it’s people, working for environmental protection, he draws influence for his music from “the territory of sonic geography”.

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“My music has always been profoundly influenced by the natural world and a strong sense of place.”

To conclude this years Big Ears Festival, in Knoxville, Tennessee, the album will come to life at Ijams Nature Center on the southeast side of the city. Anywhere from 9 to 99 percussionists will gather at the center of the park before dispersing themselves amongst Mead’s Quarry. Listeners are encouraged to move throughout the park during the piece. At times the nearest other musician may be only faint echoes away. Listeners often discover private musical moments that are unique to their wandering path.

This one-of-a-kind experience will take place on Sunday, April 3rd at 12:00 pm. The event is organized by the wonderful, Knoxville based, Nief-Norf Project and is supported by Moxley Carmichael, East Tennessee’s premier public relations firm. It is a free experience and will be open to the public.