Big Ears Festival - December 24, 2025

A Christmas Gift from David Byrne / The Crossing / Blind Boys of Alabama / John Zorn's Christmas

Plus, 'tis the season to double your impact through a matching...

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A Christmas Gift from David Byrne

For those who dislike Christmas songs, David Byrne has compiled a wonderful playlist—from Willie Nelson to 100 gecs, Sabrina Carpenter to Captain Beefheart—that take note of the holidays in a fun but different way. Enjoy!

LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST

The Crossing: David Lang’s poor hymnal

The award-winning Philadelphia-based choir The Crossing is nominated for another Grammy Award for their recording of David Lang’s poor hymnal. Here, Lang describes this set of original hymns as a reflection on our shared humanity: “The reason we are coming together is to remember how important we are to each other, to remember how important it is that we take care of each other.” The Crossing will perform Lang’s modern spiritual work twice during Big Ears, in concerts at First Presbyterian Sanctuary on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28.

READ THE ARTICLE

Blind Boys of Alabama Tiny Desk

The Blind Boys of Alabama Tiny Desk Concert recorded in July 2011 is one of the earliest Tiny Desks in the NRP archives! It’s thrilling to revisit the performance from a group nearing the century mark of delivering triumphant Southern gospel.

WATCH THE TINY DESK

John Zorn’s A Dreamers Christmas

We have a recommendation for your holiday queue: 2011’s John Zorn’s A Dreamers Christmas. Featuring Marc Ribot, Jamie Saft, Kenny Wollesen, Trevor Dunn, Joey Baron, Cyro Baptista, and Mike Patton, the album blends standards like “Winter Wonderland,” “Christmas Time Is Here,” and “The Christmas Song” with Zorn originals for a festive, playful alternative for adventurous seasonal listening.

LISTEN ON APPLE MUSIC

‘Tis the Season to Double Your Impact!

There is just one week remaining to meet the full match for our $30,000 challenge grant! Until midnight on December 31st, every dollar you give will be tax-deductible and matched dollar-for-dollar until we reach our goal.

Making a donation now means your support will go twice as far in helping our mission of collaborating with artists, creating boundary-defying experiences, and fueling the curiosity that nourishes our community.

This is the most powerful time to give. Help us unlock the full $30,000 match and start the new year stronger than ever.

Thank you for making our work possible.

DONATE

Happy Holidays, everyone! Peace on Earth!

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