Edward Sharpe presents Big Top

October 16, 2013
David Wexler

edward-sharpe-and-magnetic-zeros-presents-big-top-50They’ve played in tunnels, bridges, airports and trains. But from Oct. 17-20, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros will appear on a different kind of stage when the circus comes to Los Angeles Historic Park.

The unique, four-day music and performance art festival will take place under a traditional big top tent and include an “intimate” headlining performance in the round by ESMZ, a unique farmer’s market, beer gardens, late night happenings. Not to mention performances by an eclectic mix of musicians, vaudeville comedy, contortionists, acrobats, puppetry and interactive performance art. The festival was founded and curated by the band, in association with Live Nation.

“These days a band is a fast machine, cramming in dates, cutting fat, making the most money it can,” said the band’s frontman Alex Ebert. “Far gone are the ancient days of the traveling troubadours, lingering in towns, meeting the people, entertaining for days. If you tour, or you have been to a ‘professional’ show, you may have had the sense that something is missing from the experience…And so, here comes the idea of Big Top – a one-off experiment in reaching for a more colorful, soulful, way to tour.”

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros have dreamt an extraordinary dream

According to the band’s label, Community Music, Big Top will feature continuous entertainment and activities will transform a single location into distinct yet equally captivating environments by day and night.

“The outdoor space surrounding the tent will offer a carnival like setting with a farmer’s market, avant-garde performances and games as well as local vendors, artisans and charities. Within the tent, 360 degree tiered seating will allow for intimate performances in the round. During the day, selected films and visual art installations as chosen by the band will be highlighted. At night the tent will present an eclectic mix of featured artists to perform, entertain, and inspire. Ultimately, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros will take the stage surrounded by fans on all sides to bring this fantastical adventure to fruition.”

ESMZ’s Nora Kirpatrick described the event as an “incredible adventure” in an interview with fashion and style website Refinery29 .

“Overstimulation is an understatement,” Kirkpatrick said. “We’ll have everything from dancers, clowns, acrobats, magicians, performance artists, interactive art installations, and of course food. Honestly, I’ve never been to anything like this in my life, if you’re in town, you should make the journey, it will be well worth it.”

INFO

Ages: Big Top is an all ages event.

Hours:Thursday, October 17-Saturday, Oct. 19
Gates: 4 PM
Big Top will open at 7 PM

Sunday October 20
Gates: 10 AM
Big Top (matinee) will open at 11 AM
BigTop(evening) will open at 7 PM

Where: Los Angeles State Historic Park: 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA

LINEUP (The lineups listed below are not in order of set time)

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday – Family Matinee

Sunday – Evening

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