Knox Music Coalition is dedicated to strengthening and connecting Knoxville's vibrant music community through a range of impactful programs. Whether you're an artist looking to grow your career, a fan supporting local music, or a venue owner advocating for fair pay, there’s a place for you in our community. Explore how our programs are driving change and creating new opportunities for Knoxville musicians.
Sunset on Central
Knoxville’s Largest Free Music Festival
Sunset on Central is an annual celebration of Knoxville's diverse and talented music scene. With multiple stages showcasing everything from rock and indie to folk and hip hop, the festival brings together local artists, food trucks, vendors, and music lovers in one unforgettable day.
Date: August 23rd, 2025
Highlights: Over 20 local acts, food and drink vendors, family-friendly atmosphere
Get Involved: Volunteer to help us create an incredible experience, or become a sponsor and support local music!
Artist Showcases
Providing Opportunities for Local Talent to Shine
KMC’s Artist Showcases provide emerging Knoxville musicians with the chance to perform in front of industry professionals and passionate local fans. These events are designed to give artists the stage they deserve while expanding their network and building their fanbase.
How to Perform: Submit your music to be considered for an upcoming showcase!
What to Expect: Live performances, industry networking, and exposure to new audiences.
Fair Wage Stage
Ensuring Fair Compensation for Local Musicians
The Fair Wage Stage initiative is our commitment to ensuring musicians receive fair pay for their performances at venues across Knoxville. We partner with local venues and businesses to create a wage structure that ensures musicians are compensated fairly for their talent and hard work.
How It Works: Venues and businesses sign a pledge to follow fair pay standards, helping to raise the bar for local music scenes.
Why It Matters: Fair wages empower musicians to make a sustainable living and continue to contribute to Knoxville’s cultural vibrancy.
Monthly Mixtape
Celebrating Knoxville’s Best Independent Artists
Every month, we curate a playlist featuring the best independent artists from Knoxville. This mixtape highlights local talent and makes it easier for listeners to discover the unique sounds that make our city’s music scene special.
How to Submit: If you're a local artist, submit your track for consideration to be featured in next month's mixtape!
Current Playlist: Check out this month's collection of top local tracks and discover new artists.
Panels & Meet-ups
Learning, Networking, and Growing Together
Our panels and meet-ups are designed to bring Knoxville’s music community together for discussions, workshops, and networking. Whether you're an aspiring musician, an established artist, or an industry professional, these events provide valuable knowledge, connections, and insights to help you grow your career and expand your impact.
Topics: From music marketing and social media strategies to recording tips and networking in the industry, our panels cover it all.
Who Should Attend: Artists, promoters, venue owners, music fans, and anyone who wants to be a part of Knoxville's music movement.
Sunset Stage Fund
Supporting Local Artists and Expanding Sunset on Central
The Sunset Stage Fund is designed to help us expand and enhance Knoxville's largest free music festival, Sunset on Central. Your contributions go directly toward supporting local musicians, increasing performance opportunities, and creating a bigger and better festival experience for the community.
How Funds Are Used:
Paying more bands and ensuring fair compensation for performers.
Expanding festival stages to accommodate more artists.
Offering additional programming that amplifies Knoxville’s music scene.
Every dollar raised through the Sunset Stage Fund ensures that our festival continues to grow and that local artists are paid fairly for their talent.