Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' Big Top Revival

The Big Top Entrance

"My primary relationship with the circus is through Dumbo," says Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros singer Alex Ebert. Not that there are any petting zoos to be found at the inaugural Big Top event. "We're animal-free. I don't even like having a fence around the stage," he adds.

Read more about Ebert's Dumbo-inspired Big Top dream here.

"The Ferris Wheel is Coming!"

High on Alex Ebert's to-do list on Big Top eve? The second most visible attraction: the inaugural fest's Ferris Wheel.

Read more about Ebert's Dumbo-inspired Big Top dream here.

Lucent Dossier Dancers

Among the acts billed for the Big Top were Lucent Dossier performers. The troupe specializes in "sacred service ceremonies, ethereal otherworldly creatures, jesters and clowns, burlesque dancers and aerial arts," according to its website.

Circus Grounds

Hosting his own circus-themed musical extravaganza has long been on Alex Ebert's bucket list, second to hopping a train. "That same feeling of possibility you'd have in the old days of doing a traveling circus," he tells THR. "Especially of the unannounced variety where you just sort of show up in a town."

Frank Fairfield

Appearing on Saturday afternoon, Fresno's Frank Fairfield brought an appropriately homespun sound to the festival.

Under the Big Top Dome

"There's some logistical challenges, but that's to be expected," says Alex Ebert, who helped curate the four-day music, food and art fest. "I'm blown away that we're doing this."

Master of Ceremonies

Ringmaster Christopher Wonder was a tattooed sight to behold, hypnotizing a chicken as fans cheered him on.

In the Round

Alex Ebert stands front and center on a revolving stage. Having the 12 or so band members play in the round was his idea. "For us to be able to face each other and also for the audience to catch every member's face as they turn around. ... It's fun," he says. 

Under Cover

The band's Big Top sets -- one for each night and two on Sunday -- included several covers. Among them: Paul Simon's "Graceland" and Nina Simone's "Ain't Got No."

Jade Castrinos

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are a co-ed collective. Among its female members: singer Jade Castrinos.

Will the Revival Hit the Road?

"This is supposed to be a traveling thing at some point," says singer Alex Ebert of his Big Top Revival. 

Good Vibes

Decorated in hanging lights with psychedelic images projected onto the tent's inner lining, the inside of the Big Top was truly a sight to behold -- both for those in the crowd and on the stage. 

"Immersive and Collaborative"

Future incarnations of Edward Sharpe's Big Top could include "an entire town with its own money, commerce, animals, and people camping everywhere," says Alex Ebert. His vision: "a highly immersive and collaborative" environment.  

Feeling the Fatigue

The night before the Big Top festivities were due to kick off, singer Alex Ebert was already feeling the fatigue set in. "I wish I had a bit more energy," he confessed to THR in a pre-show interview.