Rhiannon Giddens & Dirk Powell

Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell are celebrated for bringing the emotional essence of rural American music to modern audiences with a unique depth and vision. Rooted in the musical traditions of North Carolina, Kentucky, and Louisiana, their work blends diverse cultural influences. 

Rhiannon, co-founder of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, is deeply invested in African-American string band heritage and has won prestigious accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur “genius” grant. Dirk, an advocate for Appalachian and Cajun music, has collaborated with icons like Joan Baez and Eric Clapton, and his song "Waterbound" is widely recognized. Producer T Bone Burnett praises Rhiannon as a successor to legendary singers, while describing Dirk as both subtle and modern. Both Grammy-winning artists create compelling original compositions, produce innovative recordings, and perform with a rare communicative energy, solidifying their influence across genres from Folk to Blues and Country.