Dirk and Amelia Powell

Dirk and Amelia Powell are a daughter/father duo from Southwest Louisiana. Dirk has expanded upon sounds learned from his Kentucky grandfather to craft a vision that explores the emotional potential of traditional music. He is regarded as a champion of rural Americana, with a focus on his Appalachian heritage and his Cajun home. Dirk is a frequent member of Transatlantic Sessions and has worked extensively with artists such as Joan Baez, Eric Clapton, Rhiannon Giddens, Levon Helm, and more. His original song “Waterbound” has been recorded over 100 times. Dirk’s daughter Amelia grew up in the bayous of Louisiana, immersed in the musical culture of her grandfather, Cajun fiddle hero Dewey Balfa. Her band, Amis du Teche, is known as one of the most innovative young Cajun bands in the US. Her driving guitar and soulful vocals, as both a lead and harmony singer, have led to work in the studio, TV and film, and a wide array of performances around the globe. Together, they play music of their heritage, write and craft original songs, and bring audiences the kind of soulful connection that comes from family playing together with trust, humour, and love.