Edinburgh Tradfest: Dirk and Amelia Powell

"Steve Earle has called fiddler, guitarist, and banjo player Dirk Powell an “artist of unique vision and unbending integrity” while Joan Baez has said he possesses “an overdose of talent.” You may well be offering similar plaudits after listening”— Americana Highways

This daughter/father duo from Lafayette, Louisiana are bringing their deeply rooted Cajun, Appalachian, and original sounds to the festival for the first time. Amelia is the granddaughter of legendary Louisiana fiddle ambassador Dewey Balfa(originally Balfour) and is known for her hard-driving guitar playing and soulful vocals. Dirk learned old-time music from his grandfather, James Clarence Hay, in the mountains of Kentucky and has since gone on to perform and record with folks like Joan Baez, Eric Clapton, Loretta Lynn, and many others. He’s a regular part of Transatlantic Sessions, is known for his original compositions, such as Waterbound, and is in demand as a producer as well.

Together they will share music and stories from some of the richest cultural parts of the U.S. alongside originals that explore the highs and lows of life.

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The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council, and has received additional support from the Scottish Government's Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund and Creative Scotland’s Recovery Fund for Cultural Organisations.

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.