Rhiannon Giddens & Dirk Powell

Widely revered as two of the most compelling voices in American roots music, Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powellbrought a deeply moving, genre-defying performance to The White Horse in Cork as headliners of the Ballincollig Winter Music Festival.

Rhiannon Giddens is a Grammy Award-winning singer, multi-instrumentalist, and MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient known for her powerful voice and unflinching explorations of history through music. A founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Giddens has built a solo career that bridges old-time music, gospel, blues, opera, and folk traditions. Her work has shone a light on the African-American contributions to folk and country music, with critically acclaimed albums such as Freedom Highway and There Is No Other.

Dirk Powell is a highly respected multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer rooted in Appalachian tradition, but with a reach that spans Celtic, Cajun, and cinematic music. A longtime collaborator of Joan Baez and a go-to producer for artists like Loretta Lynn and Irma Thomas, Powell is also known for his evocative film scoring (e.g., Cold Mountain, Into the Wild). His musicianship on fiddle, banjo, accordion, and guitar lends a deep, soulful authenticity to every performance.

Together, Giddens and Powell share an extraordinary musical chemistry—seamlessly blending storytelling, virtuosity, and social consciousness. Their performance at the Winter Music Festival was a spellbinding journey through traditional ballads, original compositions, and reimagined folk songs, delivered with profound emotional depth and masterful musicianship.

Their night at The White Horse was not just a concert—it was a cultural moment, etched into the memory of all who were fortunate enough to witness it.