Dirk Powell combines deep-running roots in rural American tradition with an overarching artistic vision that speaks poignantly to the audiences of today. From learning banjo and fiddle at the feet of his grandfather in Kentucky, through founding the Louisiana Cajun group Balfa Toujours, to extensive recording and film work with such artists as Jack White, Joan Baez, T-Bone Burnett, Anthony Minghella, Loretta Lynn, and Spike Lee, Dirk has arrived at a place all his own - one where tradition, inspiration, and innovation meet without borders.
"Proof that the circle remains unbroken." --Washington Post
"Dirk saved the day again."--Jack White
"God gave this one an overdose of talent." --Joan Baez
Dirk Doings
Dirk just returned from the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, where he was honored to be part of "A Song For Ireland," a concert featuring Solas, Luka Bloom, Finbar Furey, and many other stellar performers. The concert, performed before a sold-out crowd of over 2000 at the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall, was filmed for the BBC, which is also currently airing Dirk's performances in "The Transatlantic Sessions." Dirk heads back to the UK soon for another tour with Joan Baez. In the meantime, he is completing the score for a major documentary about the life of civil rights activist Anne Braden, directed by Anne Lewis.
Out in the West Texas town of El Paso, I fell in love with two cute Cajun gals.
"Now that's the kind of fiddlin I like, right there." --Loretta Lynn
“Dirk’s got great subtlety, tremendous feel, and he’s very loose and very modern, in the best sense of the word.”
--T-Bone Burnett
"Hearing Dirk play the fiddle on the set of Cold Mountain, I felt as if my work as an actor had already been done for me." --Jude Law
Dirk just returned from the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, where he was honored to be part of "A Song For Ireland," a concert featuring Solas, Luka Bloom, Finbar Furey, and many other stellar performers. The concert, performed before a sold-out crowd of over 2000 at the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall, was filmed for the BBC, which is also currently airing Dirk's performances in "The Transatlantic Sessions." Dirk heads back to the UK soon for another tour with Joan Baez. In the meantime, he is completing the score for a major documentary about the life of civil rights activist Anne Braden, directed by Anne Lewis.
"Now that's the kind of fiddlin I like, right there." --Loretta Lynn
“Dirk’s got great subtlety, tremendous feel, and he’s very loose and very modern, in the best sense of the word.”
--T-Bone Burnett
"Hearing Dirk play the fiddle on the set of Cold Mountain, I felt as if my work as an actor had already been done for me." --Jude Law