Rhiannon Giddens is bringing a full day of free programming to Durham on April 26 before capping the weekend with a concert at DPAC. The events mark the one-year anniversary of her Biscuits & Banjos festival, which she created to honor Black string-band, folk, gospel, and blues traditions.
The free day runs at The Fruit on South Dillard Street in downtown Durham and includes conversations, readings, performances, and an evening square dance. Highlights include a talk between Giddens and author Kristina R. Gaddy about their book "Go Back and Fetch It," a songversation between Rissi Palmer and Durham musician Kamara Thomas, and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Edna Lewis's cookbook "The Taste of Country Cooking." A Durham County Public Library Bookmobile with curated titles will be on-site.
The following night, April 27, Giddens headlines "Beloved Community" at DPAC with Mavis Staples, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Rissi Palmer, and Toshi Reagon. Staples is the R&B legend behind "I'll Take You There." The Blind Boys of Alabama, whose original members debuted in 1939, have won five Grammys. Palmer became the first Black woman to chart on Billboard's country chart in 2007.
Tickets for the DPAC concert are available through the venue. The April 26 programs at The Fruit are free.