By james art Grammy and Pulitzer-winning recording artist Rhiannon Giddens announced her new Biscuits and Banjo Festival on Tuesday.
The festival, which bills itself as a celebration of black music, art and culture, will take place in downtown Durham on April 25-27, 2025.
Giddens will serve as artistic director of this festival, which was created to mark the 20th anniversary of the Black Banjo Gathering, a musical gathering held in Boone, North Carolina that was the catalyst for Giddens’ career and the formation of Chocolate Drops Carolina.
Giddens will reunite with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, which will feature its original lineup plus other members over the years. This will be the first time the band has reunited since 2014.
“This festival has been a dream of mine for a long time,” says Giddens. “It’s about honoring the ties that bind black culture together across time and geography, whether it’s music, food or storytelling. The Black Banjo Gathering was such an important milestone for me personally, and I want Biscuits & Banjos to bring that same spirit of discovery and community to today’s generation of artists and fans.”
The festival lineup also includes Taj Mahal, Leila McCalla, Christian McBride, Risi Palmer, The Legendary Ingrams and New Dangerfield.
The three-day event will feature indoor and outdoor venues in central Durham. In addition to the music, there will also be events including a celebrity chef cookie bake, square dancing and free banjo lessons.
Giddens will perform several times in various formats, including a revue-style headline show with special guests and friends.
More performers, authors and chefs will be announced soon.
Giddens, a North Carolina native, said Durham was the “perfect place” to launch this festival.
“It has a vibrant community, an amazing arts scene and a history that aligns with the festival’s mission to elevate and honor black culture,” Giddens said.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 25.
A portion of both ticket sales and merchandise proceeds will go to hurricane relief efforts.