Before going onstage as the opening act for the 45th Kent State Folk Festival, the Carolina Chocolate Drops stopped by the Folk Alley studios to play a few songs and chat with Jim Blum. It was something of a homecoming for singer Rhiannon Giddens who studied opera at nearby Oberlin College. Giddens met and joined forces with Dom Flemmons at the first Black Banjo Gathering in 2005. The event celebrated the banjo’s historical African roots and led the pair down a path to a multi-instrumental interpretation of contemporary and folk music with the energy of a new generation. The group (which included for the tour Hubby Jenkins and Layla McCullough) won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album for Genuine Negro Jig.
We had the fortunate opportunity to see this band 2 years ago at the Ohio River Valley Folk Festival - what a bunch of talented individuals! I truly enjoyed all aspects of their show from start to finish. I was introduced to a form of music I may have never know about. Thanks!!!
Before going onstage as the opening act for the 45th Kent State Folk Festival, the Carolina Chocolate Drops stopped by the Folk Alley studios to play a few songs and chat with Jim Blum. It was something of a homecoming for singer Rhiannon Giddens who studied opera at nearby Oberlin College. Giddens met and joined forces with Dom Flemmons at the first Black Banjo Gathering in 2005. The event celebrated the banjo’s historical African roots and led the pair down a path to a multi-instrumental interpretation of contemporary and folk music with the energy of a new generation. The group (which included for the tour Hubby Jenkins and Layla McCullough) won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album for Genuine Negro Jig.
