Rhiannon Giddens’ announces Biscuits & Banjos, a Black music & culture festival

In a groundbreaking endeavor, GRAMMY and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens is set to inaugurate her first-ever festival, Biscuits & Banjos, slated to take place from April 25-27, 2025, in downtown Durham, North Carolina. This festival, directed by Giddens herself, is a multi-faceted celebration of Black music, art, and cultural heritage, marking the 20th anniversary of the Black Banjo Gathering — an event pivotal in Giddens’ career and the formation of her GRAMMY-winning band, Carolina Chocolate Drops.

A homecoming of sorts, Biscuits & Banjos will reunite the Carolina Chocolate Drops in their original lineup, with additional members who contributed to the band’s journey. The festival will feature performances by an eclectic and highly anticipated roster, including the legendary Taj Mahal, acclaimed bassist Christian McBride, renowned folk artist Leyla McCalla, country singer Rissi Palmer, and gospel group The Legendary Ingramettes, among others. This initial lineup promises an event that is not only musically rich but also deeply connected to the history and legacy of Black artistry.

The festival will span three days, set against the vibrant backdrop of Durham’s indoor and outdoor venues. Giddens has envisioned an immersive experience where festival-goers can move from one performance space to another, attending talks, workshops, and interactive sessions highlighting Black culture’s depth and diversity — across music, literature, food, and the visual arts. As Giddens emphasizes, “Black culture is not a monolith,” Biscuits & Banjos aims to spotlight voices and traditions often underrepresented in mainstream narratives.

Attendees can expect a variety of unique experiences over the weekend, including musical performances, thought-provoking lectures, and hands-on workshops. Festival highlights include a celebrity chef biscuit bake-off, square dances, and complimentary banjo lessons. Giddens will perform in several formats, notably in a revue-style show featuring guest artists and collaborators. “This festival has been a long-time dream of mine,” Giddens shared. “It’s about honoring the connections that tie Black culture together across time and geography, whether through 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.”

Durham was selected as the festival’s home for its proximity to Giddens’ roots and robust cultural landscape that resonates with its mission to celebrate Black heritage. Durham’s commitment to preserving and promoting Black history and the arts provides an ideal setting for Biscuits & Banjos. Giddens notes, “Durham is the perfect place to launch Biscuits & Banjos. It has a vibrant community, an incredible artistic scene, and a history that aligns with the festival’s mission to uplift and honor Black culture.”

This year’s festival will also include a philanthropic component. In response to Hurricane Helene’s lasting impacts, a portion of the festival’s proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise will support hurricane relief efforts for Western North Carolina, emphasizing Giddens’ commitment to her home state and its communities. As the region continues its recovery, this festival offers both cultural enrichment and tangible support for those affected.

Nonprofit Partnership and Community Support

As a community-responsive festival, Biscuits & Banjos operates as a nonprofit event, partnering with Unmanageable, a 501(c)3 organization. Donations to support the festival are tax-deductible, enabling contributions that directly impact the community. Funding is partly supported by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, North Carolina Humanities, and several foundations, with support from civic and corporate partners like the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund. This collaborative funding ensures a sustainable festival that continues to serve and uplift the local community.

North Carolina’s Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources, Reid Wilson, expressed the state’s pride in supporting Giddens’ new venture: “The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is excited to help sponsor Rhiannon Giddens’ new Biscuits & Banjos festival in 2025. The festival will allow North Carolinians to immerse themselves in our state’s vibrant music and arts, rich history, and diverse culture. Music provides common ground for all of us, and we’re proud to be a part of this innovative event.”