Northwest Folklife

Dirk Powell and John Doyle Kick Off Folklife Masters Concert Series at Empty Sea Studios

Posted November 02, 2009 by Molly Haas

On August 13th, music lovers were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime concert from Appalachian folk master, Dirk Powell, and one of the greatest living Irish guitarists, John Doyle.

Dirk Powell and John Doyle Kick Off Folklife Masters Concert Series at Empty Sea Studios

On August 13th, music lovers were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime concert from Appalachian folk master, Dirk Powell, and one of the greatest living Irish guitarists, John Doyle. The intimate show for 45 guests at Phinney Ridge’s Empty Sea Studios marked the first in a series of concerts entitled “Folklife Masters: Crossing Acoustic Borders.” The brand new concert series created by Northwest Folklife in partnership with Empty Sea Studios is designed to bring masters of different musical styles together for a small, intimate concert.

Coming in from a rainy ZooTunes concert backing Joan Baez, Powell and Doyle were clearly pleased to be playing their very first duo concert together.  They recounted personal stories, explained the meaning of the traditional folk tunes they were playing and switched among eight different instruments with enviable ease. The pair opened with a number Doyle had written for his young daughter and captivated the audience with song topics as varied as the war in Iraq, the struggles of an immigrant and living life in the public eye. In one powerful moment, Powell recounted the connection he had with his grandfather through Appalachian folk music before launching into his well-known song, “Waterbound.” The evening’s near three hour performance was more than simply a concert; it was a personal look inside what inspires an artist.

The Folklife Masters Series will continue in October. Many thanks to Dirk Powell and John Doyle, Empty Sea Studios and sponsor, KBCS 91.3 Community Radio. Stay tuned for upcoming information about artists, tickets and more!