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Rhiannon Giddens & the Power of Art
The struggle for a better human family through creativity
Back in May, I attended the Rhiannon Giddens and the Old Time Revue performance in Washington, D.C., at the Anthem Theater. Giddens's show was originally set for the Kennedy Center. But then the President of this country took over the Kennedy Center and appointed himself Chairman of the center’s board, and an exodus of talent began. This is the public venue where he showed up recently to a performance of Les Misérables and was booed mercilessly.
Artist after artist decided right after the takeover not to play their gigs. They did not want to be part of it. Giddens, sensing her fans would be motivated not to appear at the venue on general principle, moved her event down the street to the Anthem. It was the best silent protest one could ever do in this climate.
Giddens is slowly becoming a leader in the world through her music and her knowledge of the history and culture behind America’s music. This move was mentioned in the news cycle, but not as much as the crazy, undemocratic acts of the President, who indirectly caused her to move her show.
Giddens' shows are not for the Trump crowd. Her captivating voice, sharp banjo playing, her instrument of choice, but also fiddle, and dancing as well, in the tradition of…
