Native Arizonan Dom Flemons - performing on four-string banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, kazoo, and vocals - is a true modern “songster”, engaging audiences from the green Carolinas to the ruddy Southwest with personalized interpretations of folk, blues, early jazz and rock, country, and original material. Where else can you hear Ma Rainey, The Beatles, and The Band in a single pyrotechnic set? Born and raised in Phoenix, Dom is a consummate showman, dazzling audiences with his slide banjo technique and animated presentation.

A product of the Carolina piedmont and a master fiddler, banjo player, and vocalist, Rhiannon Giddens is equally at home as a contra dance caller or a concert hall soloist. From a musical family, Ms. Giddens has her degree in voice from Oberlin Conservatory, and has carried her gift of song from the Ohio public schools to festivals such as the Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway, Scotland and events from Canada to the Carolinas.

Inspired by the string traditions of her native Carolina, Rhiannon is following in the footsteps of Joe Thompson and Etta Baker. Rhiannon also plays strings and sings with her Celtic band Gaelywnd, and works with other great musicians such as the Elftones, Footloose, Cathy Ann MacPhee and Zan McLeod. Visit Rhiannon Giddens’ website at www.rhisong.com.

Sule Greg Wilson brings over thirty years of folk and world music experience to Sankofa Strings. He delights and mesmerizes audiences with his artistry on vocals, the five-string banjo, ukulele, and many percussion instruments. From his school days as a dancer and drummer in his native Washington, D.C., to artists’ residencies in Hermosillo, Mexico and Antrim, Northern Ireland, Sule Wilson brings “spirit, expertise, commitment, and, above all, his feisty intelligence” to all he does.

Versed in folkways from Bolivia to Belfast, Cape Town to the Crescent City, Wilson has performed with Nigerian percussionst Babatunde Olatunji, post-bluegrass banjoist Tony Trischka, Malian Jali Cheikh Hamala Diabate, and sat at the feet of such noted string players as Howard Armstrong, Joe Thompson, Algia Mae Hinton, John Jackson, and Mike Seeger. Visit Sule Greg Wilson’s website at www.drumpath.net.

A refreshment break follows the hour-long concert. You are then invited to take part in a song circle or jam session, so do bring your instruments. Free parking is available in the CPCC Staff Deck, entered from Fourth Street, between Independence Boulevard and Kings Drive, and located just behind the Sloan-Morgan Building. Call Harry Taylor for more information: 704-366-1869.