Dirk and Amelia Powell

Four-time GRAMMY winner Dirk Powell is a musician, writer, producer, composer, studio owner, and engineer. He learned banjo and fiddle from his Kentucky grandfather, James Clarence Hay. He is considered one of the world’s leading experts on traditional Appalachian fiddle and banjo styles. His Kentucky roots and commitment to the Creole and Cajun culture in the Southwest Louisiana that he calls home, have fused with early classical training to form an artistic palette and vision that are unique in today’s musical environment. In addition to his own performances, he has toured with Eric Clapton, Joan Baez, Rhiannon Giddens, Linda Ronstadt, Jack White, Loretta Lynn, and his daughter Amelia and many others. His work in film has found him collaborating with producers such as T Bone Burnett, and directors like Anthony Minghella and Ang Lee.

Dirk’s daughter Amelia grew up in the bayous of Louisiana, immersed in the musical culture of her grandfather, Cajun fiddle hero Dewey Balfa. Her driving guitar and soulful vocals, as both a lead and harmony singer, are in demand throughout Cajun country and beyond. Dirk and Amelia play music of their Appalachian and Cajun heritage, write and craft original songs, and bring audiences the kind of soulful connection that comes from family playing together with humour, trust, and love.Along with some of the best roots music being played in America today their performances are peppered with wonderful back stories of the songs and tunes they play. This is an experience not to be missed!

https://youtu.be/Lro2vxYMIJI?si=-nx7N7-ydUp395Ur

For over a decade as a house concert series on a 120 year old ranch outside of Santa Paula, Deep End Sessions hosted over 60 live music concerts. Our music genre is Roots Music from different regions of North America. We’ve featured Southern Old-time, Bluegrass, Early Country, Honkey Tonk, Cajun, Creole, Swamp Pop, Folk, Tex Mex, and Mexican music. Often the music comes with a good dose of storytelling offering a window into these rich traditions. In 2026, we have begun a new chapter of live music in partnership with the fabulous Hotel El Roblar, featuring the old world charm of Ojai, California, and the fabled Ojai valley.

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