Allison Russell

Grammy-winning artist Allison Russell is a weaver of stories and tales through the medium of music. Since the release of her first solo album three years ago, the self-taught singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist has redefined what artistry means in the 21st century. From her devastatingly moving celebration of survivors' joy through Outside Child to the body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of Black liberation that is The Returner, Russell’s music exceeds all reasonable (and unreasonable) expectations and affirms her place among today’s most vital artists.

Various honors include her Grammy win for Best American Roots Performance for the powerful single “Eve Was Black” alongside 7 additional nominations, the Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, the Americana Music Association’s 2023 Spirit of Americana Award & 2022 Album of the Year Award, two International Folk Music Awards, three Canadian Folk Music Awards, and four UK Americana Music Awards.

Alongside the Rainbow Coalition Band - a talented ensemble of Black and POC, queer, and historically marginalized musicians from across the U.S. - Russell uses the power of music in order to spread her message of the “Beloved Community” and is dedicated to lifting others upwards as her own star climbs higher.

Kara Jackson is an award-winning poet, singer-songwriter, and producer from Oak Park, Illinois (Chicago). She is the 2019 National Youth Poet Laureate, and Youth Poet Laureate of Chicago (2018). Kara released her debut album Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? in April 2023. Kara is also the author of the poetry book Bloodstone Cowboy. Kara's music and writing are inspired by the American South and her experiences growing up in Chicago. Kara's album has garnered support from the likes of Pitchfork, NPR, CRACK Magazine, Rolling Stone, The Needle Drop, Pigeons & Planes and more.