Southern Nights is an intimate Americana songwriter series presented by BlackAmericana Fest, celebrating storytelling, community, and the rich musical roots of New Orleans and the Mississippi River Delta. Curated by Dusky Waters, each evening features original music performed in the round by a powerful lineup of women songwriters, offering a unique glimpse into the heart of their craft.

The night concludes with a special collaborative “superset” where all artists unite on stage to honor one of their musical heroines. On July 13, that tribute is dedicated to the legendary Tracy Chapman—a powerful voice in folk and Americana whose music has shaped generations.

Tonight’s performance features:

Dusky Waters is a New Orleans–based Americana powerhouse whose music echoes the magic and mourning of the Mississippi River. A master multi-instrumentalist and soulful songwriter, she blends gospel, folk, soul, and pop in high-energy performances that OffBeat calls “beautifully crafted” with “clarion-call vocals.” She is the co-founder of BlackAmericana Fest and curator of the Southern Nights series.

Britti is a Baton Rouge–born singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of country, R&B, and New Orleans rhythm reflects her deep Southern roots. After catching the attention of The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, Britti released her debut album Hello, I’m Britti in 2024 on Easy Eye Sound. Her work honors the past while pushing the boundaries of Southern sound and storytelling.

Mikayla Braun is a New Orleans–based vocalist, pianist, and songwriter known for her rich voice and emotionally resonant writing. Her genre-blending sound—part folk, part soul, all heart—shines in her latest album Drift. A beloved presence in the Gulf South music scene, Braun brings depth, vulnerability, and joy to every performance.

Dusky Waters – banjo/guitar, vocals
Britti – guitar, vocals
Mikayla Braun – piano, vocals
Conner McCready – guitar
Rose Cangelosi – drums
Rebecca Crenshaw – violin
Nelson Williams – upright bass