BIO
Gia Dagenhart
Singer-songwriter
Raised and residing in Chicagoland, Gia Dagenhart is a budding singer-songwriter whose songs showcase poetic snapshots, dynamic vocals, and sophisticated themes. On stage, her natural confidence, warmth, and wit engage audiences and leave them buzzing.
Lilli Kuzma, host of "Folk Festival" on 90.9fm WDCB Public Radio, chose Gia to be her Folk Alliance Region Midwest DJ Showcase Artist in 2025. This opportunity sparked Dagenhart to record a seven-song debut EP, Artifact, which has received airplay on national college and folk radio stations. Artifact reflects the spirit of her live performances.
Growing up, Gia regularly attended intimate folk concerts. Inspired by artists Harpeth Rising, Emily White, Sons of the Never Wrong, Heather Styka, and Hadestown creator, Anaïs Mitchell, Dagenhart has been writing and performing since her teens. In 2026, she earned a B.A. in Music at Lawrence University (Appleton, WI).
In 2025, Gia lit up a packed room at the Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove, IL—the same venue where her late father, Bryan Dagenhart, still holds the record for most performances—forty-five.
Buzz (Industry Quotes)
“Gia is a talented emerging performer, what the music industry calls a ‘triple threat’—gorgeous voice, great songwriting, and solid musicianship. I see a brilliant future ahead! I'm thoroughly impressed.” - Lilli Kuzma, host of "Folk Festival" on 90.9fm WDCB Public Radio
“Gia Dagenhart’s impressive voice and vital presence command a stage. Her songs are rich in poetic skill, musical imagination, and liberating emotional courage. Listen. ” - Andrew Calhoun, singer-songwriter
“Gia was SO GREAT. Her singing is spectacular, and her songwriting is wonderfully nuanced and intelligent and emotive. And she was stand-up-comedian hilarious!” - Edie Carey, singer-songwriter
“Gia's got a robust voice, and she sings with sass, self-assurance, and sincerity! I love it when we see *this* in a young singer—she is just getting started.” - Joann Murdock, Artists of Note