Martha Redbone charts her own distinctive course, marches to her own beat By Kara Briggs, American Indian News Service

Martha Redbone, Skintalk. photo- home page

Martha Redbone in performance at Hopestock-NMAI. photo By Craig Bailey, Perspective Photos

Osiyo, Singer Martha Redbone’s music is an intriguing blend that reflects her rich heritage. The cool R&B of her African-American father mixes well with the rhythmic sounds of the Cherokee-Shawne-Choctaw from her mother’s tribes…

Her songs first  became hits in Europe and England,  where the people weren’t aware there were “American Indians still alive” in this country.  This exceptional lady has also continuously helped the youth from the Houma Nation, and other tribes. Excerpt:

“New York—Recording artist Martha Redbone’s Native American-infused soul is all her own. Redbone is an independent artist who is as likely to include a powwow drum as she is jazz riffs in her highly danceable music. Her second album, “Skintalk,” is a sophisticated blend that is powered not by electronics but by a funk-rock band of veteran musicians…Redbone, who grew up in Brooklyn and calls herself a mixed blood, Cherokee, Shawnee and Choctaw on her mother’s side, and African American on her father’s… As a young artist rooted in Otis Redding, Earth, Wind & Fire, and the Stomp Dance songs of her mother’s tribes, Redbone already had this vision for blending musical traditions…

In 2000, Redbone released the solo album, “Home of the Brave”…The album won her the Best Debut Artist award at the Native American Music Awards and Indian Summer Music Award for Best Pop Album… Redbone’s powerful Native-infused soul delivery and social commentary won her accolades in the indie music world…Redbone’s heritage guides her life.When after a performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival she met Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, then the principle chief of the United Houma Nation, and heard about the tribe’s efforts to share culture with their youth. For the last four summers she has traveled to this bayou nation where she shares songs that are culturally relevant to Houma’s six to 12-year-olds. Some songs are Choctaw, some in Houma French, and others are just beautiful when sung with a hand drum… Redbone’s hybridization of soul, R&B and Native music is in the tradition of contemporary artists like Keith Secola and Bill Miller...She is constantly brainstorming how she can help not only the Houma but youth across Indian Country…It’s really important that there are people like me representing and telling our stories to the world, Redbone said.”

We encourage everyone to read the entire article about this fascinating woman!

“…there are only 12 notes in a scale, or only so far that each style of music can go before it runs out of fresh material. The only way forward is to make new hybridizations” ~Artist Quincy Jones~ (1933-)

“We-sha-cat-we-lo-ke-we-la-wapa (Shawnee) Let us always do good for the world…”~Martha Redbone~

Tags: Martha Redbone

Phillip Charette And MR. ELIVE Release New Music Album…PRWeb

Albmn cover for Phillip Charette and Mr. Elive

Osiyo,

Phillip “Aarnaquq” Charette is both a member of the Alaskan Native Yup’ik Nation, and of  French Canadian descent. He holds degrees from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Harvard University in Education, Native Studies, and Administration. He is especially known for his traditional Yup’ik masks, for which he has won a number of awards.

MR.ELIVE is a producer and musician from the northwest, working with new styles of music and many different artists.

These two gifted artists have gotten together to create a beautiful music album which combines traditional ancient Native Alaskan verse with Authentic Hip-Hop beat.

Phillip John "Aarnaquq" Charette

Excerpt:“This is the first official album from Native American artist Phillip “Aarnaquq” Charette and producer, performer MR.ELIVE. Traditional Yup’ik Alaskan verse over authentic hip-hop beats creates a new sound that is already being played in native dance venues as early copies have found their way north to Alaska and are also now requested in dance clubs throughout the Northwest. The album’s title, hard to pronounce, is in traditional Yup’ik and loosely translates to ‘we are flying’. Seven songs in all – this first album sets the bar where it will be hard for others to mimic without paying homage to these two pioneers of a ancient but new style… Phillip is internationally renowned for his contemporary expression of traditional Yup’ik masks. Phillip’s work has been shown at the Smithsonian, Eiteljorg, Bishop, Hallie Ford, Washington State History, and Heard Museums…”

For more information, media interviews or to review or purchase the album visit: http://www.mrelive.com

Read the article, and enjoy the new sound!

‘We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream.Wandering by lone sea breakers, and sitting by desolate streams. World losers and world forsakers, for whom the pale moon gleams. Yet we are movers and the shakers of the world forever it seems”

~ Arhtur O’Shanessey ~(1844-1881)

Tags: MR.ELIVE, Phillip "Aarnaquq" Charette, Yup'ik

Red Nation Music Fest Information

Osiyo!

THE 3^RD annual Red Nation Music Fest is scheduled for August 19, 2011.

Founded in 1995, Red Nation Celebration (RNC) is the longest standing American Indian performing arts organization in the country…

“Red Nation Celebration was established out of a direct need.  RNC has its roots in Santa Fe, New Mexico, produced during the famous

Indian Market (1995 to 1997); In 2003, Red Nation Celebration “Concert Series” became an “Official Grammy Event” and went on to become Red Nation Celebration’s “Signature” Event.

Red Nation Celebration “Concert Series” is still being produced during Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico in August and is the largest performing arts event, representing American Indian & Indigenous music, actors, writers, directors, producers, and visual artists.

Red Nation-Santa Fe New Mexico during Indian Market over 100,000 tourists from all over the world come in to town to experience American Indian art in all its forms. This year will be 90^th year of Indian Market and 16^th year of Red Nation Celebration.   RNC and all it educational programs fosters cultural preservation, inter-cultural understanding, and economic opportunities for American Indians through excellence in the arts.”

“It takes a thousand voices to tell a single story”- American Indian proverb –

Blessings and Peace-Talking Feather

Scroll Down To See  Some Featured Artists:
Click on their photo to learn more about the artist.

Classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala

Singer indigenous

Paul and Grace Jones-Flute players

Clarence Clearwater-singer, guitarist

Clan:Destine

Dine Blackfire

Levi and the Plateros

Legend of the Talking Feather: Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei Bestow the Gift of The Talking Feather

There are many legends about how the Indians learned about the Talking Feather”. Here is one of them…

Long years ago, when gods walked this earth and the land beyond, Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei, were together enjoying the warm summer day. It was a day when the crickets chirrupted in the waving, green grass,when they noticed a figure moving towards them.

As the figure approached closer Kanati said “Look, that woman is crying, what could be the matter?” “I can not imagine why anyone would cry on such a glorious day.” Replied Asgaya Gigagei. “Let’s ask her.”

As the woman drew nearer, they could see her buckskin was decorated with beautiful designs and colors. She carried a bundle filled with leaves, sage, and colorful stones and feathers. They knew immediately this woman was a holy being.

Kanati asked her “Holy mother, why are you crying so?” The woman looked up in wonder, because she had been walking with her head down. “I’m crying because the men of my village are fighting constantly! Each thinks his ideas for leading the tribe is the best!” Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei glanced at one another, in perplexity. “Why, if there are so many good ideas for leading your tribe, why are the men fighting? And why aren’t you and the other members happy!” The poor woman shook her head sadly and replied, “Yes, you are right, the men do have very good ideas, but every man wants to speak his own ideas, and not listen to anyone else. They all shout and scream at one another so loudly, that it frightens the children who run and hide behind their mothers. The women are sad because their husbands come to the house upset and angry. Furthermore, the tribe is suffering, because no one can seem to make a decision.”  Just then a beautiful Eagle was soaring overhead, Kanati called out “Brother Eagle, may I have one of your feathers, there are poor humans in desperate need!”

Bother Eagle replied “Yes” and shook himself until a single iridescent, large feather fell to the ground. “Many thanks and Blessings on you” said Kanati. Kanati made secret signs and prayers over the Feather. Asgaya Gigagei helped him with the blessings. Kanati then said to the woman “This is the sacred Talking Father, it holds great power for the one who holds it. Go back to your people, hold this feather up in the air, all who see it will fall silent, and listen to what you have to say. Tell all who listen that from now on, who ever holds this feather, all present within the Circle Council must listen to his words. The feather must then be passed on to the next speaker.”

The woman thanked Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei and hurried back to her village where there was total chaos!. Everyone was talking at once, children were crying, men were screaming at each other. As soon as she held the feather over her head, all became quiet! No one could utter a sound! the holy woman proceeded to give the directions given to her by the gods. She then passed the feather to the first man. He called the Talking Circle together, and each man had his say as he held the feather. From that time on that tribe flourished because they now had direction, and each person could hear and understand what their peers said. The people worked together, to build a great nation. Along the way, they shared the wonders of the Talking Feather with other tribes they met. “And that my friends is the true story of  how the Talking Feather came to be!”

Talking Feather, June 16, 2011

Buffy St. Marie-photo: current tour

American Indian singing artist Buffy St. Marie was born on the Cree reservation, and  was adopted and raised in New England. She received a Ph.D. in Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts, and holds degrees in Oriental Philosophy and Teaching.  She became known for her songs of protest and of love. Many of her songs have been huge hits and performed by other well known artists such as  Barbra Streisand, Elvis, Chet Atkins, Roberta Flack, Neil Diamond, and Tracy Chapman.

She won an academy award in 1982  for her song Up Where We Belong which was the title song from the film An Officer and A Gentleman.

She took a respite from recording to have a baby, and both she and her son made frequent appearances on Sesame Street, where the theme was Indians Still Exist. Ms. St. Marie founded the Cradleboard Teaching Project in 1996, which focuses on Native American Education and is free to everyone.

“The Cradleboard Teaching Project turns on the lights in public education about Native American culture – past, present, and most important for the children – the Future. It comes out of Indian country, and reaches far beyond, into the mainstream classroom and into the future of education.”

-Cradleboard Mission Statement-

Today she is still singing and performs frequently with her Rock Band. When she’s not performing, she’s at home on her goat farm in the mountains with her  27 goats, two horses, and a kitty cat. We wish her Blessings. Be sure to visit her website!

Tags: Buffy St. Marie

By Seminole Star Search,

Micki Free and the Seminole Tribe of Florida Rock the Future of Native Music

Micki Free, a well-known American Indian musician has performed with talent such as Kiss, Cheap Trick and Queen.  He is now giving back to the community by promoting Native music and by giving the “rez” youth a chance at a career in the music business.

Mickey Free-photo: ICTMN

During an interview with Crawdaddy magazine Free stated,

“My stepdad was in the Army and gave me the platform to experience life and music outside of the States…“I didn’t grow up on the Rez. I saw Jimi Hendrix in Germany, along with Clapton and the Stones. When I visited Oklahoma, my father’s people kept me in tune with my Native side.”

Micki Free-photo: website

Free’s latest projects,  Native Music Rocks! the Seminole Star Search talent competitions, and Native Music Rocks Educational Bus, are all mainly focused on young (unknown) American Indian Artists.  Free states,

“We show kids what they need to make it, besides luck… we groom the contestants for the Star Search finale. It’s open to all Seminole Tribal members. It used to be, on the Rez, you had two choices—sports or drugs. … I want the choice to be between sports and music and the performing arts, and, so far, it seems to be working…We’ll use the bus as a launching pad to start Native Music Rocks programs in schools for Native kids. That excites me more than winning another Grammy. Giving back to my people is my number one job right now.”

To find out more information, read the entire article!

Helping young people develop their talent, and empowering them with knowledge that will benefit them in the future, is the sign of a true winner.

Kudos to Mr. Micki Free!  Listen to Micki Free’s Native Dance on You Tube! Visit Micki Free on facebook

Tags: Micki Free, Music, youths

Talking Feather, May 10, 2011

TCHIN-photo by Hank Rogerson

We came across this wonderful article about Tchin a nationally known artist and educator of American Indian arts and culture.  Tchin  is a member of the Blackfeet/Narragansett People. He also makes jewelry, writes books, and  has won numerous awards. You can read about  his interesting background here.

Tchin portrays the creation of the world and how things came to be through the traditional art of oral American Indian storytelling. His other presentations deals with topics such as cultural diversity, music appreciation, and  environmental consciousness.

“These stories have been passed down through generations and illuminate both young and mature minds. Tchin brings the stories alive with his gift of magic. As part of this program, Tchin will perform and explain the seldom seen or heard Native American courting flute.”

You can listen to Tchin tell his most famous story Rabbit’s Wish for Snow at the Circle of Stories a PBS web documentary about American Indian storytellers.

To learn more about Tchin, and to hear his stories, we encourage everyone to visit his magical website.

As always, share your thoughts with us!

Learn More: Talking Feather Indian Myths and Stories here.

Tags: Music, storytelling, Tchin

We here at Talking Feather have the pleasure of presenting   artist,  and  author Austen Brauker, a member of the Ottawa Indian Tribe located in Manistee, Michigan, and a very accomplished and multi-talented  individual! Austen attended Central Michigan University (CMU) and he has won numerous art awards. Austen describes himself and his accomplishments in the following:

Stained Glass Eagle by Austen Brauker

“My name is Austen Brauker and  I am a member of the Ottawa tribe from Manistee, Michigan. I recently won Best Horror Script at the Love Unlimited International Film Festival, and have received positive script coverage from Coverage Ink and Creative World. I have several scripts already written and several in process, as well as two fiction novels, one of which has been self-published. I also write monthly articles for a local newspaper.  Two of my theatrical plays have been produced at a local college, and my screenplay “White Buffalo” has been picked up by a film production company for development (Wild Horse Films).

Madonna and Child 1 by Austen Brauker

I am also an accomplished visual artist (winner of several national contests including the NCAI Indian Congress art for 2011) and a musician  (Four original CD’s of home studio produced music) and have much work posted online at different art, music and writing sites,  and also art in numerous galleries and murals painted in several public locations.  I play and write both traditional and contemporary musical forms.

Three Bison 1 by Austen Brauker

I hunt elk, bear, deer and spear salmon, and have worked as the herd manager of a large buffalo preserve. I attended CMU for psychology and West Shore for criminal justice. I write federal grants and small business proposals and have owned several art related businesses.

I currently work as a Peacemaker/Probation Officer for the tribal court of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. I live in Onekama, Michigan and I am married to my beautiful wife, Victoria.

Sophie Oct 2010 072 by Austen Brauker

Austen has also contributed two wonderful stories: Coming Clean and Dreaming Bodies

We appreciate Austen’s contributions to Talking Feather, and encourage everyone to enjoy his art, read his stories, and definitely visit his website to learn more about his positive work. Kudos to Austen Brauker for being a positive role-model!

Visit Austen Brauker’s website.  Please note that all art and stories belong to Mr. Brauker. Interested parties may contact Austen: abrauker@lrboi.com

See the  New Additions: Talking Feather Art Gallery!

Tags: Austen Brauker, Stained Glass, Talking Feather, Talking Stick

By Talking Feather, 3/19/11

Radmilla Cody has her own page on facebook.  Cody is a member of the Navajo Nation, and she has reigned as Miss Navajo Nation from 1997-98.

She is known for her extensive work with youth organizations, that are concerned with issues such as domestic violence, gang activity, child abuse, drug/alcohol abuse, and issues concerning the welfare of the elderly. The film Hearing Radmilla, by director Angela Webb tells the life story of Ms. Cody. Radmilla is also known for her beautiful singing. Here are her cds: Seed of Life Precious Friends, Spirit of a Woman, Within The Four Directions: A Tribute To The Navajo Way of Life

Kudos to Radmilla and to Ms. Webb for sharing this important information with us. We urge you to stay connected and help!

Post Comments

Fun: visit ESLVoices!

Teachers’ Guide and Answer Key: Cherokee lessons Parts I and II.

Tags: Navajo, Radmilla Cody, Talking Feather, Talking Stick

Dana Attocknie, Native American Times

Alonzo Moss Sr. age 72, is an amazing man. He’s a linguist and an accomplished musician. His favorite singer is Johnny Cash. Alonzo was born on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Fort Washakie, Wyo. He then married, made a family, worked several different labor jobs, including a tree feller. In 1970 Alonzo completed his G.E.D., and took a job as teacher’s assistant for Wyoming Indian Schools. Later he began teaching Arapaho language At Wyoming Indian High School.

After teaching there for 20 years, Alonzo Moss Sr. taught the language at at Central Wyoming College, Wind River Tribal College, the University of Colorado – Boulder and the University of Wyoming. 
Because of his hard work, and dedication to teaching, Alonzo Moss Sr. will be honored as the 2010 Indian of the Year for the 79th American Indian Exposition during a reception at the First United Methodist Church of Anadarko.

L. Wabaunasee, the American Indian Exposition president stated,

“He’s really comical. He really impresses people, the way he talks … he just kind of fits in with the crowd. He wasn’t standing high… (and) He likes Johnny Cash.

Moss told the crowd,

“their native language is their identity, it’s who they are..a person’s identity is not defined by having a tribal car tag or anything of the like.
The only thing that’s going to make me Arapaho is if I speak Arapaho,”

A wonderful story about an unusual man. Every one should read it and share their opinion.

Tags: 2010 79th American Indian Exposition Award, Alonzo Moss Sr., Arapaho language, linguist, musician

When the phrase American Indian music is mentioned, people usually visualize a circle of men and women chanting in their language, accompanied by a beating drum. While it is true that Native People still practice singing and chanting in this  traditional way,  this is only one aspect of Native music. Today, there are  many contemporary  American Indian artists representing music from different genres.

One such group of artists are members of the famous American Indian rock band   known as XIT (pronounced Exit)  and was created by  Tom Bee who was adopted at birth, and raised near the Navajo Nation in  Gallup,  New Mexico.

During  an interview with Brenda Norrell of  the  Pueblo Journal, Tom Bee commented, “…I see myself basically as being a survivor. The music was the means of delivering a very important message…I’m a guy that likes music. I’m still alive and doing it.”    His  message to Indian youths was,  ”…You can be a dreamer, but you still have to do the work.”

On their debut CD album  Plight of the Redman,  XIT  has  combined both historic and contemporary sounds within their music. They sing about the old ways and the new ones.

The sheer beauty of the mixture of  sounds, and of the powerful words is mesmerizing.  It is also pleasing to note that these musicians do not use  profanity to get their messages across. The songs are a mix of Native chants and English lyrics, so everyone can enjoy the music.

Here is one of the  favorites on this CD:

I Was Raised

As a young Indian boy
I was raised
in the true Indian way
free as the wind
on wings of white clouds
those were happy days

I saw beauty
I saw pain
the winter snow
and summer rain
I saw birth
the red of the night
and the green of the earth

I was raised with wise spoken words
and gentle hands
I was raised by the splendor of life
and became a man

As a young Indian boy
I was raised
with nature as my guide
free as a fawn
along the mountainside
among the butterflies

I would chant
I would pray
sometimes play
I would laugh
I would cry
some of us lived
and some of us died

I knew no hate
of human beings
only love
and simple things
bathing naked in a stream

I saw no shame
in running free

1999 EMI/Jobate Music Co. Inc. All lyrics by Tom Bee. Used with permission.

To learn more about Tom Bee and his music  his visit website

Suggestions for Reflection and Discussion of the song:

Review any vocabulary words students might need to understand: (e.g., splendor, fawn. chant, stream)

1. Place students in small groups, assign 1 or 2 verses of the song to each group, and ask them to interpret the meanings in their own words.

2. In groups, or individually have students create short poems or songs about their lives growing up within their cultures, then share them with the class.

3. You might ask specific questions about a line from each verse, especially for beginning students.

Examples:

I would chant

I would pray

sometimes play

I would laugh

I would cry

a. What does the word chant mean?

b. Why would the young Indian boy chant and pray?

c. Name two things that might make him laugh, and two things that might cause him to cry.

d. Write a short paragraph describing things that make you laugh and cry, and share them with the class.

Tags: American Indian music, CD, chanting, Gallup New Mexico, Indian youths, Plight of the Redman, Pueblo Journal, singing, Tom Bee, XIT