2007 March/April Happening (Events)
http://www.nativepeoples.com/article/articles/247/1/2007-MarchApril-Happening-Events/Page1.html
By Daniel Gibson
Published on 03/1/2007
Daniel Gibson
2007 March/April Happening
Dancing on Sacred Ground
Some 300 dancers and 6,000 visitors will descend on Long Beach, California March 10 and 11 to attend the 37th annual California State University Long Beach Powwow, being held outdoors on the university campus not far from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The college actually lies over a historic village site called Puvungna (The Place of Gathering) of the Gabrielino/Tongva Band of Mission Indians.
“Our celebration has been pretty successful over the past 36 years, and we believe it’s partially due to this rich history and presence,” explains Craig Stone, the event’s faculty advisor, who has taught at CSULB since 1980. “We make a real effort to ensure it is reflective of the alumni and the local community.”
In the past, he notes, the powwow has featured major national drum groups, but a few years ago they decided to focus on southern California musicians (which actually includes a wide range of tribal peoples due to the urban relocation program of the 1950s) and school alumni like the Cozad family. While it is a contest powwow, the prize money is not substantial, and most of the participants are there for reasons other than garnering income. “In fact, every year many families show up with infants to hold naming ceremonies among their friends and families. It’s that kind of gathering,” says Stone.
This year’s host northern drum will be Night Train, of Orange County; the head southern singer Steve Bohay (Kiowa); the head woman Tawny Hale (Dakota/Navajo); and the M.C. John Dawson (San Carlos Apache). The gourd dance will be sponsored by the Golden State Gourd Society. The event also includes a highly regarded Native arts and crafts fair with some 50 vendors, a storytelling session on Saturday, and selection of food booths.
Elsewhere
Go West! to the Native Voices at the Autry presentation of the satirical farce The Berlin Blues by Drew Hayden Taylor (Ojibwe—see “On The Wind” this issue), March 1–25, Wells Fargo Theater, Museum of the American West, Los Angeles, CA. Performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Some “pay-what-you-can” performances. Box office: 323/667-2000, ext. 354.
Return to the 49th annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market, March 3–4, Phoenix, AZ, which kicks off with a reception and dinner on March 2 (see Jan./Feb. 2007 issue for details). 602/251-0205 or heard.org
Enjoy the world premiere of Wakonda’s Dream, March 7, 9 and 11, Orpheum Theater, Omaha, NE, a new opera staged by Opera Omaha which tells the story of the 1879 trial of Chief Standing Bear. The trial led to the legal reclassification of Indians as humans—believe it or not! With music by Anthony Davis (of African American and Cherokee heritage). Tickets at 877/346-7372 or operaomaha.org
Catch the curtain of A Constellation of Bones, March 8–10, Harbourfront Centre’s Enwave Theater, Toronto, Canada, a contemporary dance performance led by Santee Smith (Mohawk), choreographer Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm (Anishinaabe) and composer Dean Hapeta of New Zealand. Tickets and details: 416/973-4000 or harbourfrontcentre.com (under “NextSteps”)
Peruse the 4th annual Native American Fine Art Show, March 10–11, Fort McDowell Casino, just east of Phoenix, AZ, with hundreds of juried arts and crafts, live entertainment both days, an art auction, Native foods and other events. Free admission. 800-THE-FORT or fortmcdowellcasino.com
Motor over to the Native American Film Festival & Cultural Weekend, March 14–18, Palm Springs, CA, hosted by the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. This year’s gathering will feature author Sherman Alexie (Spokane) as the speaker at the Gala Dinner (tickets $300 per person) on March 16 at the Hotel Zoso, and a screening of his film Smoke Signals on March 17. Also in town on March 17, at Pavilion Auditorium in Sunrise Park, will be the 8th annual Southern California Indian Storytelling Festival, also sponsored by the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. The free event will include storytelling presentations and performances, children’s activities, basket-weaving circles, children’s story time and Native vendors. Film festival tickets: 760/325-6565. General information and gala tickets: 760/778-1079 or accmuseum.org
Mush up to the 14th annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, March 16, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, when the leading figures in Canadian Native arts and other realms of life gather to salute their own. This year’s cast of performers will be under the direction of the talented producer, actor, writer and director Jennifer Podemski (Saulteaux). naaf.ca
Cross the Big Water to the second North American Native Film Festival, March 21–25 in Stuttgart, Germany. Special guests will include Tantoo Cardinal, Michael Smith, Adam Beach, Gregory Coyes, Nakotah LaRance, Lila Downs and Joy Harjo. At the same time, the Linden-Museum of Stuttgart will host an exhibition of jewelry by Steve Wikviya LaRance (Hopi) and Marian Denipah (Navajo/Tewa), which continues through April 22. nordamerika-filmfestival.com/en/index.html
Visit the 18th annual Invitational Native American Arts Festival, March 30–April 1, Clark County Heritage Museum, Henderson, NV. The festivities include an outdoor arts and crafts market, music and dance performances, exhibitions, artist demonstrations and Native foods. 702/455-3095 or accessclarkcounty.com/parks
Carry your Native collectibles to Native Art & Artifacts Appraisal Day, March 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heard Museum, Phoenix and Heard Museum North, Scottsdale, AZ, where experts can provide details on their history and value. $15 for the first item, $20 for the second, and $15 for each additional item (up to 10 total); $5 more for nonmembers for each appraised item. 602/252-8848 or heard.org
Bring your popcorn to the 5th annual Native American Film Festival, April 13–15, Putnam Lecture Hall, Keene State College, NH. The festival opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 13 with a brief talk by Dana Barry, former chief of the Penobscot Indians, and a feature film screening. Saturday activities include an exhibition and sale of works by Maine Indian basket weavers, a panel discussion on fishing rights, and a demonstration by Barry of birchbark canoe making. 603/563-8021 or lakotafriends.org
Drop by Art Under the Oaks, April 21–22, Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Muskogee, OK, to enjoy an outdoor market with some 40 artists and crafters displaying all 3-D works (jewelry, pottery, basketry, gourd art, etc.), plus dancing, live music and foods. Also, tour the noteworthy museum and catch the special art show and sale April 1–30. 918/683-1701 or fivetribes.org
Spend a day at the 10th annual Chumash Days, April 21–22, Malibu Bluffs Park, Malibu, CA, with exhibition, hoop and powwow dances by Chumash, Aztec and other dancers, plus drumming, storytelling, arts and crafts sales, children’s activities and Native foods. Includes special performances by musicians Elk Whistle and Carlos Reynosa. Free admission and parking. 310/456-2489, ext. 358.
Gather round for the 24th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow, April 26–28, at the University of New Mexico Arena, Albuquerque, NM, which will feature more than 3,000 dancers, singers and drummers from more than 500 tribes in the United States and Canada. Grand entries will be held on April 27 at noon and 6 p.m., and on April 27 at noon and 7 p.m. Also enjoy the Miss Indian World Pageant (with talent contest on April 26 at 7 p.m. and the crowning on April 27 at 9 p.m. or so), and the Indian Traders Market (with some 800 artists and vendors), a contemporary live music stage and other events. Advance tickets available online through April 10. 505/836-2810 or gatheringofnations.com
Don’t miss the 9th annual Inter-Tribal Powwow, April 28–29, Hatteras Island, NC, sponsored by the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center. Also being offered are storytelling, exhibits, arts and crafts sales, and Native foods. 252/995-4440 or nativeamericanmuseum.org
Some 300 dancers and 6,000 visitors will descend on Long Beach, California March 10 and 11 to attend the 37th annual California State University Long Beach Powwow, being held outdoors on the university campus not far from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The college actually lies over a historic village site called Puvungna (The Place of Gathering) of the Gabrielino/Tongva Band of Mission Indians.
“Our celebration has been pretty successful over the past 36 years, and we believe it’s partially due to this rich history and presence,” explains Craig Stone, the event’s faculty advisor, who has taught at CSULB since 1980. “We make a real effort to ensure it is reflective of the alumni and the local community.”
In the past, he notes, the powwow has featured major national drum groups, but a few years ago they decided to focus on southern California musicians (which actually includes a wide range of tribal peoples due to the urban relocation program of the 1950s) and school alumni like the Cozad family. While it is a contest powwow, the prize money is not substantial, and most of the participants are there for reasons other than garnering income. “In fact, every year many families show up with infants to hold naming ceremonies among their friends and families. It’s that kind of gathering,” says Stone.
This year’s host northern drum will be Night Train, of Orange County; the head southern singer Steve Bohay (Kiowa); the head woman Tawny Hale (Dakota/Navajo); and the M.C. John Dawson (San Carlos Apache). The gourd dance will be sponsored by the Golden State Gourd Society. The event also includes a highly regarded Native arts and crafts fair with some 50 vendors, a storytelling session on Saturday, and selection of food booths.
Elsewhere
Go West! to the Native Voices at the Autry presentation of the satirical farce The Berlin Blues by Drew Hayden Taylor (Ojibwe—see “On The Wind” this issue), March 1–25, Wells Fargo Theater, Museum of the American West, Los Angeles, CA. Performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Some “pay-what-you-can” performances. Box office: 323/667-2000, ext. 354.
Return to the 49th annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market, March 3–4, Phoenix, AZ, which kicks off with a reception and dinner on March 2 (see Jan./Feb. 2007 issue for details). 602/251-0205 or heard.org
Enjoy the world premiere of Wakonda’s Dream, March 7, 9 and 11, Orpheum Theater, Omaha, NE, a new opera staged by Opera Omaha which tells the story of the 1879 trial of Chief Standing Bear. The trial led to the legal reclassification of Indians as humans—believe it or not! With music by Anthony Davis (of African American and Cherokee heritage). Tickets at 877/346-7372 or operaomaha.org
Catch the curtain of A Constellation of Bones, March 8–10, Harbourfront Centre’s Enwave Theater, Toronto, Canada, a contemporary dance performance led by Santee Smith (Mohawk), choreographer Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm (Anishinaabe) and composer Dean Hapeta of New Zealand. Tickets and details: 416/973-4000 or harbourfrontcentre.com (under “NextSteps”)
Peruse the 4th annual Native American Fine Art Show, March 10–11, Fort McDowell Casino, just east of Phoenix, AZ, with hundreds of juried arts and crafts, live entertainment both days, an art auction, Native foods and other events. Free admission. 800-THE-FORT or fortmcdowellcasino.com
Motor over to the Native American Film Festival & Cultural Weekend, March 14–18, Palm Springs, CA, hosted by the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. This year’s gathering will feature author Sherman Alexie (Spokane) as the speaker at the Gala Dinner (tickets $300 per person) on March 16 at the Hotel Zoso, and a screening of his film Smoke Signals on March 17. Also in town on March 17, at Pavilion Auditorium in Sunrise Park, will be the 8th annual Southern California Indian Storytelling Festival, also sponsored by the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. The free event will include storytelling presentations and performances, children’s activities, basket-weaving circles, children’s story time and Native vendors. Film festival tickets: 760/325-6565. General information and gala tickets: 760/778-1079 or accmuseum.org
Mush up to the 14th annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, March 16, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, when the leading figures in Canadian Native arts and other realms of life gather to salute their own. This year’s cast of performers will be under the direction of the talented producer, actor, writer and director Jennifer Podemski (Saulteaux). naaf.ca
Cross the Big Water to the second North American Native Film Festival, March 21–25 in Stuttgart, Germany. Special guests will include Tantoo Cardinal, Michael Smith, Adam Beach, Gregory Coyes, Nakotah LaRance, Lila Downs and Joy Harjo. At the same time, the Linden-Museum of Stuttgart will host an exhibition of jewelry by Steve Wikviya LaRance (Hopi) and Marian Denipah (Navajo/Tewa), which continues through April 22. nordamerika-filmfestival.com/en/index.html
Visit the 18th annual Invitational Native American Arts Festival, March 30–April 1, Clark County Heritage Museum, Henderson, NV. The festivities include an outdoor arts and crafts market, music and dance performances, exhibitions, artist demonstrations and Native foods. 702/455-3095 or accessclarkcounty.com/parks
Carry your Native collectibles to Native Art & Artifacts Appraisal Day, March 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heard Museum, Phoenix and Heard Museum North, Scottsdale, AZ, where experts can provide details on their history and value. $15 for the first item, $20 for the second, and $15 for each additional item (up to 10 total); $5 more for nonmembers for each appraised item. 602/252-8848 or heard.org
Bring your popcorn to the 5th annual Native American Film Festival, April 13–15, Putnam Lecture Hall, Keene State College, NH. The festival opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. on April 13 with a brief talk by Dana Barry, former chief of the Penobscot Indians, and a feature film screening. Saturday activities include an exhibition and sale of works by Maine Indian basket weavers, a panel discussion on fishing rights, and a demonstration by Barry of birchbark canoe making. 603/563-8021 or lakotafriends.org
Drop by Art Under the Oaks, April 21–22, Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Muskogee, OK, to enjoy an outdoor market with some 40 artists and crafters displaying all 3-D works (jewelry, pottery, basketry, gourd art, etc.), plus dancing, live music and foods. Also, tour the noteworthy museum and catch the special art show and sale April 1–30. 918/683-1701 or fivetribes.org
Spend a day at the 10th annual Chumash Days, April 21–22, Malibu Bluffs Park, Malibu, CA, with exhibition, hoop and powwow dances by Chumash, Aztec and other dancers, plus drumming, storytelling, arts and crafts sales, children’s activities and Native foods. Includes special performances by musicians Elk Whistle and Carlos Reynosa. Free admission and parking. 310/456-2489, ext. 358.
Gather round for the 24th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow, April 26–28, at the University of New Mexico Arena, Albuquerque, NM, which will feature more than 3,000 dancers, singers and drummers from more than 500 tribes in the United States and Canada. Grand entries will be held on April 27 at noon and 6 p.m., and on April 27 at noon and 7 p.m. Also enjoy the Miss Indian World Pageant (with talent contest on April 26 at 7 p.m. and the crowning on April 27 at 9 p.m. or so), and the Indian Traders Market (with some 800 artists and vendors), a contemporary live music stage and other events. Advance tickets available online through April 10. 505/836-2810 or gatheringofnations.com
Don’t miss the 9th annual Inter-Tribal Powwow, April 28–29, Hatteras Island, NC, sponsored by the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center. Also being offered are storytelling, exhibits, arts and crafts sales, and Native foods. 252/995-4440 or nativeamericanmuseum.org