Native American music to fill SunWatch Indian Village this weekend
The distinctive sound of Native flutists will once again fill SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park this weekend as nationally recognized Native American flutists from throughout the region offer performances Saturday and Sunday.
In addition, beautifully crafted flutes from vendors across the country will be on display, along with traditional American Indian storytelling and many food booths featuring Bison burgers, Indian tacos, and summer Indian corn. Visitors can also participate in workshops dedicated to traditional and non-traditional American Indian music. All performances are included with regular admission ($5.00/Adults, $3.00/Seniors, $3.00/Children (6-17), Free/Age 5 & under).
“The beauty of Native American flute music is matched only by the craftsmanship of the instruments they play. The fact that many of these nationally recognized performers are using handmade instruments is a phenomenal testimony to their skills and their devotion to preserving Native customs,” said Andy Sawyer, anthropologist and SunWatch site manager. “I really encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity to learn another dimension of American
Indian culture during their visit to SunWatch.”
The two-day event runs from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Performances by award-winning Native flutists include:
- Douglas Blue Feather, four-time Native American Music Award Winner of contemporary Native American flute music.
- Peter Phippen, Native American Music Award nominee and Canyon Records artist
- Jeff Ball, Winner of 2001 Native American Music Native Heart Award
- Jan Seiden, 2002 Musical Echoes Native American Cultural Gathering’s national flute players’ award winner
- John DeBoer, Spirit of Thunder, a multi-talented composer and entertainer who has been performing live and on national television since childhood.
- Mark “Thunderwalker” Camden, a professional musician focusing on Native American sounds and teaching Native American heritage, history, music and evolution of the flute-making craft.
- Janice Trytten, Sunflower, a Native American flute soloist who specializes in soothing and meditative sounds.
- David Martinka, a performer and songwriter who uses flutes crafted by some of the world’s most accomplished Native American flute makers.
- Harold Darding (Singing Horse)
“The opportunity to share our music and educate people on Native customs is a big part of why I enjoy the SunWatch Flute Gathering,” said performer Douglas Blue Feather. “I’m honored that people refer to me as a master, but like any musical instrument, the flute is still teaching me. Every time I write a new song, I learn something new.”
The SunWatch Native Flute Gathering is presented by SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park and the Miami Valley Flute Circle. SunWatch Indian Village is located at 2301 W. River Road, Dayton, OH 45418. More information on the event is available at www.SunWatch.org or 937.268.8199