Indigenous Music & Arts Festival—Formerly Native American Dance & Music Festival—Announces 2019 Guest Performers
New Name for Iconic Summer Event Reflects Connection to all Indigenous people
Victor, NY— Performers at Ganondagan’s iconic 2019 summer festival reflect the recent name change to the Indigenous Music & Arts Festival (formerly the Native American Dance & Music Festival), Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28, 2019.
This summer’s appearance of the Soh Daiko Japanese taiko drummers is an example of expanded festival offerings. Soh Daiko has increased its varied repertoire to include traditional compositions from Shinto music tradition—adapting existing taiko compositions—and original arrangements by its own members. In addition to drums, the group incorporates accessories such as bamboo flutes, brass bells, conch shells, gongs, African shekere, and Tahitian toere (wooden slit drum). Much more than percussion, Soh Daiko also features visual elements of movement and choreography, requiring physical strength, endurance, and energy that makes taiko such an exciting performance experience.
Making their Ganondagan debut are the contemporary Native music performers Robert “Freightrain” Parker and his band “Freightrain,” the culturally diverse, soulful band with a distinctive and energetic approach to American roots, and winner of the 2018 Indigenous Music Award Best Blues Album. Popular Iroquois Social Dancing returns, performing twice daily this year. Bill Crouse (Seneca) leads the Allegany River Dancers in full regalia.
After 27 years, Friends of Ganondagan notes that “the new name better reflects the deep connection of all Indigenous people on Turtle Island while underscoring the meaningful commonalities of Indigenous people worldwide,” explained Executive Director Meg Joseph.
The full slate of festival activities include the Native American Arts Market, traditional arts demonstrators, Hodinöhsö:ni’ juried art show, storytelling, Indigenous food, guided trail walks, raffles, the Family Discovery Tent, and more.
Admission is at the door during Festival hours: $10/adult, $7/seniors, $5/children, free/Friends of Ganondagan members and children under 2, $25/family (2 Adults/3 Kids) per day. New this year is a two-day pass: Adult/$15; Senior/$12; Children/$8.
Visit www.ganondagan.org for more information. The festival is made possible by the generous sponsorship of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
###
CALENDAR:
What: Ganondagan’s Indigenous Music & Arts Festival (formerly Native American Dance & Music Festival)
Who: Soh Daiko Taiko drummers, Freightrain Band led by Robert “Freightrain” Parker, Iroquois Social Dancers, storytellers, traditional arts demonstrators, juried Hodinöhsö:ni art show and more
When: July 27-28, 2019, 10 am - 6 pm