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Monday, October 20, 2003

The largest Native music show in the world returns to New Mexico next month for a star-studded event at the Isleta Pueblo casino.

Since its inception in 1999, the Native American Music Awards, affectionately known as the NAMMYs, has highlighted the best in the Native music genre, a field that has grown in prominence. The sixth annual show promises to showcase a diverse range of artist and styles, from gospel to hip-hop to traditional.

"The national recognition of hosting such an event is an example of how Native American music is now being recognized around the world and is a true statement for Native American entrepreneurship across the country," Isleta Pueblo Gov. Alvino Lucero said in a statement.

The show at the Isleta casino, located just outside Albuquerque, will mark the fourth time the ceremony has been held in New Mexico. In 2001, Sandia Pueblo hosted the event at its outdoor theater. Two previous shows were held on the University of New Mexico campus.

This year, Native music lovers will find plenty of familiar faces and enough fresh names to make it interesting. In the 26 categories, there are multiple picks like Arigon Starr, nominated for Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, and newcomers like actress Irene Bedard & her husband Deni, appropriately chosen for the Debut Artist/Group of the Year.

"The competition looks pretty good -- and it is remarkable that I'm the only woman in both of those categories," said Starr, a member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, said in an e-mail. "NDN girls do rule the world!"

The NAMMYs are unique among awards shows because the public helps select the nominees as well as the winners. Users can register and vote at the NAMMY web site (http://www.nammys.com/public) to make their voices heard.

The biggest award is considered the Artist of the Year. Starr, whose music mixes rock, country and other styles, is competing with Derek Miller, a guitarist/songwriter from Canada; Johnny Curtis, an Apache artist with a gospel message; Taos Pueblo flutist/singer Robert Mirabal; and Felipe Rose, the founding Village People member whose current music highlights his Native and Hispanic heritage.

In the Best Female Artist category, Sioux operatic singer Bonnie Jo Hunt; Lumbee Tribe pop star Jana; flutist Nicole, daughter of Brule's Paul LaRoche; Navajo songwriter Socie Saltwater; and Yolanda Martinez, a folk/country singer of Apache and Mexican ancestry.

The Best Pow-Wow Recording category features some of the best known drum groups in the U.S. and Canada. Up for the award this year are: "All or Nothing" by the Wildhorse Singers of California; "Anishinaabe Meenigoziwin" by the Whitefish Bay Singers of the Ojibway Nation in Ontario, Canada; "Drum For Life" by Southern Cree from the Rocky Boy's Reservation in Montana.; "Flying Free" by Black Eagle of Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico; and "Winter Storm" by The Tribe, which got its start at Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas.

The field for Record of the Year features mostly newcomers. Nominees are: "All Native Project," a collaboration of Native Project; "Building One Fire," the second album by the Cherokee National Youth Choir; "Ben Black Elk Speaks," songs by Warfield Moose, a Lakota; "Caught In The Act" by Pamyua of Alaska; and "Night Tree" by Nicole.

The ceremony at the Isleta Casino Resort takes place November 15. Tickets can be purchased through the http://www.tickets.com and http://www.nammys.com/show/Nama2002/vip.cfm.

From A to Z:
2003 NAMMY category nominees (10/20)

Relevant Links:
Native American Music Awards - http://www.nammys.com

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