Two Native artists who mix traditional and contemporary elements into their work will host a Tekcno Pow-wow in Montana on April 17.

Bently Spang, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana, and Bert Benally, a member of the Navajo Nation, say Native music and newer forms like hip-hop and techno share common features. "All of it pulls people out on the floor," Spang told The Helena Independent Record. "I can't stand to just watch."

The artforms will come together at the Tecknow Pow-wow being held at the Montana Artists Refuge in Basin. The Magpie Singers, a local drum group, will provide beats. Northern Cheyenne break-dancer Marcus Lopez will lead the B-Boy Battles, a competition between traditional pow-wow dancers and modern dancers.

Get the Story:
Artists exploring new rhythm (The Helena Independent Record 4/13)

Relevant Links:
Montana Artists Refuge - http://www.montanaartistsrefuge.org