Facebook Twitter Email
AUGUST 23, 2000

It's that time of the year again.

No, not back to school, but back to the Native American Music Awards, lovingly referred to as the NAMMYs by Native music lovers throughout Indian Country.

This year's nominees for the Third Annual NAMMY awards show are a diverse bunch, representing the wide range of Native music today. But, of course, there are multiple nominees for a few categories.

One of the few women in the traditional flute genre, Mary Youngblood (Aleut / Seminole) also stands out in the NAMMYs, having won seven nominations this year. Among other awards, Youngblood is up for Artist of the Year, Best Female Artist, and Flutist of the Year.

Youngblood faces some competition from Robert Tree Cody, another flutist. Cody also has seven nominations, including Artist of the Year, Best Male Artist, and Flutist of the Year.

Legendary activist and poet John Trudell (Santee Sioux), Rocker Robert Mirabal (Taos Pueblo), and singer Sharon Burch (Navajo Nation) each have five nominations.

Native music has been garnering significant attention this year, not just due to the NAMMYs. In June, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) announced the creation of a new category for Native music.

The Grammy Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Academy, recently held a workshop for young Native Americans interested in careers in the recording industry. The workshop was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this past weekend.

Tickets are available now for the November 11 NAMMY awards show. It will once again be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Join Indianz.Com this Friday and every Friday for a special focus on the NAMMY nominees.

Relevant Links:
The Native American Music Awards: www.nativeamericanmusic.com
Mary Youngblood - home.earthlink.net/~sheflute
Robert Mirabal - www.mirabal.com
John Trudell - www.johntrudell.com
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS): www.grammy.com

Related Stories:
GRAMMYs to honor Native music (Arts and Entertainment 06/07)