Thundering Spirit Family Pow Wow Performers, Entertainers, Demonstrators

Thundering Spirit Family

~Performers Page~

We would like to Thank the following Performers scheduled to be at the 2012 Pow Wow:

Fans worldwide call legendary violinist Arvel Bird, “Lord of the Strings” for his powerful talent and artistic passion that draws audiences to his unique fiddling style. Classically trained, Bird calls on his Native American and Celtic heritage to create a repertoire that ranges from classical, new age, Celtic, and folk, to jazz, blues and fusion.

Award-winning violinist, flutist and storyteller, Bird’s charismaticperformances extend beyond his flawless music. An expressive storyteller, he weaves stories of Native American spirituality with haunting melodies to give vision to his music. He speaks of Native American wisdom, the sacredness of Mother Earth, the environment and the sacred totems of the animals with whom we share this planet. Bird’s messages resonate with today’s audiences often feeling overwhelmed by today’s hectic, fast-paced world.

Bird’s energetic and alluring stage presence and blend of classicaland foot-stomping fiddling are what make him one of the most sought-after Native American musicians on tour today. With 25 CDs and 2 DVDs under his belt, Native American Artist of the Year Arvel Bird will be releasing his latest album in January, 2010, Ride, Indian, Ride. His breakthrough album, Ride, Indian, Ride combines a hard-hitting, raw blues/jazz sound with the Native American/Celtic rhythms that have made Arvel Bird’s music so popular worldwide."

A GRAMMY Award and 13 Native American Music Awards, and over 40 music awards, and 15 PLUS recordings, and Wolf Clan member of the Iroquois Confederacy, Joanne Shenandoah has fulfilled the promise of her Native American name, Tekaliwah-kwa, (She Sings). "She's become one of the most acclaimed Native American recording artists of her time." Associated Press. Since emerging as an artist in 1990, she has performed at such high-profile gigs at Carnegie Hall, the White House, Kennedy Center, Earth Day on the Mall-DC, Woodstock '94, and the Parliament of the Worlds Religions in South Africa and the famous Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona Spain, Instanbull, Hwa Eom Temple, S. Korea and thousands of venues in the US. "She weaves you into a trance with her beautiful Iroquois chants and wraps her voice around you like a warm blanket on a cool winter's night," said Robbie Robertson, formerly of the Band, who used her voice on his solo album Contact From the Underworld of Redboy. Shenandoah has also collaborated and or performed with Bruce Cockburn, Neil Young, Brian Kirkpatrick, Willie Nelson, Rita Coolidge and scores of others.

Tlaltlacayolotl means earth, heart, man. We are descendents of the Aztec Tribe, from the center of Mexico where the Aztecs constructed their empire called Teotihucan. It has been more than 500 years since first european contact. We are a culture that have studied nature and the cosmos for centuries. Our dances reflect the cosmic universe and all that exists within mother earth. Our group is a family of four: father, mother, son, and daughter. Our dances and our culture have been passed down and learned through the generations. Our work is that the cultures of all the indigenous peoples are always together. In that way, we learn more of other cultures and each know of their own beauty. The indigenous world and we wish to teach that still, in this 21st century, one can learn of our culture. We teach the culture of Mexica. We do presentations at festivals, schools, and various events. With pre-hispanic music, pre-hispanic dance and explanations we teach of our culture. The presentations can be from 30 minutes up to 2 hours.

James Black Wolf Hansen (Norwegian, Eastern Band Cherokee): Teller of Stories & Legend Keeper.

Anita Quicksilver Hansen (Cherokee, Irish, French, Scottish): Cultural Educator, Dancer, Artist

Grandma Coyote

Story Teller

Fran “Grandma Coyote” Chastain is a native of the Illinois Ozarks. She currently lives on the land in the Shawnee National Forest that was settled by her Great Great Great Grandfather, more than two hundred years ago. As a child she learned about the plants and animals from her Father and Grandmother and is now devoting her retiring years to teaching others about nature and the ways of Creator through her stories, medicines and art. She began her storytelling at an early age, entertaining her dog, her doll, her horse and a family full of cousins, until they would beg for mercy!

Today Grandma Coyote can be found telling stories at pow wows, gatherings, rendezvous, historical events, churches, schools, libraries, senior centers… just about anywhere one or two people will stop long enough to listen! Currently, she resides in Florida during the winter months and admits to being a "Snow Bird".

Without a written language, Indians relied heavily upon the caretaker of legends, or Legend Keeper, to learn what could be learned and passed on about life. Kashka La Rue is a Legend Keeper. He tells Alaskan legends preserved by his Heritage Foundation. He is an enrolled member of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida tribes of Alaska

As for something about me – well heres the basics….. Grumpy 30-something badger; Storyteller, historian, artist, and writer; currently working as Public Programs & Outreach Coordinator for an oral history program in Gainesville, Florida--my new homebase. I believe it is important to link the past, present, and future through stories that preserve cultural and historical heritage of all peoples – not just Native Americans. Stories make history live again in our minds. Only by understanding the successes and mistakes of the past can we hope to pave the way in the present for a better future. If we fail to make these connections in the minds and hearts of our children, then we have a world without roots easily blown away by the trails and selfish whims of today. In that light, my life's work centers around discovering ways in which I can connect today's children with their cultural past and present through oral histories. Some of the ways I get to do that are storytelling, collecting oral histories of elders, and helping teachers develop engaging social studies curriculum that goes beyond the rote facts of textbooks. Without the blessings and challenges of growing up in either my Cherokee or Irish heritage, it's taken me a long time to find my place. It began with my beloved grandparents telling me stories and continues as I reach out to other elders to listen, learn, and record their stories for this and future generations. I am grateful to be a part of what Tony and Myra do to provide a place for people to come together, get to know one another, and hopefully learn something new.

~O Si Yo~ My Name is Carol, and Crystal Woman is my Ceremonial Name. Crystals have long been used to bring, carry, and enhance sound. This is where my name comes from, and why it was given to me..

My People are the Cherokee. I am a member of the Pan American Indian Association, The American Me'tis Aboriginal Association,Church of the Me'tis Tribe,Inc. U.S./Canada, and the Amonsoquath Cherokee People of Missouri. I am a writer of songs and chants, many are prayers for All People who are walking on our Mother the Earth. We come for the four directions, we are four colors, Red, Yellow, Black, White, and we are Earth's Children.

Utah Farris ~ Flute Maker, Recording Artist, Performer, Instructor/Teacher ~

Member of the International Native American Flute Association and the Central Florida Flute Circle. I have always wanted to make music, but I can't sing or read music. After many years I discovered the Native American Style Flute. It is simple and anyone can learn to play this most beautiful and forgiving of all musical instruments. The Flute has been such a joy to me, I felt that I must pass along this gift of music to as many people as possible. I have worked with School Teachers, Scout Masters and Flute Music Teachers, and many others to help teach the music and crafting of the flute. In order to pass along this information I attend and perform at many Pow Wows and other events inFlorida. Check out my web site to view my work and my event schedule.

Meme'z Boyz is from Crossville,Tennessee. Most of the members are originally from Southern Echo Drum. Our drummers work hard to put our heart and soul into the drum. We are blessed with the family that sit on our drum. Names of members include: Bert Iron Turtle Cox, Shaun Hedgecoth, Bill Pry, Bert White Bull Cox 111, Casey Lightsey, and Adam Wallace. Women Back up singers include: Marijo Templeton, Tosha Back, Amy Ann, Vicki Garland, and Morgan Cox. The drummers are also dancers. We are thankful to all our friends,family and the Creator!