Discover Native America

March 4-5, 2000 in St. Petersburg

Discover Native America
Returns To Eckerd College

Thousands of American Indian dancers, drummers, performers, artists and crafters from more than 200 tribes across North and South America will visit the beautiful Eckerd campus on the shore of Boca Ciega Bay for the second year in a row. Indian Country's finest will be vying for thousands of dollars in prize money at a full-fledged competition powwow featuring all ages from Tiny Tots to Golden Age, and a unique "hoop dance" contest. Commanche Otto Mahsetki will direct the authentic event and the Southern Boys from Lawton Oklahoma will serve as host drum.

A large authentic American Indian marketplace is also planned, featuring tribal arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, demonstrators and foods from across the Americas. There will be two elaborate villages, a Living Seminole Village from the 1800s sponsored by the Seminoles' Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and a Children's Village emceed by national children's entertainer Shana Banana and featuring special performances, games, crafts and loads of educational fun.

A fabulous Children's Village, filled with Fun and Games and visits by all of the performers and many dancers, will be a highlight of this festival. Hosted by national childrens' artists Shana Banana, the Village will be a super cultural experience, merging Seminole and other native cultures into an intimate and interactive experience for children of all ages.

And that is just outdoors! Inside the walls of the College will be the final days of the 2nd Annual "Native Visions, Native Voices" American Indian Film Festival, which opens Feb. 27 with famous Native directors, actors and films all week and weekend.

Miller was stunned last November with five first-place "Nammy" Awards at the Native American Music Awards in Albuquerque, N.M. The man who calls himself the "Altered Native" took first place for Song Of The Year (GhostDance), Songwriter Of The year, Folk Artist Of The Year, Male Artist Of The year and Artist Of The Year. He is known for his haunting ballads and hypnotic melodies

Ulali features the electrifying voices of Pura Fe (Tuscarora), Soni (Mayan, Apache, Yaqui) and Jennifer (Tuscarora). Together since 1987, their powerful sound has been featured on the soundtrack for the Miramax film "Smoke Signals," onstage with the Indigo Girls and on the Tonight Show with Robbie Robertson. Their live performances are full of drum, rattle and stomp and uniquely address Native struggles and accomplishments.

Tree Cody, of Dakota heritage and an enrolled member of the Salt River Maricopa Community, is a 6 foot 10 inch flute player of masterful versatility and winner of the 1999 Nammy for Best New Age Album, his latest release "Maze." He will be performing with his wife, Marlene (a singer, Northern traditional dancer and specialist in traditional Native American Sign language) and indigenous Mexican percussionist and musician magician Xavier Qyijas Yxayotl (world renowned for his prowess on ancient instruments).

Chief Billie, Chairman of the 2600-member Seminole Tribe of Florida and host for the event, released his first national album of songs and stories - "Alligator Tales" - last year and was awarded the Living Legend Award by the Native American Music Association in Albuquerque. The colorful chief will sing the songs that tell the story of his life, from a childhood of freedom and poverty on a remote reservation through the mysteries of Vietnam and the struggles and joys of the Seminoles modern era.

From Mexico City, the wondrous Aztec Fire Dancers are the Salinas family, favorites at indigenous events across the globe. With elaborate traditional costumes and lively dances utilizing fire and hypnotic staccato drumming, the Aztecs are a Discover Native America regular, having appeared at all of the Seminole DNA events of the past decade

Andrew "Drew" LaCapa (Apache, Hopi, Tewa) is considered by many to be Indian Country's top stand-up comedian. His antics, complete with costumes, create a unique and hilarious image of indigenous people in present America. A native of Arizona and a favorite everywhere on the "Powwow Trail," LaCapa will be master of ceremonies for this event.

Chief Jim Billie isn't the only Seminole singer/performer. Both Paula Bowers and Paul Buster will be there to entertain with their particular styles of music. The Seminole "diva," Paula Bowers will bring her four piece band to the DNA stage for the first time. A graduate of New York University and a role model for Seminole youth, beautiful Paula has been singing since she was a young girl, first entertaining at tribal functions and then moving up to large-scale stage performances. Her music is comprised of the songs she loves, from country to modern standards.

Like Paula, Paul Buster is a resident of the Hollywood Seminole Indian reservation, where he is a well-known and much loved fixture at many Tribal events with his band "Cowbone." A love for country music and a knack for playing it in his own inimitable style has kept Paul Buster on native stages for the past 30 years. In addition to old country standards, Paul is a fine songwriter who writes and sings about his life growing up in Big Cypress.

Gary Farmer is known to millions as a very recognizable character actor who has worked on stage, on the big screen and in many television productions. He has starred in several of the most famous native films of all time, including "Smoke Signals," "Powwow Highway," and "Dead Man." But Gary is also an accomplished harmonica player who will jump up on stage and belt out the blues with the best of them. On Saturday afternoon, he'll hit the DNA main stage with a bunch of his musical pals for a real live natrive Blues Jam.

Discover Native America is co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg and is free to the public. The event will open each day at 10 a.m. and run until dark. Other special events, include a tribute to Seminole painter Noah Billie. A toll free number has been set up for those seeking more information - 1-800-535-2228.

Discover Native America Schedule

Main Stage

Children's Village

Powwow

Children's Study Guide