Indigenous Music & Arts Festival—Formerly Native American Dance & Music Festival—Announces 2022 Guest Performers

After a 2-year absence, Ganondagan's Indigenous Music & Arts Festival Returns!

 

Victor, NY—After a two-year hiatus Ganondagan's Indigenous Music & Arts Festival is returning Saturday and Sunday, July 23 - 24, 2022. The event showcases Haudenosaunee and Indigenous cultures through dance, music, storytelling, authentic craft demonstrations, a Native American Arts Market, a Family Discovery Tent, raffles, guided trail walks, gallery tours, food, and more.

This summer's event headlines a return appearance of Indigenous blues performers Twice As Good, and Native American flute player, singer/songwriter Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne), joined by her husband dancer/drummer/storyteller, Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha).

Performing high energy blues, soul and rock & roll; the father-son duo Twice As Good aka 2XG feature Paul & Rich Steward who are members of the Pomo tribe who call Elm Indian Colony, on the shores of Clear Lake, north of San Francisco; home. Twice As Good blends the blues of B.B. King, and the soul of Al Green with Indigenous rhythms into a highly danceable style of music that’s all their own. Touring since 2003, Twice As Good are among the most decorated Native American musicians performing today.

2019 Native American Music Awards "Artist of the Year" singer, songwriter, Native American flute player and Grammy Member Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne) is a Multiple Music Award Winner! With seven prestigious Native American Music Awards to her credit, Shelley Morningsong sings, writes and performs soulful and powerful Native American Contemporary music. She has also authored her very first children's book called "She Talks to the Animals" based on a song she wrote for her album Love Medicine.

Shelley is joined by her husband, Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha), who presents Northern Traditional dancing, storytelling and traditional Plains & Southwestern style drumming at its finest to accompany her presentation. Fabian brings great honor to his Zuni and Omaha families through what he shares on stage and in his own personal life. He is also an original member of the American Indian Dance Theater. Shelley and Fabian have traveled to many countries around the world educating about Native American cultures.

On Saturday, July 23 we'll be celebrating Peter Jemison Day to honor the illustrious career of Ganondagan's founding site manager. Peter Jemison (Seneca, Heron Clan) began his career at Ganondagan in 1988. During his tenure, Jemison was instrumental in ensuring that Ganondagan became recognized as an international site for Haudenosaunee history and culture. The site now spans 569 acres, features a full-size Seneca Bark Longhouse, 1700 square foot Seneca Art & Culture Center, and interpretive trails. Peter Jemison is a well-established, internationally recognized artist and will be now be dedicating his efforts to his art career.

"This year only, we are offering free admission to the Indigenous Music & Arts festival as a way to do something good for the community, promote unity, and encourage people to get to know about Haudenosaunee and Indigenous cultures. Since Saturday is Peter Jemison Day, free admission removes any barriers that may have gotten in the way for people to come out and celebrate Pete's many accomplishments and all the good work he's done for Ganondagan, the Haudenosaunee and Indigenous communities, and the Greater Rochester area as a whole", says Program Director, Jeanette Jemison (Mohawk).

The full slate of festival activities includes the Allegany River Dancers, Haudenosaunee Storytellers, a Native American Arts Market, traditional arts demonstrators, Indigenous food, guided trail walks, gallery tours, raffles, the Family Discovery Tent, and more.

Ganondagan's Indigenous Music & Arts Festival is made possible in part by the generous support of NYSCA, Redcom, Wegmans, NTID and Nolans Rentals. Admission is free. Limited on-site parking. Free off-site parking and shuttle service available from satellite parking lot. Visit www.ganondagan.org for more information.