Corey Verkouteren
On the night of November 27th there was a diversity event on Native Americans in the Gathering Place. It featured a Native American band, and the lead singer Steve Free told Native American stories that related to the songs in between the music.
Free is one of America’s top Folk Artist and has performed on PBS and NPR. Free was awarded a Platinum record by Airplay International for 100,000 units of radio airplay worldwide. Also, his band provides educational programs on Native heritage and music for grades K-6. Free has released a new CD titled “There For You” out now on his website www.stevefree.com.
As part of the event, attendees got to learn some native sayings, starting with “mitakuye oyasin,” which means “we are all related.” The song with the same name followed, where the audience got to sing along with the lines “all these spirits inside my head make me glad I’m not dead.” The audience also got to dance or clap along with the songs, mimicking elements of the lyrics.
Another saying, “miigwech,” means “thank you.” These and the other sayings Free mentioned throughout the show related to the stories or songs being played. The stories included Native American folklore, Native American history with the pilgrims, and Native American beliefs and movements.
The guitar-led band included traditional drums, which were played to a heartbeat rhythm. This rhythm is a prominent feature of Native American music. Some of the songs also had flute elements, most interestingly in the final song, where a traditional double flute was used.
Steve Free and his band closed with a warm send off, and a simultaneous playing of the double flute, which symbolizes good luck. A big “miigwech” to them for an outstanding event!
