COMMUNITY News:
ALBUQUERQUE ― Southern Slam, from Jemez Pueblo, has been announced as an invited drum group at the 34th annual Gathering of Nations, the world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people.
The Gathering of Nations, considered the most prominent Native American powwow in North America, will host tens of thousands of people and more than 700 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world celebrating their culture and traditions through traditional Native American dance, music, arts, crafts, and cuisine.
The powwow is Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29 at its new location at the Powwow Grounds at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque.
The invited drum groups are primarily responsible for providing music for the competitive dancers. Each drum group has a lead singer who leads the songs as he or she drums and directs the singers. Invited drums are responsible for singing ceremonial songs including the grand entry song. They will officially open the powwow with a flag song, veteran’s song, or victory song.
In addition, they will close the powwow with a flag song, retreat song, and closing song.
“The Gathering of Nations is proud to have Southern Slam as an invited drum group at the 2017 Gathering of Nations,” said Derek Mathews, founder of the Gathering of Nations. “The beat of the drum is considered the heartbeat of the powwow. The drum groups start slowly and then beat more quickly as the singers get further into the song. The drum groups play an important role in creating energy in the arena and helping the dancers connect to the music. In addition, they help educate the general population about the Native American culture and music at the Gathering of Nations.”
The Gathering of Nations event will include more than 3,000 traditional Native American dancers competing, and more than 800 Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders displaying and selling their work. In addition, contemporary indigenous music groups will be performing a wide variety of musical genres on Stage 49.
Vendors in the Native Food Court will offer guests a large selection of food choices ranging between southwestern-style cuisine and traditional Native American fare.
Tickets for the 2017 Gathering of Nations range in price between $18 and $73 (plus online fees) and can be purchased online in advance of the event at www.gatheringofnations.com/tickets.aspx.
Tickets are always available at the door during the event. General parking is available at Expo New Mexico.
For more information about the 2017 Gathering of Nations, visit www.gatheringofnations.com.
