NYA:WEH

JANICE MARIE of Taste of Honey - Janice-Marie is the founder and principal songwriter of the internationally acclaimed group A TASTE OF HONEY. A TASTE OF HONEY’s self-titled debut release rocked the record industry with the multi-platinum smash hit "Boogie Oogie Oogie," a Janice-Marie penned composition. The song garnered the group a Grammy for "Best New Artist of the Year," and nominations for "Best R&B Single" and "Best Vocal Performance by a Group or Duo." Their second release, Another Taste earned international acclaim as did their third release, Twice As Sweet. Through the years, Janice-Marie's songs have been covered, sampled and borrowed many times. Her music of yesterday contributes greatly to the success of numerous 'R&B,' ‘Pop,' 'Rap' and 'Hip Hop' hits of today including; Ice Cube, Mary J. Blige, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo and a multitude of other international artists. Janice-Marie has remained in the spotlight with the releases of her Native American / Pop CD efforts, Until The Eagle Falls and Hiatus Of The Heart, on Tastebud Records. “Until The Eagle Falls”, was written as a gesture of gratitude to all of the people who took part in a magical weekend in Gallup, New Mexico. That’s where, through the embracing of her people’s songs and dance, the spirit of this ancient ancestry impacted Janice-Marie’s heart, mind and soul. In celebration of her Stockbridge-Munsee-Mohican heritage, Janice-Marie weaves legendary Native American mythology about how the eagle NEVER falls (and a haunting melody) into a tranquil and precious ballad of devotion…eternal…a love song for the ages. The award-winning “Until The Eagle Falls” CD and Music video garnered Janice-Marie with a 2002 Native American Music Award for ‘Best Producer.” Today, her music has also been showcased on a host of television programs including; “American Idol "All My Children,” and in movies such as; Roll Bounce”, "Contact" and "54,". Commercial credits include; Coca Cola, Burger King and others. Janice-Marie takes her place in center stage with a style and grace that is all her own. She has been performing to sold-out crowds from the east coast to the west coast. Her shows are exciting and uplifting, with her natural gift of wooing the audience, she commands their undivided attention and leaves everyone wanting more.

FELIPE ROSE of VILLAGE PEOPLE - Felipe Rose is best known as the co-founder and Native American Indian attired vocalist in the world famous VILLAGE PEOPLE, who are now heading into their third decade as the Ambassadors of Disco. Felipe’s unique style honors the heritage of his Puerto Rican mother and Native American father (Lakota Sioux). Felipe has been called a "shadow walker", a Native term for walking in two worlds.  VILLAGE PEOPLE became an instant phenomenon with their mega hits "San Francisco/Hollywood", "Macho Man", "Y.M.C.A.", "In the Navy", "Go West" and more. As the group's founding member, Felipe is much credited with being the inspiration of putting together the group. His keen visual sense and performance experience led to input and direction for the group’s entire concept. Today, the VILLAGE PEOPLE remain a pop culture mainstay of the music scene, touring the world and becoming a family of performers that brings Felipe camaraderie and consistency of life while Felipe also continues his own personal journey of projects and gifts honoring his heritage. In 2001, Felipe "Swift Arrow" Rose co- wrote and co-produced the single, Trail of Tears on Tomahawk Records which was nominated for three Native American Music Awards. Felipe was given the honor of opening the Fifth Annual Native American Music Awards (2002) and brought the crowd to its feet. That evening he took home the Award for Best Historical Recording. In 2003, Felipe released his follow-up effort, We're Still Here: The Virginia Indians Tell Their Story. Nominated for five Native American Music Awards, he and his collaborator Frosty Lawson brought home the award for "Song/Single of the Year". In 2005, Felipe released a tribute CD for the late Thomasina E. Jordan which earned him three Native American Music Awards including "Songwriter of the Year."  In January 2005, Felipe donated a gold single of the band's 1978 hit signature song "Y.M.C.A." to the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D. C. "I want to leave something for my indigenous hertitage, " Rose reported to National Public Radio. In February, 2006, he donated the VILLAGE PEOPLE's first gold record, a feathered headdress, and tour jacket from his personal collection to the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.

RICKEY MEDLOCKE of Lynyrd Skynyrd - Rickey Medlocke has been performing onstage since he was 3 years old. His grandfather was well-known Delta blues musician, Shorty Medlock. Rickey accompanied Shorty on the air, and at live shows, and over the years his musical talents and natural abilities grew. By age 5, Rickey had taught himself how to play guitar and by age 8 he was playing drums in Shorty's band, playing local dances and auditoriums. Rickey’s love of music and performing pushed him to excel not only at the banjo and guitar and drums, but at a variety of instruments; mandolin, dobro, keyboards, and particularly the guitar. In addition, Rickey has been gifted with a melodic singing voice. When he graduated from high school, there was a blossoming music scene in southern Florida, and Rickey couldn't resist. He formed a band with his childhood friends and called it Blackfoot in honor of their Native American heritage. Rickey (Lakota/Creek) had also grown up with the members of another Jacksonville band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and when Blackfoot's attempts to move to the northeast didn't seem to be successful, he called Skynyrd leader Ronnie Van Zant who asked him to come play drums with the soon to be legendary band. Rickey wrote and sometimes sang with Skynyrd, but his energetic, charismatic performing personality eventually lead him to re-form Blackfoot, where he sang and played lead guitar, in addition to writing or co-writing most of the songs. Blackfoot was a southern band, but they were a hard rock band and that helped pave the way for their success and incessant international touring. With featured hit singles like "Train Train", "Highway Song" and "Fly Away", Blackfoot have sold 5 million records throughout their career. By the early 1990s, Rickey finally decided to break up the band and thought about pursuing his other career goals including acting. However, a phone call from Lynyrd Skynyrd founder, Gary Rossington inviting Rickey to rejoin the band, this time as lead guitarist and as one of the primary songwriters, was something he could never turn down. Since Rickey rejoined the band in 1996, Lynyrd Skynyrd has been enjoying a major resurrection, and to date, the band has sold almost 40 million albums worldwide. In 2000, Rickey decided to pursue acting. William Shatner cast him in his first role, the recently released Groom Lake. Since then he has appeared on TV, several other films, and in print ads and radio commercials. In his limited spare time, Rickey is working on a book about his music career and on a solo album.

PAT VEGAS of Redbone - With 15 recordings to their credit and covers by the Real McCoy, Earth Wind & Fire and Cyndi Lauper,co-founding members Pat Vasquez and his brother Lolly created Redbone, the first commercially successful Native American rock group with an unparalled career spanning over 40 years. Pat Vasquez and his brother Lolly are of Yaqui, Shoshone, and Mexican blood. Their early recordings featured contributions from Glen Campbell, David Gates, and Leon Russell. They performed session work with Sonny and Cher, and contributed instrumentals on the Elvis Presley film soundtrack for Kissin' Cousins. Their first full-length album, Pat and Lolly Vegas at the Haunted House, was produced by Leon Russell and Snuff Garrett. The Vegas brothers met guitarist Tony Bellamy, a Yaqui Indian and a member of Peter and the Wolves in Los Angeles who had grown up in a family of dancers and musicians, and recruited him for session work with John Lee Hooker, and the Everly Brothers. According to Pat, it was Jimi Hendrix who talked the musicians into forming an all-Native American rock group. The group hired Pete "Last Walking Bear" DePoe, a Cheyenne drummer from Neah Bay Reservation, Washington. Taking its name from a Cajun epithet for "half-breed," the group Redbone signed to Epic Records in 1969, and released their debut album, Redbone, in 1970. The follow-up album, Potlatch, featured the song "Alcatraz," which dealt with the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island. Their first commercially successful singles were, “Maggie,” and "Witch Queen of New Orleans" (1971) which also became a huge hit in the United Kingdom. In 1973, Redbone released the political, "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee” which reached the #1 chart position in Europe. By 1974, Redbone had reached the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 charts with "Come and Get Your Love”. The Pop/Funk/Disco song was certified Gold by the R.I.A.A for selling over one million copies and is still heard today on radio stations and commercials throughout the country. Drummer DePoe was replaced by Arturo Perez on Already Here (1972). Perez was replaced on Wovoka (1974) by Butch Rillera. (Wovoka contained the band's most successful single, "Come and Get Your Love,") In 1998 members of the group appeared as special guest performers at the inaugural Native American Music Awards. Today, Pat Vegas performs live with members of the rock group, Cannibal and the Headhunters.

CHEROKEE NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR - The Cherokee National Youth Choir is made up of 50 Cherokee young people from northeastern Oklahoma. The Choir members are middle and high school youth between 6th and 12th grades and perform traditional Cherokee songs in the Cherokee language. The Choir came into existence from the vision of Principal Chief Chad Smith, who saw it as a way to keep children involved in their language and culture. Founded in 2000, the group has recorded six CDs, including Voices of the Creator’s Children, featuring two-time Grammy® Award winner Rita Coolidge, which garnered two Native American Music Awards nominations and a win for “Best Gospel Christian Recording” in 2002. Their second CD, Building One Fire won the award again in 2003. Their fifth CD, Comfort and Joy won the award for “Best Gospel or Inspirational Recording” at the Native American Music Awards in 2007. Their current CD, Precious Memories, is their sixth full-length album. The choir has performed at many prestigious events and venues across the country including; the Macy’s Day Parade, in November 2007, and for President Bush at the White House.

TRACY BONE - Winnipeg-born resident, Tracy Bone is a member of the Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation in Canada. This Native Canadian Singer/Songwriter has integrated Country / Pop / Soul influences with lyrics that translate her “real woman” perspective on life. Tracy’s debut album, No Lies (Arbor/EMI) conveys realism and a passion that speaks to honesty in relationships. Her project has garnered multiple nominations and awards both in the United States and Canada since its release. Nominated for Best Female Artist and Best Country Recording, Tracy will be joined by multi-nominated Singer/Songwriter, James "J.C." Campbell in a collaborative performance. James “J.C.” Campbell is of Cree/Ojibway and European decent. He has been nominated for "Best Male Artist" and "Best Producer" in the 2008 Native American Music Awards for his recording, Lazy James. This Native Canadian's smoky pipes are reminiscent of the Bluesmen of past. J.C.'s soulful vocals ring honesty. Captivating audiences with his refreshing live performances, he has been humbly referred to as a trubadour.

ROBERT TREE CODY - Five Time NAMA Winner Robert “Tree” Cody--traditional name Oou Kas Mah Qwet (Thunder Bear), is a flutist, singer, dancer, artist, educator and actor, who has performed throughout North, South and Central America, Eastern Asia, and Europe,. As a traditional dancer, 6 foot 10 inch “Tree” is very active on the powwow circuit. An enrolled member of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Community and of Dakota heritage, “Tree” lectures to many reservations, museums, and universities throughout the United States and Canada sharing his knowledge of Native American culture, songs, dances and music. His father was the late, Iron Eyes Cody, who appeared in more than 200 films and was the “Crying Indian” in the Keep America Beautiful TV campaign in the 70s. A versatile flute player and gifted singer, “Tree” has twelve albums on Canyon Records and has won five Native American Music Awards including; Best Flutist in 2007 and Best Male Artist in 2001. His previous CD, “Native Flamenco,” the late Flamenco guitarist, Ruben Romero, won two Native American Music Awards in 2000, and “Maze,” Tree’s sixth album, won Best New Age Album in 1999. His latest CD, “Heart of the Wind,” was nominated for a 2007 Grammy®.

JOHNNY CURTIS - Johnny Curtis is a Two-time Native American Music Awards Nominee and who has penned multiple records in the past three decades. JOHNNY CURTIS continues to be one of the leading voices in Native American Gospel music. As a pioneer, Johnny Curtis is the visionary behind Native American Gospel Music; blending rock, pop, and acoustic influences as well as incorporating lyrics capturing the nuances of life's trials and God's grace. Johnny brings humor, wisdom, and insight to his performances that blend worship, storytelling, and his trademark songwriting. A gifted speaker, Johnny is often featured not only for his immense musical talents but for his ability to share the Gospel and any number of other subjects with clarity and passion. Johnny currently is the Senior Pastor at Fort McDowell Christian Fellowship in Fort McDowell, Arizona and Evangelizes throughout Indian Country Ministering with Music. He resides in Fort McDowell, Arizona with his wife, and grandchildren.

BUDDY BIG MOUNTAIN - Buddy Big Mountain is Mohawk and Iroquois. He is a self-taught ventriloquist who is internationally recognized as the first Native American master Ventriloquist Puppeteer. His blend of comedy, ventriloquism, singing, magic and hand crafted marionettes have delighted audiences from around the world and NAMA audiences over the years. He traveled the world with his family performing Native American dances in many countries. While in Switzerland, he and his family performed for the late Charlie Chaplin and his family. He produced his first production called, “The Mini Powwow and Gifts and Legends.” Buddy’s first video, “Stumbling Bear, the video” “Best Animated Short Film” at the Native American Film awards in San Francisco, CA and an award from the Wind and Glacier Voices II at the Lincoln Center, New York City. The marionette, Stumbling Bear, was the first marionette Buddy had built. Buddy has been a strong advocate for Education and the Performing Arts. His new show, “No Dummies Here” is an educational, entertaining show for youth audiences. He also has a workshop titled, “Legends in Shadows”, which is instructed by his wife Diana.

NATIVE ROOTS - Native Roots was formed in 1997 by musician/songwriter John L. Williams (Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux) and lyricist/vocalist Emmett "Shkeme" Garcia (Santa Ana Pueblo) to reach out with a message of pride, unity, and respect among all nations, through the universal language of music. This dynamic and award winning combination has produced three CDs that have propelled Native Roots into the international music scene as the premier Native American Reggae band whose music is 100% Native American written, produced, and performed. Musicians William Bluehouse Johnson (Isleta/Dine') on lead guitar, Carlo Johnson (Isleta/Dine') on bass, "Jay Son" Garduno (Azteca) on rhythm guitar, and Royce Platero (Dine') on drums, complete the group, each bringing his own unique style and creativity. Native Roots will continue creating and sharing their music throughout the world. Native Roots won a 2002 Native American Music Award (NAMA) for Best World Music Recording and their latest effort, Celebrate, has just received two nominations.

EDMUND BULL - Edmund Bull is naturally talented in the art forms of traditional and contemporary music. He started his first band called the "Native Tones" when he was twenty one which became very popular in central Saskatchewan. Afterward, Edmund turned back to traditional pow wow singing and formed the renowned World Champion "Red Bull" singers. They were the featured drum group at the Inaugural Native American Music Awards in 1998. Accompanied by the Red Bull Singers, Edmund has performed throughout Canada, the United States and Europe, Russia, Poland, Finland and Sweden. He sings and composes music with thoughts and feelings to express his way of life on “Turtle Island”. Edmund’s contemporary recordings include; Indian Boy for which he was nominated Best Male Artist 2001 Native American Music Awards, and End Of The Trail which he was also nominated as Best Male Artist at the 2002 Native American Music Awards. Edmund has again garnered several nominations for his latest recording Follow Your Dreams.