NDN party. AMW 2011.
Yesterday the awesomeness was released. The full line up for the Aboriginal Music Week (AMW) in Winnipeg from October 30 to November 4. I know what you are thinking. Winnipeg, really? Trust me, it is dope. I made my way last year for my first time for the AMW, the Manito Ahbee Festival and the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards (APCMAs) and it didn’t disappoint. I had a fantastic time and the word on the street is that I’m hosting a very precious party during that time this year, so I’ll be on the scene reporting live! Oh yeah.
So here’s what I am amped about for AMW and trust me, this list was *hard* to create. It’s pretty much one of those festivals where you don’t want to sleep and catch errrything.
1) Tanya Tagaq, Tuesday, October 30
She simply always is the most illustrious Inuk around.
How cute is she? Really.
2) Wab Kinew and Savannah Rae Boyko, Wednesday, November 1
Wab for obvious handsome looks and talent, while Savannah is the new kitten on the block. At just 17 she’s already released an album and a video. This girl’s got a bright future on her fingertips!
3) Samantha Crain and Cris Derksen, Thursday, November 1
Samantha has increased my love affair with Oklahoma with her folky beats and her cowgirl charm. Cris makes me want to escape to some beautiful, peaceful place in my mind. Either way it’s an escape from the everyday and that’s a win.
4) A Tribe Called Red and Silver Jackson, Friday, November 2.
It’s not a true NDN party unless A Tribe Called Red is there. True story. I didn’t expect to become entranced with Silver Jackson, in fact I had no idea what was in store for me with this multi-talented artist, but once I caught the video I knew it was something unexpected. An artist deep in Alaska producing music like a seasoned Queen West hipster. That’s what’s up.
5) isKwe, Stevie Salas, Lightning Cloud, and Joey Stylez, Saturday, November 3
I have long sung the praises for isKwe and she is always a delight to watch perform in her sultry songstress style. Lightning Cloud has been blowing up in LA and I am stoked to see them live and capture their hip, sexy styles. And then there’s Joey. Well he is a given as a fan favourite, and his last song ‘Take a Picture of Me’ has been on repeat in my brain for at least the last two weeks. No joke.
So here are your options. You can buy a festival pass for AMW for only $100 or piece meal all those shows together and buy separately. I’m not even pretending there are options. Just get the pass so you can take in all of the #NativeAwesome. And if I get the green light on my hosting gig, I will be there repping Urban Native Girls everywhere large.
