The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC features a concert and festival series each summer promoting Native musicians, films, performers and artists from across the Western Hemisphere.
2015 Schedule of Events
Hawaiian Cultural Festival - May 16-17, 2015, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The theme is the Epic Journey of Pele and Hi'iaka. Join the journey from Kahiki to the islands of Hawaii as Pele searches for a place to call home.
Pele, the Fire Goddess and maker of land, bids farewell to Kahiki knowing that they can never return. One majestic canoe bears her beloved family. Lonomakua, a favorite uncle and keeper of the sacred fire sticks, travels with Pele. The program includes hula dancing, chanting, traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music, food demonstrations, hands-on activities for all ages and much more.
Shawnee Festival - June 12-13, 2015, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Join the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma and the Shawnee Tribe to learn more about the culture, history and contemporary lives of these tribal entities through dance performances, artist demonstrations, music, hands-on activities for families and more.
Inti Raymi - June 20, 2015, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. In Andean countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, Inti Raymi is one of the major celebrations of the year. Seldom seen in the United States, this important celebration of the winter solstice is celebrated by these Andean cultures with music, dance, food and hands-on activities, as these communities share their culture in honor of one of the oldest festivities in the Andes.
Living Earth Festival - July 17-19, 2015, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This festival informs visitors about issues of environmental concern and focuses on traditional agricultural practices, renewable energy, green technology, living healthy, active lifestyles, and the importance of Native foods in our diets, while also including celebration through music and dance.
Indian Summer Showcase Concert - July 18, 2015, 3 p.m.Quetzal Guerrero has Native American, Mexican and Brazilian heritage and is one of the most exciting young talents on today’s music scene. His engaging contemporary style along with his impressive violin, guitar and percussion skills make his performances distinctive and fun. His music incorporates Latino, jazz, blues and hip-hop violin.
Indian Summer Showcase Concert - August 7, 2015, 8:30 p.m. A Tribe Called Red from Ottawa has become the face of an urban Native youth renaissance, championing their heritage and speaking out on aboriginal issues, while being on top of popular music, fashion and art. The evening begins with a panel session and audience Q&A at 7 p.m.
Indian Summer Showcase Concert - August 29, 2015, 2 p.m.Dark Water Rising brings a unique sound from North Carolina that is full of soul, blues and tradition. Members of the Lumbee and Tuscarora Nations, they are the winners of three NAMA awards with their most recent honor being “Best Gospel/Inspirational Recording” for “Grace & Grit: Chapter 1” at the 15th awards presentation. They explores various themes of life — love, heartbreak, sacrifice, celebration, despair, pain — all while expressing and evoking sincere emotion on issues affecting contemporary Native American communities.
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