Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26 The University of New Mexico Arena, "The Pit" (1414 University SE, at Avenida Cesar Chavez) For prices and a schedule of events, visit www.gatheringofnations.com or call 836-2810. All-ages.
North America's largest powwow is packed with Native foods, traditional dancing and music, and 800 artists and traders. This year's "Stage 49" features music and entertainers from across North America (visit the website above for a comprehensive list). Headliners are Joanne Shenandoah, Robert Mirabal, Eli Secody, Kēvens, Native Roots, Gabriel Ayala and Derek Miller.
American Indian Week "Pueblo Days"
Thursday, April 24 through Sunday, April 27 Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12th Street NW) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day $6 adults, $5.50 seniors, $4 New Mexico residents, $1 students and children www.indianpueblo.org or call (866) 855-7902
Daily traditional dances, art demonstrations and special presentations celebrate Native American culture with an emphasis on New Mexico’s Pueblo Indians.
Native Americans and Ballooning Special Exhibit
Ongoing The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum (9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, just south of Balloon Fiesta Park on Alameda) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday $4 adults, $3 for New Mexico residents with valid ID, $2 for seniors 65+, $1 for children ages 4 to 12, children 3-and-under free. Admission is free on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.cabq.gov/balloon or call 311.
The exhibition honors the intimate relationship between Native Americans, nature and the sky, while expanding our knowledge of the many cultural, artistic and historic connections between Native Americans, balloons and ballooning.
Old Town Honoring of Nations
Friday, April 25 Old Town (Rio Grande between Mountain and Lomas NW) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free, all-ages Call 311 for information.
Mayor Martin Chavez will honor tribal leaders, Navajo Code Talkers who served in WWII, and 2008 Native American Album of the Year Grammy recipient Robert Mirabal, among others. There will be live music, food, entertainment and appearances from special guests such as Miss Indian World Megan Young of the Porch Band of Creek Indians.
Rock the 9 Acoustic Pre-Show
Friday, April 25 The Blackbird Buvette (Central NW) 5 p.m., all-ages until 8 p.m. Free www.myspace.com/rockthe9
An acoustic warmup before Rock the 9 featuring Gabriel Ayala (5 to 5:30 p.m.), Shakti Hayes (5:40 to 6:10 p.m.), Under the Blood (6:20 to 6:50 p.m.), N8V (7 to 7:30 p.m.) and Black Child Red (7:40 to 8:10 p.m.).
Joke Signals Comedy Show
Friday, April 25 El Rey Theater (Central and Seventh Street NW) 7 p.m. $17 in advance (at website below), $20 at the door, 21+ www.nativeworldnetwork.com
Comedians Marc Yaffee, JR Redwater, Jim Ruel and Vaughn Eaglebear make a pit stop on their Trail of Laughs Pow Wow Comedy Jam to deliver laughs from a Native American perspective. Hosted by Yaiva and DJ Kiss.
Southwest Stages Gathering of Nations Live Radio Broadcast
Friday, April 25, 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 26, 5 to 11 p.m. Broadcasts on KUNM 89.9 FM in Albuquerque (stream at www.kunm.org) Broadcasts on KSFR 101.1 FM in Santa Fe (stream at www.ksfr.org) www.southweststages.org
Can't make the powwow? Tune in anywhere from your radio.
Rock the 9 Native American Rock and Roll Music Fest
Friday, April 25 Sunshine Theater (120 Central SW) Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. $15 (advance tickets at www.sunshinetheaterlive.com), all-ages www.myspace.com/rockthe9
Derek Miller, Keith Secola, The Old Main, Saving Damsels, Rocking Horse and Coalition perform an all-Native American rock showcase. See feature for information on the performers.
Trail of Broken Mics
Saturday, April 26 The Agency (111 Fourth Street NW) Doors open at 8 p.m. $15 at the door, all-ages www.myspace.com/trailofbrokenmics
Native hip-hop talent from the United States and Canada includes Quese Imc, Manik, Dead Indians, Daybi, Os12, Wab Kinew, Tactile, Lakota Jonez, Night Shield, Yaiva, DJ Abel Rock, Team Rezofficial, Ill Methods, Definition Rare and Tinsel Korey. The evening opens with the Native Model Studio Fashion Show, highlighting Native American designs.
All Nations Skate Jam
Sunday, April 27 Los Altos Skate Park (10140 1/2 Lomas NE) Gates open at 8 a.m., contest starts at 10 a.m. Adults $2, students and seniors $1, children ages 6-and-under free www.allnationsskatejam.com
The second annual national championship of n8v sk8rs will be hosted by Keith Secola and Brian Frejo. Skateboarding pros Bill Danforth, Jim Murphy, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero and Steve VanDoren are the special guests. Music all day long. Log on to the website (above) for scheduled skate times based on experience level and age.
Nizhoni Days Alumni Powwow
Sunday, April 27 UNM Johnson Field (Central and Girard NE) Gourd Dancing noon to 1 p.m., grand entry 1 p.m., dinner 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free Contact the Kiva Club at 277-7236 for more information.
All dancers, drums, royalty and public are welcome to attend. Bring tables, chairs and shade. Master of ceremonies Clayton Small and the dancers will do the rest!
To Build a Hogan
Sunday, April 27 Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice (202 Harvard SE, at Silver) 6 p.m. Donations welcomed
A benefit providing Diné and Navajo Big Mountain Resistors with money and materials to build a hogan. Bahe Katenay, spokesperson for the Big Mountain people struggling to maintain a cultural livelihood, is the featured speaker. There will be live music by Bonnie Bluhm as well as Becky White and the Secret Mission, film clippings of the Big Mountain elders and Grandmothers, green chile stew and posole, a panel discussion, and more. Donations can also be sent directly to the Big Mountain Support Committee at 3106 Ninth Street NW, Albuquerque, N.M., 87107.
