North America’s biggest powwow happens on April 22, 23 and 24, at the University of New Mexico Football Field (University and Avenida Cesar Chavez SE), beginning at 10 a.m. each day. Massive amounts of Native musicians, songwriters and storytellers begin to perform on Stage 49 on Friday. Music includes traditional, blues, rock, jazz, folk, country, hip-hop, metal and reggae. Wristbands for the powwow, Indian Traders Market and music events on Friday and Saturday are $15 per day at the gate (cash only) or $30 for a two-day wristband.
Powwow Guide Entertainment Schedule
Friday, April 23 Arena Floor 10 a.m. Eli SecodyPhoenix, Ariz.Traditional songs 10:30 a.m. Gabriel Ayala Tucson, Ariz.Classical, flamenco and jazz guitar 11:10 a.m. Intertribal Bird Singers Pala, Calif. Traditional music performed on hand drums and other percussives Stage 49 10:30 a.m. Appalachian Cherokee Story Tellers with NASA Traditional stories and science look to the stars 11:20 a.m. Arvel Bird Nashville, Tenn.Contemporary violin that blends Celtic, bluegrass and rock Noon, Gabriel Ayala Tucson, Ariz.Classical, flamenco and jazz guitar 12:45 p.m. Tamara Podemski Toronto, Ontario / Los Angeles, Calif.Folk rock, indie, pop 1:30 p.m. Miss Indian World Public Speaking Competition 2:45 p.m. Native Roots AlbuquerqueReggae 4 to 6 p.m. Special Guest Emcee Charlie Ballard Oakland, Calif.Comedy 4 p.m. James and Ernie Navajo NationComedy duo 5:15 p.m. PlexEdmonton, Alberta / Toronto, OntarioHip-hop 6:10 p.m. YarinaEcuadorFolk, world beat 7:05 p.m. StatelineWhitecone, Ariz.Country 7:55 p.m. Santa Fe Indian School Spoken Word Team Santa FePoetry 9:05 p.m. George Leach Lillooet, British Columbia Blues, rock 9:45 p.m. Red Earth AlbuquerqueRock, funk, reggae 10:55 p.m. Red Cloud and DJ Young NativeLos Angeles, Calif.Hip-hop Saturday, April 24 Arena Floor 10 a.m. Arvel BirdNashville, Tenn.Contemporary violin that blends Celtic, bluegrass and rock 10:30 a.m. George LeachLillooet, British ColumbiaBlues, rock 11:10 a.m. Tamara Podemski Toronto, Ontario / Los Angeles, CAFolk rock, indie, pop Stage 49 10:30 a.m. Appalachian Story Tellers with NASA Traditional stories and science look to the stars 11:20 a.m. Yolanda Martinez and Desert Wind Las CrucesFolk rock, country, Latin 12:10 p.m. Eli Secody Phoenix, Ariz.Traditional songs 12:55 p.m. The Jir ProjectCochiti Pueblo / AlbuquerqueRock, blues 1:40 p.m. Yarina EcuadorFolk, world beat 2:25 p.m. Shakti Hayes and Beaver Thomas Vancouver, British ColumbiaBlues, funk, folk 3:15 p.m. When Darkness FallsPueblo of Acoma, New Mexico Heavy metal 4 to 6 p.m. Special Guest Emcee Charlie Ballard Oakland, Calif.Comedy 4 p.m. The Platero Tohajiilee, Canoncito, New Mexico Blues, rock, jam band 4:55 pm Miracle DollsInland Empire, Calif.Alternative, punk 5:45 p.m. SMOKEOklahoma City, Okla.Hip-hop 6:30 p.m. Queen YonasdaPhoenix, Ariz.Hip-hop 8 p.m. KEVENS Miami, Fla.Rock, reggae 9 p.m. Digging RootsToronto, OntarioRoots, rock, reggae 10 p.m. Native Roots AlbuquerqueReggae 10:55 p.m. James and ErnieNavajo NationComedy duo
Powwow Guide Other Events
All Nations Skate Jam Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.Los Altos Skate Park (10140 1/2 Lomas NE) allnationsskatejam.comThe largest Native American skateboard competition in the world; a program of Nibwaakaawin, a skate-centered nonprofit dedicated to the education and empowerment of Native youth. All-ages. Admission: $2 to $4. $5 to compete.
Powwow Guide
Chief Rocka: Battle of the Chiefs • Saturday, April, 24, 6 to 10 p.m. Paparazzi Nightclub (9401 Coors NW, 896-9554) Who’s the greatest indigenous rapper? Red Cloud , Quese IMC, Manik 1derful, Def I, Supaman, Ostwelve, Hellnback and Maniac the SiouxperNatural battle it out. DJ Young Native provides the tracks. 21+. Admission: $10.
Powwow Guide
Founders Day Fiesta • Saturday, April 24, noon to 3 p.m. Old Town, 768-3555 or 311 A diverse celebration of New Mexican history and culture. Includes Native drumming and dancing and a Pueblo pottery demonstration. All-ages. Admission: free.
Powwow Guide
Pow Wow After Party • Friday, April 23, time TBA El Rey Theater (620 Central SW, 242-2353)After party with performances by JR Redwater (comedy), Jim Ruel (comedy), SMOKE (hip-hop), Big S2 (hip-hop) and others. All-Ages. Admission: $10 youth under 18 and students with I.D., $20 general.
Powwow Guide
Pueblo Days • Runs through Sunday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12 th Street NW, 1-866-855-7902)American Indian Week is observed each day with performances by dancers from pueblos around the state. All-ages. Admission: $3 to $6, includes museum exhibits.
Powwow Guide
Rock the 9 Native Music Festival • Thursday, April 22, and Friday, April 23 Low Spirits (2823 Second Street NW, 344-9555), 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. • Saturday, April 24 Blackbird Buvette (509 Central NW, 243-0878), 6 to 9 p.m. Launchpad (618 Central SW, 764-8887), 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.This third annual festival of Native music spans three days and includes a plethora of rock and comedy performances at three different venues. Admission: 21+ events at Low Spirits and Launchpad are $10, Blackbird is free. Visit myspace.com/rockthe9 for more information.
