With summer in full swing, the annual “Native Sounds Downtown!” concert series returns to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center in New York City. The event features acclaimed Canadian rock band Indian City. Debuting in 2012, the collective of musicians strives to create a rich and vibrant backdrop to the cultural narratives of First Nations peoples.
The concert takes place Thursday, July 28, at 5 p.m. outside of the museum on the cobblestones at the base of Bowling Green Park. The concert is free; in the case of inclement weather, Indian City’s performance will take place in the Diker Pavilion for Native Arts and Cultures.
“Since the first concert in 2001, ‘Native Sounds Downtown!’ has highlighted contemporary Native artists in a variety of musical (and sometimes dance) art forms and genres,” said Shawn Termin (Lakota), museum cultural arts manager. “These artists are an important component of programming at the museum, because their innovative performances challenge our audiences to see Native Americans in a new light, helping to erase stereotypes of Native people.”
Indian City bandleader Vince Fontaine (Ojibway) envisioned the group as a collaborative music community. It features a multitude of talented musicians with performances ranging from five to 10 musicians on stage. Citing influence from Toronto-based collective Broken Social Scene and international superstar Santana, Indian City’s artistic arrangement shapes a rich array of sound. Fontaine’s lyrical storytelling relates historical narratives to contemporary themes of the environment, cultural and personal identity and emotional well-being.
Indian City includes Fontaine; vocalist Pamela Davis (Ojibway); Jay Bodner, Atik Mason (Oji-Cree) on bass; Rich Reid (Ojibway) on drums; and Neewa Mason (Oji-Cree) on vocals and keys. The band also features the distinct traditional vocals of Ray “Coco” Stevenson (Oji-Cree). Stevenson is a respected singer on the powwow trail with more than 20 years of experience. Trumpet player Phil Collins (Metis) joins the group as a special guest. The group’s members have played alongside other artists, including Robert Plant, Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire and Eagle & Hawk.
Their albums Supernation (2012) and Colors (2014) garnered a total of 10 nominations and two wins at the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards. The band has also received accolades at the Native American Music Awards and the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Some of their many performances include concerts at Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s Aboriginal Day Live, the North American Indigenous Games, the Pan American Games and, most recently, Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
The National Museum of the American Indian is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Native cultures of the Western Hemisphere—past, present and future—through partnership with Native people and others. The museum’s George Gustav Heye Center is located at One Bowling Green in New York City. For additional information, including hours and directions, visit AmericanIndian.SI.edu. Follow the museum via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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