Milwaukee Indian Summer Festival 2009

ISMA award winners selected during festival

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 15, 2009

Milwaukee -Thousands of people and numerous tribal members from the Native American nation gathered during the three day Indian Summer Festival at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds) at Milwaukee's lakefront. On Saturday, September 12th, the Indian Summer Music Awards (ISMA) winners were selected and awards were presented in each category from modern rock anthems to spiritual hymns played on traditional instruments at the Miller Stage.

The awards were given to the very best in Native American music created by both established and emerging artists, according to ISMA organizers. Many of the artists were featured and performed during the three day festival. Nicole La Roche and Brulé, a Nammy Winner band who have sold over one million CD's for their contemporary Native American music also made their yearly presentation at the festival. Brulé has become one of the people's favorite groups to see, hear and enjoy.

Another featured attraction were The Voladores of Papantla: Volador means flyer “he who flies.” For the first time in 10 years, these flying pole dancers have return to Indian Summer. The breathtaking ceremonial flight involves four men gracefully flying upside down from a 60-foot pole secured only by a rope tied around their waists. The fifth man, balances himself on a narrow wooden platform without a rope or safety net, is the musician, or “caporal, who plays a drum and flute, while invoking an ancient spiritual offering in the form of a spectacular dance. The Voladores are originally from Veracuz, Mexico and have performed the ritual for over one hundred years to honor the Sun and Earth.


2009 Indian Summer Music Awards Winners

Alternative Rock

Sirensong by Eagle and Hawk

Blues

Broken Lands by Indigenous

Classic Rock

Sirensong by Eagle and Hawk

Contemporary Instrumental

First Light by Golana’

Country

Out of the Blue by Out of the Blue

Flute

A Place Called Peace by Randy Granger


Folk

Bitter Tears - Sacred Grounds by Michael Bucher and Joanne Shenandoah

Hip Hop

Wasted Talent by N8 featuring Rezhogs and Sean One R33der

Native Spirit

Signs of Things to Come by Rae Denton and Paul Warren


Pop

New Moon Born by Jana Mashonee

Spiritual

Generation 2 Generation 3 by Gil Tyner, J. McClellan, Jake Tyner

Traditional Drum

Red Rock by Northern Cree

Traditional Vocal

Faith by Kevin Yazzie


Sponsors of the ISMA were, North Star Mohican Casino-Bingo, Mohican Nation Stockbridge-Munsee Band, Lanex, LLC, Looking Glass Productions, and Menominee Casino-Bingo-Hotel.
Indian Summer held their 23rd annual Pow Wow competition on the grounds. Brooke Grant, 22, who was crowned Miss Indian World last April in Albuquerque, New Mexico participated during the Grand Entry. Grant is a member of the Chippewa Tribe, and comes from Beverly Hills. Grant is a member of the Hoopa, Yurok, Karuk, and Chippewa tribes. The naming of Miss Indian World is one of the final activities of this year's 26th annual Gathering of Nations.

The Indian Summer Pow Wow event consists of a combination of traditional dancing, singing and storytelling, no event allows you to experience the passion and culture of the American Indian people quite like a Pow Wow. Drums pound, feet stomp and bright colors swirl in a vibrant pageant of music and celebration.
A lively and uplifting combination of traditional dancing, singing and storytelling, no event allows you to experience the passion and culture of the American Indian people quite like a Pow Wow. Drums pound, feet stomp and bright colors swirl in a vibrant pageant of music and celebration.

Festival organizers say, a Pow Wow brings together members of many American Indian tribes to renew old friendships, create new ones and both share and preserve the centuries-old traditions of their respective tribes. But the Indian Summer Pow Wow enhances the celebration with an exciting element of competition. The host drum was Midnite Express, and the Emcee's were Dale Old Horn and Terry Fiddler. Head Dance judge was Jonathan Windy Boy, and Head Drum judge was Darrin Old Coyote.

Grand prizes included for first place Drum competition $3,000, for first place Dance competition $1,000 including different categories for men, women, teenagers, and children.
Native American crafts, jewelry, food and other items were also featured at the yearly event. Fireworks flared the festival on Friday and Saturday nights.
Click on photos to enlarge.