Native American Dance Ensemble

Joanne Shenandoah and Kevin Locke Native American Dance Ensemble

April 18, 2006

Joanne Shenandoah (diva of Native American song, a Grammy-nominated Native American composer, vocalist, and performer) and Kevin Locke (Lakota dancer and musician) Native American Dance Ensemble have performed a remarkable music and dance show which reflected the indigenous philosophy and culture with traditional stories and songs to Turkish audience at Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall.

Ms. Shenandoah is a Wolf Clan member of the Iroquois Confederacy – Oneida Nation.  Her original compositions, combined with striking voice, enable her to embellish the ancient songs of the Iroquois using a blend of traditional and contemporary instrumentation. From traditional chants to contemporary ballads about Native ways, her music has been described as an emotional experience, a “Native American Trance.” She performed with Dianne Shenandoah and Tom Wasinger.

Acknowledged to be the pivotal force in the revival of the indigenous flute tradition, Mr. Locke is also the most celebrated hoop dancer in the world.   He is a brilliant performer in that ancient and honorable Lakota tradition involving 28 hoops in a complex and acrobatic dance in which they twirl and intertwine to create images of the seasons, of the Moon and Sun, of flowers, butterflies, and of the Way of Life.  Mr. Locke has performed his music and dance in over 70 countries, sharing his vision of balance, joy and diversity.  He performed on the Native American flute and with the Kevin Locke Native American Dance Ensemble (Edmond Nevaquaya, Thirza Defoe, Amber Windy Boy, and Douglas Foote).