Calgary, March 8, 2016 – The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), Calgary’s 2016 JUNO Awards Host Committee and Grey Eagle Casino and Resorts, are joining forces to celebrate Indigenous artists on March 31 for the JUNOfest Indigenous Showcase.
Headlined by internationally acclaimed Indigenous artist Buffy Saint-Marie, the Showcase will bring together the talents of all five JUNO-nominated Aboriginal Album of the Year artists for this one-night- only event.
“The Indigenous Showcase will be one of the highlights of JUNO Week in Calgary,” says Marco De Iaco, Chair, 2016 JUNO Awards Host Committee. “This is a very special event, giving attention to some remarkable Canadian talent. We’re proud to be hosting it.”
Alongside Saint-Marie, the Indigenous showcase will highlight the musical talents of Alberta artists Cris Derksen and Armond Duck Chief, Manitoba artist Don Amero, Ontario artist Derek Miller and Québec’s Black Bear.
“We’re excited to show Calgarians, and Canadians, the depth and range of this year’s JUNO Aboriginal
nominees,” says Kelli Rae Morning Bull, Chair of the Indigenous Showcase Committee.
Tickets range from $29.50, for standard seating, to $39.50, for premium seating, and are now available at www.greyeagleresortandcasino.ca, by phone at 1-866-943-8849 or at the Grey Eagle Event Centre Box Office. JUNOfest wristbands will also be accepted for admission to this event.
About the 2016 JUNOfest Indigenous Showcase
Presented by the 2016 JUNO Awards Host Committee and Grey Eagle Casino and Resorts, JUNOfest Indigenous Showcase is a one-night only event featuring all five Aboriginal Artist of the Year JUNO-nominees, and the Instrumental Album of the year nominee in a night of celebration, red carpets and talented performances.
Confirmed Artists for the Event
Buffy Saint-Marie – Headliner
Released in May 2015 and winner of the 2015 Polaris Prize, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s bold new album, Power in the Blood, begins where it all started more than 50 years ago, with a contemporary version of “It’s My Way,” the title track of her 1964 debut. Its message, about the road to self-identity and the conviction to be oneself, still resonates with the Cree singer- songwriter, activist, educator, visual artist, and winner of countless awards (Oscar, Juno, and Golden Globe, among them).
Power in the Blood is a follow-up to 2008’s acclaimed Running for the Drum and only her fourth studio release in more than 20 years. Sainte-Marie’s creativity is always in motion, and her passport’s always in hand, touring for lectures and performances around the world with her high-octane backing band. She records only when she feels like touring, and currently Sainte-Marie is taking center stage around the world, including North America, Europe and Australia.
Artist Website: http://buffysainte-marie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuffySainteMarie
Twitter: @BuffySteMarie
Armond Duck Chief
Armond Duck Chief is a country singer/song writer, rodeo cowboy and family man. Born and raised in the Siksika Nation on Blackfoot territory in Southern Alberta, Canada, he grew up listening to country music legends like George Jones, Hank, and Waylon, who all inspired his passion for country music.
Armond began singing country in his early 20’s when he discovered at a karaoke bar that he could carry a note. His cousin/college roommate taught him how to play the guitar and so began his love for writing songs. Armond’s award winning second album titled “The One” features 9 songs written by Armond and 1 cover song written by Merle Haggard.
Artist Website: http://www.armondduckchief.ca/index/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmondDuckChiefMusic/
Twitter: @ArmondDC
Cris Derksen
Originally from northern Alberta, Aboriginal cellist Cris Derksen is known for building layers of sound into captivating performances. Her music braids the traditional and contemporary in multiple dimensions, weaving her traditional classical training and her aboriginal ancestry with new school electronics, creating genre defying music.
Her latest album “Orchestral Powwow Project”, was originally conceived by Derksen and Robert Todd of the Tribal Spirit Powwow label, the project responds to a perceived need to truly incorporate Aboriginal artists in art that claims Aboriginal credit. Cris spent a year composing and transcribing using Tribal Spirit’s library of powwow albums. Players on the recording, and upcoming live performances, comprise Cris on cello, the 11-piece Chippewa Travelers powwow group, Jennifer Kriesberg on vocals, and a 9-piece symphonic ensemble.
Artist Website: http://crisderksen.virb.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cris.derksen
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cris-derksen
Don Amero
Don Amero is a powerful stylist, Juno nominee and engaging storyteller whose latest album, Refined, is giving genuine music fans a taste of the real deal as he melts Canadian hearts from coast to coast.
With silky vocals, a lovable stage presence and a soulful sound that’s been likened to Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and Jack Johnson, Don brings his own brand of percussion-style guitar play and delightful approachability to every corporate function, gig and festival he plays.
A true musical talent without the rock-star attitude, Don is an artist first whose approach to his craft is rewarded every day with accolades like “that voice is amazing,” “you’ve got a voice like silk,” and “I’m blown away by your ability.”
Making beautiful music across five albums, including his latest, Refined, Don impresses wherever he goes with his messages of encouragement, positivity and beauty — and his desire to get out and chat with fans no matter what the venue.
Don’s talent, ambition and determination have also made him an inspiration to Aboriginal youth.
Artist Website: http://donamero.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donameromusic
Twitter: @donaldamero
Derek Miller
Is an Aboriginal Canadian singer-songwriter. He has received two Juno Awards. He performed at the Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics with Eva Avila and Nikki Yanofsky. Miller was born in the community of the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation, Ontario, Canada. He became interested in music in his teens and by the late 1990s began touring with Buffy Sainte-Marie. Derek’s describes his latest album Rumble: A Tribute to Native Music Icons, “as a tribute album, a blueprint of the origins of American rock and roll.”
The signature artists featured on this CD represent the diversity of Native achievement in American mainstream music. They broke new ground, overcoming the public’s limited expectations of Indians as musicians and inspiring others with their legacy.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekMillerLive
Twitter: @derekmillerlive
Black Bear
Black Bear Singers are an Atikamekw First Nation drum group from Manawan, Québec. They have been interested in powwow music since 2000 and had never seen such a thing as a powwow drum group working with musicians from different styles of music – until now.
Meeting members from A Tribe Called Red was very eye-opening for all of them. They discovered a new style of making music and are really happy to be part of their music.
Come & Get Your Love was recorded in St-Zénon QC, as a part of a larger project that included A Tribe Called Red. They recorded the CD at the same time as they recorded voices and drum separately, and many other things, for A Tribe Called Red’s upcoming CD.
Artist Website: http://www.blackbearsingers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackbearsingers/
