You can head to Lakewood for the yearly celebration of American Indian arts, culture and history for all Denver Metro communities this weekend.
The Denver American Indian Festival is a free and family-friendly event that will run September 23-24 at the Lakewood United Methodist Church (1390 Brentwood St).
In operation since 2014, the Denver American Indian Festival is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit. It puts on this event at the end of the September month in an effort to highlight the artistic, cultural and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of Native American descent.
Here are the list of entertainers you can expect this year:
Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle
Shelley Morningsong is a singer, songwriter, Grammy member and was the 2019 Native American Music Awards "Artist of the Year." She has recorded seven Native American contemporary albums to much acclaim and has emerged as one of New Mexico's top Native performers.
In a display of ancient sacred songs, dancing, drumming and hand-crafted regalia, Fabian Fontenelle's dance performances are intertwined with traditional storytelling on the profound imagery of a "Spirit World" in his fluent Native Zuni language. He's worked with two-time Grammy award winning Taos Pueblo and New Mexico acclaimed artist Robert Mirabal.
Red Feather Woman
Rose Red Elk, also known by her Native American traditional and stage name Red Feather Woman, is a storyteller, singer, songwriter and author. Her music blends together spoken words with the traditional mysticism of Native American stories. She has also been sponsored by the U.S. State Department where she has performed in Malta, Turkey and Pakistan, helping preserve her peoples' ancient culture and art forms through performance.
Eric "Many Winds" Herrera
Eric "Many Winds" Herrera is a regular performer at Morrison's The Fort steakhouse, performing on his American Indian Flute. With over 36 years of experience in music, Herrera is intent on telling the stories of Native Americans.
Seven Falls Indian Dancers
The Seven Falls Indian Dancers represent four generations of dancers that have performed in the region for more than thirty years. They present educational Native American dances like the Eagle, Jingle and Hoop dances.
Grupo Huizilopochtli
Recipients of the 2016 Mayor's Award for Excellence in Arts & Culture, Grupo Huizilopochtli is dedicated to enriching the lives of families by using dance, drum and tradition to help bridge the gap between Mexican, Chicano and Colorado youth.
Alasadir x cosmik sage
Alasadir is a Pawnee and Dakota rapper born in Colorado. Click here to listen to his collaborative EP with fellow Indigenous rapper cosmik sage, Lightning in a Bottle.
Here is the schedule of events for both days:
Saturday, September 23, 10-5 p.m.
10 a.m. Jingle Dancers
11 a.m. Seven Falls Dancers
12 p.m. Eric "Many Winds" Herrera
1 p.m. Red Feather Woman
2 p.m. Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontelle
3 p.m. Huitzilopochtli Aztec Dancers
4 p.m. Alasadir & Cozmik Sage
Sunday, September 24, 12-5 p.m.
12 p.m. Eric Herrera
1 p.m. Seven Falls Dancers
2 p.m. Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontelle
3 p.m. Seven Falls Dancers/Jingle Dancers
4 p.m. Alasadir & Cosmik Sage
