The Best of Native American Music

November is Native American Heritage Month and what better way to appreciate a culture, or cultures rather, than through my favorite medium, MUSIC! The Native American Music Awards are tallying votes now in over 30 categories and it's open to the public.  Check out www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com for an introduction to some of the best Native American artists of today. The eclectic categories may surprise you such as rock, country, gospel, blues, and hip-hop. I'm rooting for our local homeboys Aztlan Underground who have been nominated in 4 categories: rock, group, world, and spoken word. These guys certainly deserve the recognition having been around for over 20 years working for free, bartering for corn, and the occasional bread.

Click on the NAMA link and leave the home page open to hear a mix of the artists nominated. You're bound to hear more than a few songs that stir your soul. Most of these artists are independent, pouring their time, money, sweat, and tears to create their beautiful, powerful music. I'm listening to it as I type this and the current song playing sounds like Tejano. The band is called Mario's Bros and the song is C.B.F. I googled them but all I get is Super Mario Bros links. This is music you can't find just anywhere---more reason to support this collaborative awards show.

The 12th annual awards will be held November 12, at the Seneca Niagara Hotel and Casino, in Niagara Falls, NY. Aztlan Underground and a few other groups have been asked to perform. Plus, if you feel so inclined, you too can submit your votes!

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