Award-winning Native American flutist Michael Searching Bear will be appearing at the Festival of Nations at the Akron Civic Center on March 6, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. This new festival will feature music, dance, and food from many nations around the world, including the Native American tradition. Searching Bear (Cherokee and Powhatan) will feature music from his award-winning CD, Ceremony, and his newest project, Mirror. Ceremony, released in 2009, won the Native American Music Award (NAMA) for best world recording. In Mirror, Searching Bear collaborates with TJ Marlatt and blends world melodies with contemporary keyboards and haunting vocals. He is excited to share his “best work yet” with the Akron community.
According to Searching Bear, “Music is the international language. The goal is to bring together cultural acts in one evening.” What better way to bring together diverse cultures than through music? “Even though we may look different on the surface, and sound a bit accented to each other, we are the same,” said Searching Bear. Listening to Searching Bear’s music it becomes clear that he is no stranger to blending cultures. Ceremony, combines traditional Native American ceremonial songs with Mayan, Japanese, and even Celtic cultural music to create a combination of instruments and rhythms that are breathtaking.
Searching Bear’s background is as diverse as the cultures he brings together in his music. Not only is he a world-renowned flutist, Searching Bear is also an accomplished drummer and guitarist. He uses his unique musical background to incorporate an extensive variety of sounds into his music. Although talented on many instruments, the flute holds a very special place in his heart. Searching Bear’s self-described world fusion flute sound is a “distinct part of my heritage and culture, so it is much like an extension of me.” The flute became a main source of inspiration and part of his journey to discover himself.
To experience the music of Michael Searching Bear and music and dance from around the world, including Ireland, Hungary, China and India, don’t miss the Festival of Nations at the Akron Civic Theater. Tickets are on sale at the Akron Civic Theater ($10 for adults and $5 for anyone under 18).
To learn more about Michael Searching Bear, visit his website at www.searchingbearflutes.com, or MySpace at www.myspace.com/michaelsearchingbear.
Comments