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Upcoming, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, November 25
Psst, guess what? Aboriginal people like hiphop – pass it on. Oh, and blues, jazz, hand drum, country and, oh my gosh, rock ‘n’ roll. I know you might think I’m talking crazy, and really, I can’t blame you. If you’ve been relying on the mainstream media for your musical knowledge, then you may be preprogrammed (some might even say “assimilated”) to believe that aboriginal music is only about war cries and tom-toms.
In 1999, executive producer Ron Robert and executive director Catherine Cornelius affirmed what aboriginal people have known all along: Robbie Robertson is not the only aboriginal musician who deserves a rock ‘n’ roll salute. With the creation of the Aboriginal Music Awards , First Nations musicians are finally being given the public nod they deserve.
“It is the most unique awards show, with a fusion of contemporary and traditional music not heard elsewhere,” says Robert. “The show offers something for everyone, from hiphop to powwow to country.”
And if this year is anything like the last, it will also be a feast for your ears and eyes . We’ve got our hungry eyes peeled for that hunk-a-burnin’-love Adam Beach , but George Leach or Tom King will do just fine, too.
Part of the 12th annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival (November 25 to 27 at the Roger’s Centre ), the seventh annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards takes place at the John Bassett Theatre (255 Front West). Showtime 8 pm. $35-$40 (www.ticketmaster.ca, 416-872-1111).
