Document text
--> --> Native culture, classical music mix in recital hall By Kristy Offineer Special to The Tidings Most evenings spent appreciating Native culture are usually in a school gym or campground, watching the dancers at an intertribal Native American powwow. But on Thursday night, the audience will be enveloped in an entirely different expression of Native American humor, perseverance and spirituality. An evening of "classical" performances by Pacific Northwest Native American artists is in store at "Wrapped in A Shawl ... Amazing Grace." The show, at Southern Oregon University's Recital Hall, is produced by local Native performer Robert Owens and is dedicated to the healing spirit of women, which is represented by the traditional shawl. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a Native American gift market; the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 for students and seniors and are available at American Trails and Soundpeace in Ashland; Rogue Art Gallery at 4 S. Bartlett St., and Mellelo Coffee Roasters at 229 W. Main St. in Medford; and Southwest Traders in Jacksonville. Call 482-7682 for more information. The headlining performer is Swil Kanim, a member of the Lummi Indian Nation who grew up in Bellingham, Wash., near their reservation. Self-described as a "very meaningful performer with a sense of humor...," Swil Kanim may seem to be a most unusual violinist. From his childhood memories, he remembers an old man on the Lummi reservation who played the violin, before Swil Kanim was adopted away from the reservation. That man, Charlie Kahana, played songs to the very young boy who sat beside him, who felt the vibrations from the violin coming down while the elder played for him "Even though he was blind, he would wink at me," he said. When the first opportunity to learn violin came in the fourth grade, Swil Kanim jumped at the chance. He practiced several hours a day, gaining in skill and getting the attention of private instructors. Violinist Arthur Thal began instruction with Swil Kanim in 1974 and for several years "taught me more about self expression and how important it is to express yourself in a way of quality, which is what I think art is." Along with performances by Swil Kanim and Owens, the powwow dance troupe Wapato Indian Dance Club of Wapato, Wash., will perform dance and theater. Native drummer and singer Danny Wahpepah, a Talent resident also will perform.. The special guest for the evening is Native elder/performer Judy Trejo. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing