Musicians support National Aboriginal Day

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An amazing collaboration of blues musicians rocked the Yale Blues Club in Vancouver on June 15, the weekend before National Aboriginal Day (NAD). In a phenomenal fund-raising effort, several artists came together to support the three-day NAD Art & Culture Celebration, held outdoors the weekend of June 20 at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Germaine Langan, organizer of both the Blues fund-raiser and the three-day cultural event, said the jam session was a hit. "There were about 175 people, and considering we were competing with Father's Day, the Dragonboat Festival and the hot weather, it was a great turnout." She noted that approximately $800 was collected to support the NAD event and added, "The musicians had a great time and really enjoyed the opportunity to get together and play music."

The line-up included a special guest appearance by the very talented, the very vocally vibrant Leela Gilday, who bestowed on the crowd the kind of performance it takes for an artist to pick up three awards at the 2003 Aboriginal Music Awards. Another beautiful female voice was that of Shakti Hayes (and the Blues Cats), who also played a mean guitar.

Other musicians, who not only entertained the crowd, but had several people up dancing, included Andy Mason, The Midnight Sons, and Donna's Boy with Glen Gould. Gerald Charlie and the Black Owl Blues finished up the four-hour jam session with a powerful set.

Said blues fan Trina Sxwithul'txw, "I think it's awesome-there's an amazing amount of Aboriginal talent across Canada, and it's nice they're together here for us to enjoy."

Langan said it was important to fundraise for the NAD celebration. "We really want to raise awareness and introduce all the different things that Aboriginal people contribute to Canada." She added, "It's free and it's outdoor in a public location," which provided the perfect venue for plenty of exposure.

The three-day NAD celebration featured many of the same musicians who helped in the fundraising efforts. Musqueam Elder Mary Charles and Henry Charles welcomed participants to the territory, along with Vancouver's mayor, Larry Campbell.

An Artist & Business Trade Show was ongoing throughout the weekend, while performances from a wide spectrum of artists included the Chinook Songcatchers from the Squamish Nation, the Bruce Butler Powwow Troupe, featuring the Thunderchild Singers, the Urban Heiltsuk Dancers from Bella Bella, and the Spindle Whorl Dancers from the Sto:lo Nation.