Our collaboration with the dance music innovators A Tribe Called Red continues with a new edition of our urban Pow Wow events. More than your average club night, SPIRIT TRACKS creates a celebratory space. On the surface is original dance music that brings people together for a great time. Below is a motivation to create a cultural space for the urban aboriginal that is authentic and progressive. For this special edition, the ATCR crew will premier a new collaboration with aboriginal artists from across the country and re-organize the dance floor in a special location, rich with its own spatial history. ATCR continues to push the idea of an urban Pow Wow to new levels.
A TRIBE CALLED RED
In 2008, DJ’s NDN and Bear Witness founded the Electric Pow Wow. In 2010 they added 2 time Canadian DMC Champ, DJ Shub, to the crew. Electric Pow Wow is a bi-monthly club night dedicated to showcasing Aboriginal DJ talent and Native urban culture and is aimed at creating a space for Aboriginal people. These four veterans of the Ottawa music scene come together to create an eclectic sound made up of a wide variety of musical styles ranging from Hip-Hop, Dance Hall, Electronica, and their own mash-up of club and Pow Wow music. You can catch Electric Pow Wow every other month on the second Saturday at Babylon.
CRIS DERKSEN
Cris Derksen is a young half-cree classically trained Canadian cellist whose captivating melodies and steadfast baselines have captured the attention of local and international audiences. She is a diverse musician, easily melding into hip-hop, rock, folk, country, or whatever type of music to bring an intense ball of musical passion to her work. Using a loop station and effect pedals, she is able to create an inspiring multi-dimensional auditory experience. Using sounds from her inherited past Cris mixes the traditional with the contemporary over and over again in both the cultural world as well as the music sphere.
LORENZO
Lorenzo (Leonard Sumner) is an Anishinaabe MC from the Little Saskatchewan First Nation located in Interlake Region of Manitoba. His music is best described as a mix of Hip-Hop and Rhythm & Blues. His lyrics are both intricate and hard hitting, combined with his heart and raspy flow; his style is often enjoyed by people who “aren’t into rap.” A new voice straight from the Rezzy, Lorenzo is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.
RHONDA DOXTATOR
Rhonda comes from the Turtle Clan of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. Rhonda grew up actively participating in the socials and many ceremonies of the Haudenausaunee. She is very passionate about her culture and enjoys singing longhouse social songs on the waterdrum and hand drumming with other women. Other interests include sewing, beading, jingle dress dancing and travelling the powwow trail with her family. She enjoys sharing these passions with all those around her.