Entertainment Schedule Announced For 27th Litchfield Park Gathering

From world champion hoop dancers to internationally renowned story tellers and tricksters to award winning musicians, the 27th annual Litchfield Park Gathering will offer a diverse lineup of performers and entertainers on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 12 and 13 in the center of town.

Artists scheduled to perform are:

Adrian Wall:this two-time Native American Music Awards (NAMA) winner uses technology to combine his musical influences in melodic, hauntingly beautiful arrangements. In addition to being a musician, he is a sculptor from Jemez Pueblo, N.M.

Tony Duncan and Darrin Yazzie:Flutist Duncan and guitarist Yazzie, of the First Peoples, Apache and Navajo, respectively, draw on Native stories and legends, the landscapes of the southwest, Duncans hoop dancing rhythm and moves and the lives of their families for inspiration.

Kehewin Native Dance Theatre: since 1991, Kehewin has entertained and dazzled audiences of every culture with world-renowned storytellers and breathtaking contemporary dance performances.

Tony Duncan Hoop Dancing Performances: the 5-time world champion hoop dancer demonstrates the traditional, high-energy, colorful and eye-popping dances that have earned him international acclaim.

Gabriel Ayala: a member of the Yaqui people of Southern Arizona, he stands at the forefront of a new generation of Native Americans performing classical guitar. He performs throughout the nation and has appeared at, among other venues, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Sinquah Family Dance Troupe: led by two-time world champion hoop dancer Moontee Sinquah, he and his sons, Sampson and Scott, return to The Gathering stage, having engaged, entertained and amazed crowds around the world.

Artificial Red: artists and musicians Randy Kemp (Choctaw/Euchee/Muscogee Creek) and Dean Yazzie (Din/Navajo) blend original contemporary guitar arrangements with expressive flute responses mingled with the spoken word.They were nominated for Best Spoken Word at 10th Annual Native American Music Awards.

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The performance schedule is:

SATURDAY, JAN 12

Main Stage

10 am - Adrian Wall

11 am -Tony Duncan and Darrin Yazzie Musical Performance

12 pm -Kehewin Native Dance Theatre

1 pm -Tony Duncan Hoop Dancing Performance

2 pm Gabriel Ayala

3 pm - Sinquah Family Dance Troupe

4 pm -Artificial Red

Cultural Education Area

10:30 am Meet & Greet with Kehewin Native Dance Theatre

1:30 pm Hoop Dance Workshop for kids with Violet Duncan

2:30 pm - Meet & Greet with Tony Duncan

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SUNDAY, JAN 13

Main Stage

10 am - Adrian Wall

11 am -Tony Duncan and Darrin Yazzie Musical Performance

12 pm -Kehewin Native Dance Theatre

1 pm -Tony Duncan Hoop Dancing Performance

2 pm Sinquah Family Dance Troupe

3 pm - Gabriel Ayala

4 pm -Artificial Red

Cultural Education Area

10:30 am Meet & Greet with Kehewin Native Dance Theatre

1:30 pm Hoop Dance Workshop for kids with Violet Duncan

2:30 pm - Meet & Greet with Tony Duncan

Tony Duncan and Darrin Yazzie also will perform at the Festival Prelude Reception on Friday, Jan. 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Sachem Hall at The Wigwam.Tickets are $10 each and include a complementary glass of wine. Ticket buyers also will receive the Festivals official poster featuring Sun Blessings by Hopi artist Buddy Tubinaghtewa, who will sign all posters. Tickets also include a chance to win a skateboard custom deck featuring artwork by Tubinaghtewa.Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite.com or at the Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road in Litchfield Park.

The Festival is free and continues a tradition of celebrating Native American heritage through the arts with active teaching, demonstrations and presentations throughout the weekend.

Like a street festival, The Gathering will be in the center of town. Artist booths will line Old Litchfield Road south of Wigwam Blvd as well as across the lawn of the Litchfield Park Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., and on the nearby Gazebo lawn.Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The Gathering features artists and artisans displaying and selling diverse artwork including traditional and contemporary beadwork, clothing, jewelry, paintings and prints, pottery, sculptures and weaving, basketry, carvings and glass art.Cultural Arts will be reflected in classical guitar, clothing and Navajo rugs, quilts, rock art, Wampum shells, bows and arrows, sand art, rattles and fetish carvings.

A full list of artists and entertainers will be announced prior to The Gathering, which is presented by the City of Litchfield Park with funding, in part, from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Arizona Office of Tourism and The Wigwam, as well as cooperation from the Heard Museum and the West Valley Arts Council.

For more information, visit www.litchfieldparkgathering.com.

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