The Town of Huntsville is excited to announce a free public event in River Mill Park, on National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21, 2019—the longest day of the year—and the start of summer in Muskoka.
“I have a lot to learn about original people and perspectives,” said the Town’s Manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Teri Souter. “I hope that everyone will come out and enjoy this opportunity to experience a little bit of indigenous cultures presented by current performers.”
With funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Juno Award-winning Digging Roots—Raven Kanatakta and ShoShona Kish and their band—will mix a wide range of musical styles from folk, rock, blues and even hip hop, to create unique and powerful sounds. Digging Roots won the Canadian Aboriginal Award for best group in 2007, and more recently, ShoShona won the Spirit of Folk Award at the International Folk Music Awards. In April 2019, ShoShona Kish became the first artist in Canada to receive the prestigious WOMEX Professional Excellence Award. Digging Roots continue to share their culture and their talent to the delight of audiences all around the globe.
The free concert is suitable for all ages, and everyone is welcome. John Rice, Zahgausgai/Mukwa, 3rdDegree Midewiwin will act as the Master of Ceremonies. Wasauksing’s Little Spirit Singers led by Deina Bomberry will perform at 6:30 p.m., with Digging Roots on stage from 7 to 8 p.m. River Mill Park is located in the heart of historic downtown Huntsville, on Dara Howell Way.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic, a blanket or a folding chair, and to dress for the outdoors. The hope is that people will ‘pack it in and pack it out’ for a zero-waste event. People are welcome to get food and beverage from area restaurants, or bring their own. River Mill Park will not be licensed for alcohol or cannabis consumption at this event. There are no vendors in the Park for this event.
“We are hoping for an excellent outdoor community celebration,” said Souter, “and we are prepared with a rain location (Algonquin Theatre, doors open at 6pm, capacity 400), if needed.”
The Town thanks the Department of Canadian Heritage for their investment, and additionally thanks volunteers from the Huntsville Festival of the Arts and staff from the Algonquin Theatre for their assistance to provide this community event.
For more information, please check www.huntsville.ca or contact [email protected]. “A prayer to the fine weather gods wouldn’t go amiss either,” noted Souter.
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Excellent Group…Have seen them several times on APTN…..He is a Dynamic Guitar Player !