Musicians/performers needed for NMAI

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), opening September 2004, in Washington, DC, is looking for Native artists to participate in the museum's 6-day opening ceremony. To commemorate the historic opening of this new museum, the NMAI will present "Songs, Steps and Stories: The Festival of Native American Music, Dance and Storytelling".

The opening festival is designed to strengthen and celebrate the Native cultures of North, South and Central America. The six-day festival (September 21 - 26, 2004) will feature over 200 singers, dancers and storytellers, representing 30 - 40 American Indian communities from throughout the Western Hemisphere. An audience of 1 million people is expected.

There is no official application form for groups and individuals that are interested in participating in the museum's opening events. The museum is asking those who are interested to send a promotional kit that should include their biography and performance history. Some reviews and written endorsements from places they have performed would be useful.

In the case of performing groups, especially dance groups, a performance video is very important. For musicians, a compact disc or cassette is important, but video is also a good idea.

Plans for the opening focus primarily on music, dance, and storytelling, but artisans whose work relate to music and dance (drummakers, etc.) are of interest as well. The museum is also interested in radio personalities and comedians who might be interested in acting as host/emcees for the performance stages.

Interested artists can send their promotional kits to:

Howard Bass
Public Programs Producer
National Museum of the American Indian
470 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 7103
Washington, DC 20560-0934

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