Joanne Shenandoah, an Oneida of the Iroquois Confederacy who is an award-winning singer and songwriter, will perform a benefit concert at Syracuse University, June 6 in Goldstein Auditorium in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the North American Indian Women's Association (NAIWA), which holds its 35th annual conference June 6-8 at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center. The concert is co-sponsored by SU's Division of Student Affairs and University College.
The public is invited to the concert, which begins at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Schine Box Office in advance of the concert for $10 each or $8 for SU students and staff with I.D. Tickets purchased at the door will be $15. Free parking will be available at the Waverly and University Place lots.
Shenandoah is one of the country's most prolific Native American musicians. Her original compositions and striking voice combine to bring the ancient songs of the Iroquois to life with a blend of traditional and contemporary instrumentation. Her music has been nominated twice for Grammy Awards and she has received 10 Native American Music Awards. Shenandoah's music has been featured on numerous PBS specials, on television and in feature films. She recently returned from Iceland, where she acted in her first feature film, "The Last Winter." Shenandoah opened Woodstock '94 and appeared at the White House for both of President William J. Clinton's inaugurals. She has performed with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Neil Young, Rita Coolidge and Willie Nelson.
Born in Iroquois territory, Shenandoah was given the Indian name Takalihwa Kwha-"She Sings." She has recorded 14 albums and her music is featured on more than 40 compilations. According to the Associated Press, "Shenandoah has become the most critically acclaimed Native American singer of her time."
NAIWA is a non-profit membership, educational and service organization. It was established in 1970 to promote home, family, community, cultural awareness and other values among North American Indian people. It supports a broad range of programs and activities that concern Indian women, including survival and empowerment through education, roles and rights, self-determination, strengthening family life, preserving Indian culture and improving communication.
