The Iroquois Indian Museum in Howes Cave, NY has announced the opening of their 2009 exhibition: “Native Americans in the Performing Arts: From Ballet to Rock and Roll.” America’s first Prima Ballerina, Maria Tallchief- Grammy winning singer/songwriter, Joanne Shenandoah- founding member of the Village People, Felipe Rose- and legendary Rock musician, Robbie Robertson are a few of the Native American performers featured in this dynamic new exhibition.

According to the exhibit announcement: Native American performing artists are an integral part of the growth of popular music and dance in America. Many Native musicians and dancers rank with the most notable and recognizable of popular performers. In classical, country, opera, and rock music and in vaudeville, ballet and modern dance, Native American performing artists often have been the innovators and the inspiration to other performers. In addition to the numerous contemporary Native performers, the exhibition honors some of the groundbreaking artists who starred in the early Wild West Shows and traveled the world performing with orchestras, operas and vaudeville productions. We also explore the rich
history of traditional Iroquois song and dance.

The exhibition runs from April 1 to December 31. A free opening reception and party will be held on Saturday, April 4 from 3 to 6 pm. As part of the exhibition, the Museum will present “Saturday Matinees” on the first Saturday of every month, featuring films and documentaries on many of the featured performers. For more information contact the Museum at: Iroquois Indian Museum, P.O. Box 7, 324 Caverns Road, Howes Cave, NY 12092, 518-296-8949, [email protected] or visit our web site at www.iroquoismuseum.org