Amazing Artist Series set to open

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Gail Paquette

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David Maracle has a deep understanding of and appreciation for his Mohawk heritage. As talented singer

Gail Paquette, Stirling EMC

David Maracle has a deep understanding of and appreciation for his Mohawk heritage. As talented singer

EMC Entertainment - Madoc - Whenever David Maracle is in the Madoc area he makes a point in stopping in at Amazing Coffee. It was during one of those visits that owner Tony Long approached him to appear as the opening act for this year's Amazing Artist Series.

Maracle lives in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. It has been his home for 35 years as it was his fathers, a respected elder and international speaker on First Nations Issues, before him.

Maracle began his career as an artist in 1985 travelling to art shows and powwows. He is now an acclaimed world renowned stone sculptor winning awards across Canada and the U.S. His second love is music. Not only a talented singer songwriter he has mastered the Iroquoian flute, Celtic flute (his mother is Scottish, Bruce Clan), native drums and a variety of percussion instruments.

"I have developed very deep feelings for the First Nations people's art and culture," says Long. "I am dedicating this series to increase understanding and encourage mutual connectivity."

The series has gathered musicians of extraordinary talent and tremendous variety over the past seven years.

"I have stopped musicians on their way through to Massey Hall ... the ones you would pay more than 50 bucks to see," says Long.

The concerts are pass the hat. It is a gathering of those who really love to play and those who really love to listen.

"I am bringing my band with me," says Maracle. "We will speak to the crowd through sounds."

As much as Long wishes to promote and expose his music, Maracle is equally keen to comply. For him, music is the universal language.

"We need to listen to the messages that any artist of any nationality enlightens us to, through music," says Maracle.

"David Maracle and the Medicine Wheel: a circle of culture, colour and diversity, bringing together a world fusion of music for the soul" is the description on the billboard. For detailed information on the show Friday, February 7, visit < www.amazingcoffee.ca>or call 613-473-9994.