Gathering of Nations

The Gathering of Nations is one of the largest Pow-wows in the United States. It is held annually in April 23rd-25th, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over 500 tribes from around the United States and Canada travel to Albuquerque to participate. There are 32 Dance categories, and different age group categories including Elders (70+), Golden Age (55+), Adults (19+), Teens and Tiny Tots. Other competitions include Northern Singers, Southern Singers, Women's Back-up Singing, and a competition for Drum Groups and Drummers and other various special competitions. A pageant for Miss Indian Word is held each year. The winner is chosen based upon personality, knowledge of tribal traditions, and dancing ability. There is also an Indian Traders Market featuring artists, crafters and traders selling Native American and Indigenous arts and crafts.

Electric 49

The "Electric 49" is an annual Native American Music concert held during the Powwow.

The concert was originated/created by the group "Red Earth" in 1998, and has been active annually since that year. The Electric 49 has focused on highlighting artistically challenging Native American Musicians throughout the Americas.

Throughout the years, the Electric 49 has featured Red Earth, Robert Mirabal, Ethnic DeGeneration, Native Roots, Casper, Querosene Jacare (of Brazil), Cisco, Derek Miller, Stoic Frame, DJ Abel and Quese IMC.

Performers have been from genres including Heavy metal, Reggae, Blues, Hip hop, and Waila (Chicken Scratch).

External links

* [http://www.gatheringofnations.com/ Gathering of Nations Web Site]

The Electric '49 is no longer being held during the weekend of the Gathering of Nations. However, this year (2008) there is another Native American Rock and Roll Music Festival that is being billed as "Rock the '9". Performers will be Derek Miller, Keith Secola, The Old Main, Rocking Horse, Saving Damsels and Coalition. It will be held on April 25 at the Sunshine Theater in Downtown Albuquerque, NM.