News Archives - 1999

Fred Whiteface, creator of American Indian jazz, will be performing at Augsburg College in a concert Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., in the Hoversten Chapel, that will blend various cultures of music. Songs from Latino, Native American, African American, and European cultures will be woven together, honoring each group's contributions to music.

The 75-year-old Whiteface, a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation continues to pursue his music despite his personal obstacles of fighting cancer these past 19 years.

His passion for Native American jazz was recognized when he was presented the lifetime achievement and the best blues and jazz CD awards in October 1998 from the Native American Music Awards at the first awards dinner Foxon, Connecticut. He was honored for his cross-cultural connections and contributions to jazz. This year Whiteface will be the presenter of the blues and jazz award.

Whiteface and his grandchildren will make their first live performance in a joint concert with the Augsburg College Gospel Praise and Jazz Ensemble. Whiteface's group previously recorded a CD but has not yet performed live to the public.

The purpose of the concert at Augsburg College is to honor musical contributions of various groups and to educate students regarding Native American contributions to jazz.

Lakota Jazz Excursions
What: Augsburg's Gospel Praise and Mahto Kota (PRONOUNCED: MA-toe KO-ta) will perform in a public concert.

Mahto Kota means gray bear. This group consists of Fred Whiteface and his grandchildren. "Grandpa Fred" is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation

When: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
Where: Augsburg College, Hoversten Chapel, 22nd and Riverside Avenues
Cost: Free and open to the public.