RAPID CITY, South Dakota — “Captivating, mesmerizing, phenomenal” could aptly describe the performances that took center stage at the recent Native People of the Plains POP Fest 2022 at Main Street Square on September 3.

Having the inside scoop on up-and-coming performers on the Native American music scene is Scotti Clifford’s forte. Clifford (Scotti Clifford & Spirits Cry) used his connections to the Native Guitars Tour and other venues to open doors for Lafawn Janis, executive director of Native Pop, who booked some of the most happening Indigenous performers to the stage at POP FEST 2022.

The line-up, which kicked off with Spur Pourier, (Native Contemporary) Nataanii Means, (Hip-Hop) DEF-I (Hip-Hop) and Mato Wahuyi (Rez Dogs) continued with a performance by Welby June (Psychedelic Soul).

As a protégé of Clifford, Welby June has been nurtured under the guidance of one of Lakota Country’s top musicians. Clifford, who began his musical career as a songwriter and backup vocalist/guitarist for Indigenous, has not only honed his own musical genius, but affectionately promoted the career of his progeny.

Welby June, musician, artist, songwriter, and composer took to the stage and performed music from his latest track “Shades of U.” With his sister Wahpe Louella on drums, Welby June’s soft, silky and melodic voice wooed listeners, leaving them wanting more. You can find Welby June’s music on Spotify.

Downtown Rapid City next enjoyed a musical experience that took one through the canyons and mesas of the southwest via the “contemporary indigenous expressions” of Earth Surface People.

Earth Surface People is an indigenous jazz collective founded by producer and songwriter Yellowhorse. Their music is described as synthesized R&B with fusion, jazz, and art rock elements.

Dakota Yahzi, Diné, accompanied by Diné singer and songwriter, Nanibaah Talley performed tracks from their most recent album “Nihookááʼ diyin dineʼé” that not only brought to mind the classic tunes of Red Bone and XIT but also a jazzy blues sound reminiscent of Etta James and Aretha Franklin.

Nanibaah’s “soulful and velvety” voice adds a refreshing element to the performance of Earth Surface Peoples repertoire as she, “Belts out a beautiful blend of jazz and neo soul.”

Next on the line-up was “Liv the Artist” (Alt-Neosoul/Indie-Electronic) a multi-talented instrumentalist who gave a compelling solo performance.

Liv, Olivia Komahcheet, Otoe and Comanche from Oklahoma, blending the guitar and electronic keyboard, transcended the moment and took one into her world. LIV at a young age began to play the viola, cello, guitar and piano and has now matured into a sought-after performing artist.

Liv has published score compositions in First Americans Museum, is an official platinum producer of Timbaland’s “Beatclub,” and is a 2021 Alumni of the Sundance Film Festival’s Composers Lab. She is also a score composer and illustrator endorsed by Keeley Electronics Guitar FX Pedal Co.

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Contact Ernestine Anunkasan Hupa at cahunpigiwin@gmail.com

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Note: Copyright permission Native Sun News Today