TDMEC Native Heritage Celebration: Fry Bread, Beats, and Native Dance Feet

Here’s the updated press release with the youth bands from Attuned Music School included and all performers highlighted:

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Charles Marcus, Executive Director
The Dickinson Music Enrichment Center (TDMEC)
Phone: 832-680-1931
Email: charles.marcus@tdmec.org
Website: www.tdmec.org

TDMEC to Celebrate National Native Heritage Month with Cultural Extravaganza

Date:
November 10th, 2024

Location:
The Dickinson Music Enrichment Center (TDMEC), 2905 Timber Drive, Dickinson, TX

Event Purpose:
The TDMEC National Native Heritage Celebration honors the rich cultural legacy of Native American communities while fostering awareness and appreciation for indigenous history, art, and music. Through this event, TDMEC seeks to celebrate National Native Heritage Month by promoting cultural awareness, fostering community engagement, and supporting the ongoing efforts of TDMEC to provide free music lessons and educational opportunities to underserved youth.

Event Highlights:

1. Native-Themed Chalk Art Contest for Youth:
   A creative contest encouraging young artists to showcase their talents through native-themed chalk art. This contest aims to celebrate and honor Native American heritage through artistic expression. Youth participants will have the opportunity to create chalk designs that represent Native American culture and history.
   RSVP for Chalk Art Contest: www.tdmec.org/chalkartrsvp

2. Frybread Meals with Ice Cream Dessert:
   One of the most anticipated aspects of the celebration is the opportunity to enjoy traditional frybread meals. Frybread, a staple in Native American cuisine, carries deep historical and cultural significance. It was first created by Native Americans in the 1860s when tribes were forcibly relocated from their ancestral homelands by the U.S. government and placed on reservations. Lacking access to their traditional food sources, Native Americans were given government rations, including flour, salt, sugar, and lard. From these ingredients, frybread was born—a symbol of resilience in the face of hardship.

   At the event, guests can enjoy frybread meals with a variety of toppings, such as shredded chicken, beef, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese. All meals are offered on a "pay what you can" basis, with proceeds going toward TDMEC's mission of providing music education for underserved students. 
   RSVP for Frybread Meals: www.tdmec.org/frybreadrsvp

3. Native Dance Performances by Indigenous ACE and Great Promise Dancers:
   Experience the vibrant energy and cultural heritage through mesmerizing performances by Indigenous ACE and the Great Promise Dancers. These Austin-based dance groups will showcase traditional Native American dances, offering an immersive cultural experience for attendees. Their performances will highlight the beauty, history, and storytelling embedded in Native American dance traditions.

4. Youth and Beginner Band Performances:
   The event will feature performances by youth bands from the Attuned Music School in League City as well as the TDMEC Beginner Band. These talented young musicians will contribute to the musical ambiance, showcasing their progress and passion for music.

5. Kids' Craft Section:
   A dedicated space for children to participate in hands-on activities, creating mini totem poles, dreamcatchers, and corn husk dolls. This section provides an engaging way for children to learn about Native American culture while enjoying fun, creative projects.

6. Historical Video on the Karankawa Tribe:
   Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the indigenous Karankawa tribe through a historical video presentation. This educational feature will explore the history and legacy of the Karankawa people, who once inhabited the Texas Gulf Coast region. It will provide valuable insights into their culture, way of life, and their interaction with the early settlers of the region.

Supporting Cultural Awareness and Education:
In addition to being a day of celebration, the Native Heritage Celebration reflects TDMEC's ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and education. TDMEC, under the leadership of Executive Director Charles Marcus, strives to enrich the community through music, cultural events, and educational opportunities for underserved youth. The proceeds from this event will benefit TDMEC’s mission to continue providing free music lessons and other cultural programming, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Why Attend:
The TDMEC National Native Heritage Celebration offers a unique opportunity to engage with Native American culture through art, music, food, and education. By attending, you contribute to a greater cause—supporting music education and cultural enrichment for young people in the community.

RSVP Information and Pre-Sale Meals:
Guests are encouraged to RSVP through the event's dedicated pages:

• RSVP for Frybread Meals: www.tdmec.org/frybreadrsvp
• RSVP for Chalk Art Contest: www.tdmec.org/chalkartrsvp

All meal purchases are "pay what you can," and the proceeds will go directly toward funding the free music lessons provided by TDMEC.

Join us for a day of celebration, culture, and community at the TDMEC National Native Heritage Celebration.