Robert Mirabal performs Oct. 25

Native American Artist Robert Mirabal will perform on Thursday, October 25, at 7 p.m. at HCTC First Federal Center as part of HCTC s Greater Hazard Area Performing Arts Series.

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner Robert Mirabal lives with his family at the foot of the sacred Taos Mountain in northern New Mexico. Maintaining a traditional life and keeping the centuries-old customs of the Taos Pueblo people, Robert has been described as a Native American Renaissance Man - musician, composer, painter, master craftsman, poet, actor, screenwriter, horseman and farmer - and he travels extensively playing his music all over the world. His dozen albums of traditional music, rock and roll, and spoken word present a contemporary view of American Indian life that is unequaled.

My music is informed by the ceremonial music that I've heard all my life. What I create comes out of my body and soul in a desire to take care of the spirits of the earth. A leading proponent of world music, Robert has merged his indigenous American sound with those of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, tapping into a planetary pulse with a style that defies categorization. My travels have provided me with experiences that I could have never imagined, and exposed me to a global sound and a global voice.

Whether as a composer, songwriter, or musician, Robert has won many honors including two-time Native American Artist of the Year, three-time Songwriter of the Year, a 2006 GRAMMY Award for Sacred Ground, and his 2008 GRAMMY Award for Johnny Whitehorse Totemic Flute Chants, blending all of Robert's influences into a musical landscape that conjures up both the historic and contemporary West. This will be evident in this unique performance that includes a full band and dancers that will transport audience members with a multi-sensory concert experience unlike any other. Robert Mirabal will also be available to conduct workshops in area schools for any grade level and a matinee performance for area schools to attend will also be scheduled. Area schools interested in having a workshop or attending a matinee school performance should contact the performing arts office for the Arts Education Schedule and more information.

The event sponsor is Hyden Citizens Bank. Series grand benefactors are: Whitaker Bank, Peoples Bank and Trust, Perry Distributors, Pine Branch Coal Sales, Hazard Lions Club, and City of Hazard Mayor Nan Gorman. This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and the Steele-Reese Foundation are also providing support this season.

Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for students.

For more information, contact Tammy.Duff@kctcs.edu, performing arts series director, at 606-487-3067 or 800-246-7521 ext. 73067.