PK PRODUCTIONS, LLC Michael Bucher, and musicseenPROductions nominated for a 2008 Native American Music Awards for "Best Short Form Video/DVD" for DIRTY WATER, a tribute to Bear Butte Mountain, South Dakota.
DIRTY WATER is written and performed by (2007) NAMA nominated "Best Debut Artist" and "Best Folk Recording" Native American acoustic singer/songwriter Michael Bucher and produced in association with Christopher Crosby - musicseenPROductions (Videographer/Editor)
and Karla LaRive (Producer) of PK Productions, LLC; (2007) NAMA nominees for "Best Short Form Music Video/DVD" for Native Hip Hop Artist/Activist, Shadowyze BUMPY ROADS.
THE MUSIC VIDEO
DIRTY WATER is a tribute video about the spiritual battle of Mato Paha - Bear Butte Mountain, being threatened by the encroachment of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, South Dakota.
On the Northeastern edge of the Black Hills, just a few miles from the small town of Sturgis, off Highway 34, lies one of the most sacred mountains to the Plains Indians from the United States and Canada.
Up to 60 different tribes traveled to Bear Butte to fast and pray. Separated by about 8 miles of prairie from the greater Black Hills, which are also considered sacred by these same nations of people, Bear Butte looks like a sleeping bear lying on its side with its head pointed toward the northeast. Geologists call Bear Butte a laccolith, or a bubble of magma that did not become a complete volcano.
All the tribes of the Sioux people: Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota, came to Bear Butte to pray. The months of May, June, and July will see families camped at the base while a relative is standing on the side of the mountain fasting in deep meditation. Small colored pieces of cloth containing pinches of tobacco are wrapped around trees and bushes as prayer gifts to the Creator. Larger flags of red, white, black, or yellow, the sacred colors, also are tied to trees to carry the prayers to all the directions.
Bear Butte, the mountain proper, is currently a National Historic Landmark managed by the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department. Although a few parcels of adjacent land have been purchased by some Native American nations, the rest of the surrounding area is ranchland, or is being sold to developers. Two drag racing strips, biker bars, a convenience store, campgrounds, and housing developments are all located within a few miles of this sacred place.
The tribute music video was shot on-location during the 2007 Sturgis Rally in the Black Hills, South Dakota including: Bear Butte Mountain State Park; City of Sturgis; Fort Meade National Cemetery; Reddy Ranch/Wounded Knee; Oglala Nation Pow-Wow/Pine Ridge Reservation; Hartman Ranch/Oelrichs, South Dakota and, Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel, New York.
“The music video deals with the protection of Native burial grounds, Native grave sites and sacred sites. I try to tell people you wouldn’t want your grandmother’s grave dug up…nor do American Indian people. And, yet, it happens every day in Indian Country”
~ Michael Bucher ~
Influences
Buddy Red Bow, Buffy Saint Marie, Joanne Shenandoah, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, John Trudell, Bill Miller
MICHAEL BUCHER (Artist) is a Cherokee singer-songwriter who was taught from the beginning of his memory the stories, language and legends of his people. His songs are intended to teach, heal and bring an awareness to everyone who hears them. He sings about topics that are important to him and others in Indian Country. From the desecration of sacred sites, to Cherokee legends, to the sometimes seemingly Invisible Indian, there's a passionate quality throughout. With strong vocals and heartfelt lyrics, his music is a blend of acoustic guitar, native and a contemporary drum, flute, shakers, rattles, bass and electric guitars, and cuts a swath through native folk, blues and rock.
Michael, thanks for the add. I found your site through a forum post about the Pow Wow in Naperville, Il. Hope to get up there and hear you live. I love your music. :)
Michael- Congratulations on your NAMA nomination! Your music is incredible. Your narratives reach deep, brother. You provided us with a dynamic performance at last years NAMA. You rocked the house! I'll see you soon.
Hey Michael, How's it going. I'll be playing at the casino on Friday the 22nd of Aug with Unified Soul. Spread the word, put on your dancing shoes, come on out & have a good time.
MICHAEL BUCHER DIRTY WATER 2008 Native American Music Awards for your consideration in Five Categories
Male Artist – Michael Bucher
Producer for Music Video – Karla LaRive, PK Productions, LLC
Song/Single – Dirty Water
Short Form Video/DVD – Dirty Water
Native Heart – Christopher Crosby, musicseenPROductions
~ Our sacred lands are all that remain keeping us connected to our place on Mother Earth, to our spirituality, our heritage and our lands; what's left of them. If they take it all away, what will remain except a vague memory of a past so forgotten? Tamra Brennan, Director/Founder
“Protect Sacred Sites as Indigenous People, One Nation…”
Hello Michael, I just saw the Advisory Member Voting list for the 10th Annual Native Amnerican Music Awards. I was happy to see that DIRTY WATER is being considered for several awards. I pray that great things will come your way. Your music is so powerful and timely. All the best to you and all of your band members. Be well, John
