Free performance of ballad depicting Lakota holy man Black Elk

“Bridger is the true balladeer with a background of professionalism in music and the history of the period...Bridger’s songs and text are splendid.” — Dee Brown, author, Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee.

On Nov. 19, the Museum of Native American History will host a free performance of LAKOTA by Bobby Bridger accompanied by John Inmon (Los Gonzon Band). While the performance is free, reservations are required and only 100 tickets are available.

LAKOTA is Bridger’s ballad depicting Lakota holy man Black Elk telling his story to epic poet John Neihardt in 1931 in South Dakota– the basis for Neihardt’s classic “Black Elk Speaks.” Bridger is the recipient of the Neihardt Foundation’s prestigious Word Sender Award.

Bridger was the first artist in residence at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming. He contributed a historical interview and original music to the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian exhibition, “Treaties: Great Nations In Their Own Word” in Washington D.C.

Bridger is a singer, songwriter, author, and painter. Over his 50 year career, he has performed throughout America and Europe, including the stage of Austin City Limits and PBS’ The American Experience, Good Morning America, CNN, and National Public Radio.

He will be available to sign his book, “Where the Tall Grass Grows: Becoming Indigenous and the Mythological Legacy of the American West.”

John Inmon is considered one of the finest guitarists in Austin, Texas, and first-rate music producer. He was an original member of The Lost Gonzo Band, which was founded in 1973 and toured and recorded with many of Texas’ most colorful musicians.

The performance is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the museum, located at 202 SW “O” St. in Bentonville. For tickets or more information, call 479-273-2456 or visit www.monah.us.