On Saturday, September 28, at 7 p.m., Door Community Auditorium (DCA) will present two Wisconsin musical legends in a one-of-a-kind double bill: Wade Fernandez and Bill Miller, both known internationally as leaders in the world of contemporary Native Americana music. This performance is part of DCA’s fall series Blues, Roots, and American Stories.
Fernandez will also conduct two workshops at DCA on Thursday, September 26, one for Gibraltar fourth grade students in the morning, and one open to the public from 1-5 p.m.
For the public workshop, the registration fee of $200 includes a native flute valued at $100. Registration is limited to 15; those interested can register by calling or visiting the DCA box office. That evening at 6 p.m., Fernandez, workshop attendees, and friends of Chief Oshkosh and DCA will take part in a potluck at Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor. On Friday, September 27, Fernandez will present a student matinee performance.
Wade Fernandez is a deeply authentic, award-winning, international touring artist from the Menominee Nation Reservation in Wisconsin. Since the beginning of his solo career, when he toured with Jackson Browne and Indigo Girls, Fernandez has completed over 50 international tours. Fernandez’ musical expertise is far-reaching: he is as comfortable performing solo vocals, acoustic guitar, and native flute at a folk festival as he is onstage jamming with an electric band. His passion for sharing his music, spirit, and culture is reflected in his presentations in schools and workshops around the world. The Massachusetts Daily Collegian called Fernandez “an artistic and spiritual force that has just begun to gather steam.”
Bill Miller is an award-winning Native American recording artist, performer, songwriter, activist, painter, and world-class native flute player. Miller has produced over a dozen albums, received three Grammy Awards and numerous Native American Music Awards & Association (NAMA) awards (including a “Lifetime Achievement” Award), and led Wisconsin’s La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. A Mohican Indian from northern Wisconsin, Miller has long been one of the most admired figures in the Native American arts and activist arenas. The Los Angeles Times says Miller performs with “depth, beauty, and honesty.”
Wade Fernandez and Bill Miller’s performance is made possible with support from major sponsor Wisconsin Public Radio, as well as Passport Program Partners Friends of Gibraltar, RocketDSD.com/IceCreamSouce.com, and Alexander’s Restaurant. DCA’s Blues, Roots, & American Stories Series is sponsored by Wisconsin Public Radio and Parkwood Lodge.
Wade Fernandez and Bill Miller will perform at DCA at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. Tickets for the concert range from $28 to $58. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made through the DCA box office, located at 3926 Highway 42 in Fish Creek. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 12:00-5:00 p.m.Tickets can be purchased in person, on the phone at (920) 868-2728, or online at www.dcauditorium.org.