Hear some of the oldest instruments of the Southwest, played by Clark Tenakhongva, Gary Stroutsos and Matthew Nelson. This talented trio uses their mastery of voice, flute and clay pot percussion to create an artistic soundscape in celebration of Öngtupqa, the Hopi name for Grand Canyon. This one of a kind performance includes traditional songs sung by Tenakhongva, renowned Hopi artist and Vice Chairman of the Hopi Tribe, performing with Nelson on ceramic percussion and Stroutsos on a replica of an ancient Hopi long flute – a relatively unknown instrument that has been missing from the Hopi Mesas for over 500 years. Archaeological excavations in northeastern Arizona from the 1920s unearthed four flutes that have been dated to 650 A.D., making them among the oldest known wooden flutes in North America. The trio will also show an excerpt of their film, Öngtupqa, recorded at the Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon, and present historical and cultural context.

The performance begins at 3 p.m. at the Yuma Art Center Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased in advance here:

https://secure.ticketsage.net/City_of_Yuma/yumaweb/Web/EventsPage.aspx?PerfID=329893