Grammy-nominated drum group Northern Cree comes to Ho-Chunk’s Neesh-la Powwow

By Tim Wohlers



Seven-time Grammy nominated Native American drum group Northern Cree came to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s annual Neesh-la Powwow in August, to help promote the three-day event. 
“We get asked to go a lot of places throughout North America,” said group member Shane Dion.  “And this just happened to be one of the stops on our trail.” 
The group gained national notoriety after a performance at last year’s Grammys, where they stunned listeners with their music.  Since that time, the drum group has been invited to more events than they have been able to attend. 
“After we performed,” Dion said, “it just blew up our whole schedule.  And we’re trying to accommodate as many people and events as possible, but we just can’t.” 
The drummer said that performing at powwows isn’t only beneficial for the tribes who host them, but for his group and all its members as well.  He said that the various venues are a good way to spread their music. 
“We like to share our music with as many people as possible,” Dion said, “rather than keeping it local.  The more we get out there, the more people will know who we are and appreciate what we do.” 
The group member said that if they are invited back for next year’s Neesh-la Powwow, they would almost certainly return. 
“We definitely would,” Dion said.  “It’s a far drive, but it’s worth it.” 
The date of the event has not yet been determined. 



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