As COVID restrictions lift, performance venues are heralding upcoming summer events to entertainment-starved WNY audiences. In the case of Tallchief Territory, Home of Native Pride, their summer events will provide an extra level of enjoyment as they will offer culturally diverse entertainment in their new Tallchief Outdoor Events Center, located behind the Native Pride Travel Plaza. According to Tallchief Owner, J.C. Seneca, this is the inaugural season for the center.
“I’ve had this idea for a while to create an events center in the wooded area in the back of the Tallchief property. I envisioned it along the lines of a place in Florida where I’ve enjoyed some great outdoor concerts and events,” Seneca stated. “We started clearing the land late last summer and installed a stage in time to host our First Annual Tallchief Outdoor Music Festival, featuring national blues headliner, Poppa Chubby. Future plans include creation of permanent rest rooms and an elevated viewing area, with the ultimate goal to make this one of the top outdoor event centers in the region.”
The Tallchief Events Center lineup for 2021 will begin with a Tallchief Territory Spring Smoke Dance Contest on May 22nd with dancer registration beginning at 9am, dancer’s grand entry at 12pm and contests and social dances until 8pm. This Native American Smoke Dance began as a Six Nations Tradition as men prepared for battle. Today, the dances are ceremonial with both men and women competing in displays of fancy footwork and athleticism to songs of both slow and fast tempos. The day will be highlighted with Native foods, and Native crafts and arts vendors. Social Dances will feature the Allegany Singers with competitions open to all ages.
The events center will switch gears on 31st July from 10am to 3pm as it becomes the site for the Tallchief Health and Healing Expo. Focused on, “Living Life in Balance.” The Expo will include an array of individuals and organizations whose focus is encouraging healthy habits and lifestyles. Featured will be individuals steeped in the traditions of Native Healing along with presentations, entertainment, and healthy food vendors.
The Event Center’s summer entertainment schedule finishes up with the Second Annual Tallchief Outdoor Music Celebration on Saturday, September 4th. Tickets are now available for this event that will spotlight Grammy-nominated, Shemekia Copeland, and special guest star, Blues Hall of Fame Inductee and six-time BMA winner, the legendary Joe Louis Walker. Online tickets can be purchased at : https://tallchiefoutdoormusic.eventbrite.com. Hard copy tickets will be available for purchase in June at the Native Pride Convenience Store.
ABOUT THE TALLCHIEF EVENTS CENTER: The Tallchief Events Center is highlighted by a 24 by 12 stage and a full speaker sound system. Seating is comprised of VIP sections of tables and chairs for up to 150 with tableside service, as well as a general admission area that can accommodate up to 400 (providing their own seating), with access to food and beverage vendors. More information about the Tallchief Events Center and the upcoming schedule of events is available at https://www.facebook.com/nativepridetravelplaza.
