2011 Chasco Fiesta Kicks Off with Native American Night

The Chasco Fiesta kicked off on Thursday night to warm weather, a large turnout at and Native American flute, song and dance. 

The multi-talented Arvel Bird drew from his Native American and Celtic heritage to blend music from both those cultures and entertain his audience with something both familiar and wholly original. He he switched between flute, violin and vocals as a three-piece band added a rock backdrop to his performance.

The night began with the Big Mountain Family performing Native American music and dance to get the crowd in the mood for the festival's upcoming Pow Wow, which takes place between Friday, March 25,- Sunday, March 27. While big brother Otter played the hand drum and sang, his younger siblings performed a variety of traditional dances.

Six-year-old Simakonas, 12-year-old Seven and 15-year-old Dustin Big Mountain have been dancing all their lives. 

“They were born into it,” said their mother, Katrina Big Mountain, the organizer of the Pow Wow and a member of the Plain Cree from Saskatchewan in Canada.

As well as providing entertainment for the people of New Port Richey, the aim of the Chasco Fiesta is also to help raise money for the local community.

The event is made possible by the contribution of sponsors and through the hard work of a team of over 1,000 volunteers. One such volunteer is Chuck Grey, a resident of New Port Richey, who coordinated the evening’s entertainment.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun,” Grey said.

The 2011 Chasco Fiesta runs until 3 April. For more details and a full schedule of events visit www.chascofiesta.com.