URGENT UPDATE: Renowned Native American musician Mali Obomsawin is set to electrify the Bay Area with her innovative jazz performances, including her score for the highly anticipated documentary Sugarcane. The concerts are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on November 7, 2024, at Stanford University’s Bing Concert Hall, and 8 p.m. on November 8, 2024, at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley.
This groundbreaking score, which accompanies the documentary by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, delves into the painful legacy of the Indian residential school system in Canada. The system, imposed in 1894, caused immense harm to Indigenous families, with the last federally funded school closing in 1997. Obomsawin describes this moment as an “Indigenous renaissance”, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation in her work.
In a recent interview from her home in Brooklyn, Obomsawin shared her excitement about contributing to this cultural revival. “It’s amazing to step forward in a way that’s not codified by stereotypes, asserting ourselves in a way that allows the world to see us in a real way,” she stated. Her music aims to reflect the vast landscapes and profound truths conveyed in the documentary, creating a rich auditory experience that does not dictate emotional responses.
For these performances, Obomsawin will be joined by guitarist Magdalena Abrego and wind player Yuma Uesaka, both noted collaborators. Drawing inspiration from free jazz and folk traditions, her soundscape is designed to be vivid and haunting, offering a unique listening experience.
Obomsawin’s connection to the Bay Area runs deep; her grandfather was a jazz mandolinist, and her father, guitarist Tom Obomsawin, is a former fixture in the local music scene. This familial legacy enhances the significance of her return to the region.
With a career that has evolved from folk music to jazz, Obomsawin leads the Roots Rock combo Deerlady and her own ensemble, Xtet, where she explores the intersection of Indigenous identity and jazz. “The deeper I dig in, the more I feel validated,” she explains, showcasing her commitment to blending cultural heritage with musical exploration.
Attendees of the Bay Area performances can expect a dynamic interplay of improvisation and structured composition, allowing for a conversation between the musicians and the film’s compelling narrative. “What’s most important is delivering authentically what you have to say,” Obomsawin insists, echoing the jazz tradition of self-expression that dates back to legends like Louis Armstrong.
This is not just a concert; it is a vital part of a cultural movement that seeks to reshape narratives around Indigenous identity and artistry. Fans of jazz and documentary filmmaking alike will find this event an unmissable opportunity to engage with a powerful artistic statement.
Tickets for the performances range from $16 to $59.40 at Stanford and $24 to $44 at Freight & Salvage. For more information, visit live.stanford.edu and thefreight.org.
Don’t miss this chance to witness Mali Obomsawin’s unique contributions to the burgeoning Indigenous jazz scene—an experience that promises to resonate far beyond the concert hall.
