Native American Culture Comes to Life through Song and Dance

Experience traditional and contemporary Native American song and dance as local performers bring this ancient culture to life on stage during the ninth season of Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nations the and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau invites visitors and locals to these noontime festivals January 20 through April 2, 2011 where members of various Native American nations join together for rare, collaborative performances incorporating traditional instruments, colorful dances, and customary attire, showcasing their culture and encouraging respect, cooperation, and appreciation.

From noon to 1:30 p.m. most Thursdays and Saturdays, the outdoor amphitheater at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in downtown will be immersed with the unique culture that continues to shape the state of Arizona today.

“Native Trails is an incredible opportunity to provide insight into our rich and ancient traditions,” said Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw), artistic director for Native Trails and five-time world-champion hoop dancer. “Arizona is home to more than 20 tribal nations, and Native Trails is an outlet for them to come together and collaborate to create new dances and songs. It’s an educational exploration for us and for the audience.”

The festival grounds also play host to Native artisans who showcase their fine artwork and skills in the form of jewelry, textiles, pottery and food.

Native Trails performances began in January 2003 as part of the City of Scottsdale’s cultural tourism initiative, Culture Quest Scottsdale.

For more information about top events in Arizona take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arizona.

For more information on Native Trails (including black-out dates), visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com or contact the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (480) 421-1004 or toll-free at (800) 782-1117.

OLD WEST MEETS THE NEW WEST IN SCOTTSDALE

Celebrating more than 50 years in Scottsdale, the Parada del Sol is the world's longest horse-drawn parade and takes place every February in downtown (this year on Saturday, February 20).

Following the procession is the infamous Trails End Celebration with winner announcements, Western entertainment, music and a pancake breakfast. The parade kicks off the Parada del Sol Rodeo, a full week of boot stompin' fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale that includes rodeos, dances, live country Western music, children's activities and more.

Other Scottsdale Western events include the Show Circuit All Breed Horse Show, Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition and Sale and the annual Western ArtWalk in downtown Scottsdale. The National Festival of the West is a four-day Old West celebration in March that includes a Western tradeshow, a music jamboree on four stages, an Extreme Cowboy Race, Chuck Wagon cook-offs and a writing competition.

Visitors of all ages can delight in authentic stagecoach rides through downtown Scottsdale on Thursday evenings and Friday and Saturday afternoons. Pulled by North American spotted draft horses, the carriage takes guests on a free Western-related ride through the Old Town area of Scottsdale, highlighting significant stops and public art along the way. From mid-October through April, guests also can enjoy horse-drawn rides through downtown Scottsdale's art district from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays during the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk event.

For more information about top events in Arizona, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arizona at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-arizona.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Scottsdale at www.scottsdalecvb.com/