Performances – Indigenous Cultures Institute

Indigenous Cultures Institute offers performances for celebrations, educational events and other functions. We collaborate with professional Native American performers and provide them with referrals from presenters and producers who request their services. We help to negotiate the artist’s fees and travel arrangements.

Our organization is listed in the prestigious Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Support may be available to assist with our performance fees through the Arts Respond Performance Support grant application. For funding information visit Texas Commission on the Arts. Below are their Quarterly Deadlines for applications.

February 1, 2020 (for activities occurring March 15 -June 14, 2020)

May 1, 2020 (for activities occurring June 15 -August 31, 2020)

August 1, 2020 (for activities occurring Sept 1 -December 14, 2020)

November 1, 2020 (for activities occurring Dec 15, 2020-March 14, 2021)

February 1, 2021 (for activities occurring March 15 -June 14, 2021)

Please contact us to arrange one or more of the following performances and for a Press Kit to help your publicity efforts. (Sample Press Kit)

Artists & Groups

AARON PYLE

Aaron Pyle, Choctaw, plays the Native American flute, performing traditional songs and original compositions that are based on traditional Native music, enhanced by modern and jazz influences — an extraordinary, beautiful, unique style. Pyle earned his music degree from Texas State University and earned his master’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is currently pursuing his doctorate.

Adrian Villegas

In his “Barrio Daze” one-man-show performance, Villegas brings to vivid life a gallery of nine unforgettable characters ranging from a hopeless panhandling borrachón (drunk) to an unlikely Chicano U.S. Senate hopeful. In addition to his solo work, Villegas is also a writer, performer, and Artistic Director of The Latino Comedy Project (LCP), an Emmy-nominated multimedia sketch comedy troupe whose most recent show “Gentrif*cked” closed two sold-out Austin runs in Dec. 2017 and received “2017 Best Of Austin” from the Austin Chronicle.

CUICANI IN XOCHITL

Cuicani In Xochitl are members of a family-oriented tradition, which utilizes motion as a medium to develop spiritual self-awareness. The Xitontequisa, or Aztec dancing as it is commonly known is a native tradition of ancient Mexico that survives today in spite of cultural and spiritual biases. Its survival in modern times is a testimony of its immense spiritual and cultural value.

Jose Dominguez

Jose Dominguez is studying danza under the mentorship of Evelio Flores who leads the popular performance company Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli. Jose has learned how to lead and teach specific danza steps, explain their meaning and teach several dances such as the Permiso, Rabbit, and Eagle. His workshops include interactive participation from students and audiences. Jose is also a storyteller under the mentorship of renowned storyteller Dr. Mario Garza and is available for storytelling performances.

Jessica Mejia

Jessica Mejia is an indigenous storyteller who studies under the mentorship of renowned storyteller Dr. Mario Garza. She shares some of Dr. Garza’s “Chato the Dog” tales as well as traditional animal stories. Mejia is a local San Marcos storyteller who has entertained children with stories about the sacred San Marcos River, the creation site of the Coahuiltecan people. Her stories include the bilingual (English and Coahuiltecan) story of how the people (pilam) came to be on Mother Earth (Tap Tai).

Grupo Pakal

Grupo Pakal Mayan Performing Arts proudly celebrates Mayan culture through sacred ceremonies and ancient rituals that integrate festive dance and traditional native music (by kome okiomah). Live performances exhibit stunning wardrobe and elaborately feathered headdresses, all individually handcrafted works of art.

Kathy Lynn

Kathy Lynn, Cherokee Nation, is a descendant of Pathkiller, Principal Chief before the Trail of Tears. Water Beetle Cherokee Programs is made up of Kathy Lynn who travels throughout the United States, educating and sharing history and stories of her Cherokee heritage. Kathy is also the author of four historical novels about a few of her Cherokee ancestors.

Mario Garza, PhD

Dr. Mario Garza plays the flute and performs storytelling for adult and children audiences. For school children Dr. Garza presents a program on Native American culture, traditions, and ways of life, both historical and contemporary. His performance includes a combination of storytelling, flute playing and learning activities. These presentations teach basic facts about Native Americans, dispel commonly held stereotypes, and enhance self-esteem and creativity.

MARK STANDING EAGLE BAEZ

Mark Standing Eagle Baez offers performances, which include the Eagle Dance. Baez uses a hand drum to accompany himself in traditional singing and he provides informative facts about his regalia, the heartbeat of the drum and many other Native American customs and traditions. These performances are inspirational, educational, and fun for both adult and children audiences.

MITOTILIZTLI YAOYOLLOHTLI

Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli Aztec dance company is a family of danzantes plus relatives in the Dallas area who present full scale performances as well as workshops and school presentations. With authentic and stunning regalia, they dance with ceremonial dedication to this traditional art form, and deliver a stunning and energetic performance. Working with youth and children, the group engages these audiences by bringing them into the dance circle and helping them to learn danza steps.

RAMON JUAN VASQUEZ

Ramon Juan Vasquez performs his original writings that span a range of topics beginning with intensive love poems that uncover the tender heart of an indigenous warrior, to epic stories told from the perspective of traditional characters like the jaguar and the hummingbird. A new style of writing never before heard from a Native voice that speaks for everyone.

TEJAS WINDS

Tejas Winds entertains and educates their audiences with both original and traditional music, as well as traditional storytelling, displays and demonstrations. Chief and Julie Lani perform Native American flute playing, vocals and drumming for a fully-rounded performance. Tejas Winds offers a wonderful experience for children and adult audiences.