Published:
Oct 22, 2007
Native American festivals have limited attraction for me. The usual vendors are selling bone-handled knives, tomahawks, jewelry, art and related items associated with Indian lore.
However, a festival of Native American flute making and
music caught my attention weeks ago. So along with my wife and daughter, I made
the trip across
The park is south of
Once in the park, the festival was easy to find; one just had to follow the signs and listen to the enchanting flute sounds that resonated through the pine trees. I expected a large festival and milling crowds.
We found a respectful audience, mostly seated on park picnic benches, listening to the music. Often the flute makers themselves played.
The typical vendors were there, but the majority were flute makers. Each maker had a unique style relating to the carvings, shapes, inlays or materials used to construct their flutes.
Of course, the mellow tone would ultimately determine the quality of the flute. They were constructed from bamboo, hardwoods, softer woods and horn. Some were inlaid with silver or semi-precious gems.
There were cane flutes and those little larger than a piccolo. The flute makers would happily demonstrate their wares, and potential customers were encouraged to try their hand at playing.
Ultimately, I completed my wandering around the grounds and took a seat with a very mellow audience to listen to various entertainers tell stories, play rhythmic drums and enjoy the spiritual and enchanting flute-melodic tones.
Native American events are heavily laden with spiritual overtones. This one rang much truer to a more commercialized festival. The slow rhythmic beat of the drum, the monotone, low-key narratives and the soothing tones of the flute reach deep into the soul.
Whatever the stresses and pressures one encounters, for a brief time the human spirit relaxes and rests and simply enjoys the gentle vibrations that engulf the psyche. Perhaps one is transported to a higher plane, a better place, if only briefly.
The music is often simplistic and follows no recognizable form. One will not whistle it on the way home, but it puts one in touch with their inner being.
I left the festival with mixed emotions. There was a certain harmony with others that I felt listening to the speakers, music and drum rhythms. Why, I asked, is there so little accord in other quarters?
We did buy a flute, a very beautifully made mellow-sounding instrument that I hope will give us brief moments of transport to a peaceful place.