“These performers have a long history of Native flutists in their family, most of them are the third generation to play the flute,” says Paula Conlon,Patricia Deisenroth Presidential Professor of Ethnomusicology at the OU School of Music. “Terry Tsotigh assembled the group and this will be their first performance together.”

The University of Oklahoma School of Music presents the Native American music event 5 Native Flutists from Oklahoma as part of the Ruggles Native American Music Series at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Sharp Concert Hall. The program for the evening will feature a variety of styles, both traditional melodies from their heritage as well as contemporary pieces.

Oklahoma Native flutists presenting at this concert are Terry Tsotigh (Kiowa), Tommy Wildcat (Cherokee), Thomas Mauchahty-Ware II (Kiowa-Comanche), Calvert and Timothy Nevaquaya (Comanche) and Native dancers will also perform during the concert. Also on the program are fancy dancers Graham Primeaux (Ponca/Otoe) and Courtney Yarholar (Sac and Fox) accompanied by singer Pat Moore (Pawnee).

“I know of some talented Oklahoma Native American flute players, and wanted to let people know they are still practicing their cultural ways, such as the flute,” says Terry Tsotigh (Kiowa), musician and performer.

Tsotigh is a member of the Kiowa tribe of Oklahoma and the great grandson of the prominent Kiowa flute player, Belo Cozad. He first began to play the flute in the early eighties, and his first performances were at the State Fair of Oklahoma. He is also a self-taught drummer and harmonica player and has performed with several bands throughout his career, performing all over the U.S. and overseas.

Wildcat, from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is an accomplished Cherokee recording artist, using a variety of traditional handmade Indian flutes. He is a self-taught musician and flute maker. Wildcat’s flute albums are uniquely produced with the background sounds of wind, water drums, and the essence of the night. His compositions are original music honoring the elders, family, friends, and the heritage of the Native people.

Ware, born and raised in rural Caddo County outside of Anadarko, Oklahoma, notes his parents were the main influences in his Kiowa-Comanche traditional and musical background. Presently a recording artist and performer of traditional vocal and flute music of Native cultures, he also plays contemporary Rhythm & Blues. Ware is an experienced singer, dancer, flute soloist, lecturer, painter, bead worker, and feather worker which has lead him to travel to 49 states and abroad.

Timothy and Calvert Nevaquaya are the sons of the Comanche artist, historian, musician and friend of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, Doc Tate Nevaquaya. Doc Tate passed on the flute tradition to his sons Sonny, Edmond, Timothy and Calvert, who are all performing artists and makers in their own right.

All Ruggles Series performances are in OU’s Catlett Music Center, 500 W. Boyd, in your OU Arts District! Tickets for Ruggles Series events are $9 for adults and $5 for students, faculty, staff and senior adults. For tickets and up-to-date information call the Fine Arts Box Office at (405) 325-4101.

Please visit http://music.ou.edu/ for a full calendar of events and performances at the School of Music. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please call the Box Office at (405) 325-4101.