*We’ve all heard the phrase about music being universal. Well, recently, at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, The L. A. Global Music Festival took place, and although the songs were not in English, it was surprisingly entertaining. Why? Because if you can sing and entertain, you can sing and entertain. That was proven to me by Brazilian singer Caro Pierotto, who sang in Portuguese, and Pamyua (Pam-U-Ah), the headliners, an indigenous Alaskan group, who sang in their native Inuit language.
The goal of the festival was to showcase cultures from around the world through music. The show began with a welcome from the show’s organizers, who explained the purpose and goal of the festival, i.e., designed to celebrate music, culture, and life, and heighten awareness of various cultures.
Brazilian singer Caro Pierotto was the opening act. She performed both cover and original songs in Portuguese. Before each song, she explained what the song meant, which allowed me to understand the powerful messages behind the songs.
Ms. Pierotto had a nice clear voice and a charming vibe. Her performance was entertaining, expressive, and interactive, especially when she told the audience to close their eyes and imagine being in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was a good warmup act.
The headliners were Pamyua, an indigenous group of Inuit singers from Alaska, led by brothers Stephen and Phillip Blanchett. Pamyua was unlike anything I have ever heard, and although I was warned they were “different,” I had no idea what to expect.
Their performance began with a group of indigenous people, mostly from Alaska, marching in/down the aisle. The audience was immediately engulfed in a tribal-like feeling.
After the processional march ended, some of the marchers landed on the front rows and Pamyua went onto the stage.
Just like with the opening act, except for a Reggae song titled “Rise Up,” Pama’s songs were not in English. They explained their music is about giving thanks to a higher power, and their songs are from prayers. The music was amazing.
They used the organ that was in the church, which had the biggest pipes I’ve ever seen, with a sound that permeated throughout the church. The band also included drums, keyboards, and hand drums, which added to the tribal feel.
I was mesmerized watching and listening to them work the hand drum. English or Inuit, the funky dance/drum tribal beat was infectious, and I caught a vibe. The harmony and syncopation were topnotch. Just like the opening act, Pamyua also had an interactive portion of the show.
The group invited everyone in the audience to join them for a dance, and let people know if everyone came up, there would be nobody in the audience to know if they messed up. Although they did not have 100% participation, the amount they had was nothing to sneeze at.
In addition to the Blanchett brothers, who both sing and play the hand drum, Pamyua consists of Ossie Kairauak (vocals and drums), Sara Anderholm (keyboard), and Eiden Pospisil (Drums). With his vocals, which are like chanting, Mr. Kairauak reminds me of a Native American medicine man, especially with his authentic Native boots. The Blanchett brothers excel in different areas. Stephen is the stronger singer and Phillip is the stronger dancer. Annnnd, speaking of dancing, Phillip had a dance routine during one of the songs that was so energetic it was exhausting just watching him.
After the performance, I had an interesting chat with Stephen Blanchett, whose voice made me a fan. Although he wasn’t singing in English, he had a soothing and familiar sound, but I couldn’t immediately place who he reminded me of. At one point Al Jarreau came to mind. During our conversation, he mentioned listening to a lot of Jodeci and Boyz II Men.
He said he would follow the voice of each Jodeci member, which is how he learned to harmonize. He sang a snippet of a Jodeci song, and I promise you I was ready to buy his record. The Blanchett brothers are bi-racial; their father is Black, and their mother is Yup’Ik.
Stephen said it was important to their father that they know both sides of their identities, so they divided their time between their dad in Michigan and their mom in Alaska. Stephen said he didn’t learn English until he was 11. English or Yup’Ik, he sounds amazing.
If you want to broaden your horizons, experience different, but good music, and catch a tribal vibe with entertaining and interactive performers, Pamyua is the group for you. If you get a chance, check them out. You won’t regret it. Click here: pamyuamedia.com
Marilyn Smith is a Los Angeles-based writer/reviewer. Contact her via MzSportsJunkie@gmail.com
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