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News from OPB: Archives — December 2007

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OPB Launches Production of Native American Multi-Media Documentary

For the Generations PosterOregon Public Broadcasting in association with Painted Sky proudly announces a new documentary currently in production, For the Generations: Native American Story and Performance.

Part performance-based, part unblinking slice-of-life, the documentary will air in Spring 2009 and profile the behind-the-scenes stories of the artists and the endeavor by Painted Sky to bring together the all-star cast to one stage. The trials, obstacles, triumphs and foibles of this effort will be captured as it happens -- weaving a narrative through the performances that will lend grit and personality to the beautiful artistry showcased.

Artists set to be profiled in the documentary include pop-diva, "Urban Indian," Jana; soulful R&B crooner Jaynez, hip-hop poetess Wayquay, Painted Sky's own Northstar dancers and a host of others. "These remarkable performers have the uncanny ability to transcend genres," said OPB’s Sean Hutchinson, producer of the documentary. "Though they all weave their tribal heritage in and out of their music and dance, their performances have appeal that extends beyond what might be too easily classified as ‘Native American' music."

"Thanks to OPB and the other sponsors for providing an opportunity for a national audience to experience Native music, while getting a glimpse of the life and times of our artists," said Arlie Neskahi, co-president of Painted Sky Incorporated, Navajo Nation.

A grant from the Spirit Mountain Community fund, in part, has made the documentary possible. "As a tribal foundation, it is an honor to partner with Painted Sky and other funders to promote Native American arts and culture. As a terminated tribe, we know the value of honoring our culture to perpetuate our tribal history," said Fund Director Shelley Hanson. Fund-raising efforts continue in hopes of bringing all the artists together for a benefit performance in 2008.

Much of the focus of the documentary will be centered on the outreach these performers do and their work with native youth. "A person like Jana really shines a light on a pathway to success and presents a model for kids by which they might become an artist or doctor or astronaut -- whatever they can conceive for themselves -- and not be daunted by some bleak odds," Hutchinson said.

The For the Generations Web site, which will be launched at a later date, will offer a social networking component to provide a forum for collaboration, appreciation and growth of cotemporary Native American music and centuries of heritage. With so much of the Native tradition finding its basis in non-textual media, emergent Internet technologies provide a unique opportunity for archiving history, building community and leveraging the future by engaging youth in a safe and enriching online environment.

Additional support is provided by: University of Oregon; Portland State University's Native American and Student and Community Center; Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission; Native American Youth & Family Center; Native American Music Awards and the American Indian College Fund. In addition, The City of Portland (Tom Potter) and The State of Oregon (Kulongoski) have endorsed the project.

Oregon Public Broadcasting Launches New Music Service

opbmusic gives fresh dimension to local music scene

Oregon Public Broadcasting announced the launch of opbmusic, a new contemporary music service available online and on the radio. opbmusic features the best indie, alternative and pop music with a special emphasis on new music and artists from the Northwest, particularly those from Oregon. At opbmusic, listeners can join conversations about the vibrant local music scene and help choose the music that's played.

Try it -- go to opbmusic and click on listen now.

At opbmusic, anyone can listen to a locally programmed 24/7 music stream, rate and review songs, see playlists and check out program archives and exclusive opbmusic in-studio sessions with local and touring artists. More than a dozen bands and artists have already recorded opbmusic sessions, and more are on the way.

"This is an exciting project," said David Christensen, OPB's music director. "It's a chance to really shine a spotlight on some of the great music and artists from Oregon, and tap into the audience's ideas about what's new and exciting." Christensen added, "We're already blogging about the music we're playing now, live shows in and around Portland and the Northwest, and upcoming artists. Listeners will only deepen that conversation and help us decide what music we play."

opbmusic is available in the Northwest and worldwide at opbmusic.org. OPB listeners have already heard a preview of opbmusic on OPB Radio weekends from 9-11pm during the program In House. That program will continue on the radio and be included in the 24/7 stream at opbmusic. Portland listeners with HD radios can also tune to opbmusic anytime on KOPB 91.5-2.

For 10 years Christensen hosted the precursor to opbmusic, Eclecticity, OPB's evening music program. He co-hosts the opbmusic stream with Jeremy Petersen who joined OPB this past summer to host In House.

"Everybody talks about the great music in the Northwest," said Christensen. "OPB is making it easy to find. When somebody tunes to opbmusic at opbmusic.org, on HD Radio or FM Radio -- they're going to hear great local talent."

© 2008, Oregon Public Broadcasting.

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