Brule, Badlands National Park

On a beautiful evening in Badlands National Park, Brule packed the park amphitheater and surrounding buttes on August 27, 2016. The performance was part of the National Park Service's nationwide centennial celebration.

The audience really seemed to appreciate the special night of Native American music and dance in the historical tribal landscape. After the concert, the dancers posed for photos on top of the Badlands formations as the sun faded away, which even the park rangers enjoyed immensely.

I'm happy to have been able to witness this concert, which is just the latest in a long string of very impressive performances by South Dakota's own Brule. It would great to see more events like this in the National Parks.

Brule, Custer, SD

South Dakota's own American Indian Rock Opera, Brule, performed at the Southern Hills Music and Arts Festival in Custer on August 26, 2016. Brule's performance on Pageant Hill opened the festival, which also included Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., Eddie Money, and numerous other music acts.

 

 The following night Brule performed in a spectacular setting in Badlands National Park, which will be the topic of an upcoming post.

Brule, High Country Guest Ranch, Hill City

Brule, the Native American/New Age band from central South Dakota has a new summer home at the High Country Guest Ranch outside of Hill City in the Black Hills.

Five nights a week the band and colorful dancers take to the Buffalo Moon Stage and provide combination of rock, synth and tribal rhythms.

For more information on the Brule show and to purchase tickets, visit the High Country Guest Ranch website.

Brule, Sioux Falls

Brule added both musicianship and tribal dance to the 2012 Festival of Cultures in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on June 16. Despite very hot temperatures, the festival was well-attended and provided a look at the cultural diversity making up South Dakota's largest city.

Brule, Brookings, SD

On a very hot July weekend, Native American/New Age masters Brule performed several times a day at the 2011 Brookings Arts Festival.



Performances in South Dakota have been few and far between in the last few years for Brule, but I'm told to expect more shows throughout the state coming soon.

Brule's website is BruleRecords.com. For more of my photos of the band, click here.

Brule, Pierre, South Dakota

Found a couple more shots of the Brule concert that I just couldn't resist posting.

Nicole LaRoche adds vocals to her many talents...


...and one last look at Moses Brings Plenty and his hair.

Moses Brings Plenty, Brule, Pierre, SD

As promised, here is Moses Brings Plenty, tribal drummer for Brule. When you've got hair hanging past your waist you might as well make it part of the show and Mo does that well.


With long locks and blowing fans accentuating his drumming style, Moses at times is a complete blur of motion. I did my best to capture the power and beauty of his performance with slow shutter speeds.






For more pictures, check the previous two posts below. Moses is also an accomplished actor with television and movies to his credit. Read more about that side of his career at www.cinemasouthdakota.blogspot.com.

More Brule

I'm happy to report that Monday night's concert by Brule in Pierre was well-attended and well-appreciated by the audience.


The unique combination of Native American/New Age/rock music combined with a great light show and amazing Native dancers makes a spectacular show. I've heard nothing but glowing reviews from those who attended.



Nicole LaRoche was named the 2007 Best Female Artist by the Native American Music Academy and it's not hard to believe when you see her perform live. The spirit and enthusiasm she moves through a flute is incredible.


Here is keyboardist/band leader Paul LaRoche and that ghostly figure in the back is tribal drummer/singer Moses Brings Plenty.


Moses is worth a set of pictures on his own, so I'll post that next.


See my other posts about Brule here.