The following article was submitted by Kirsten Smith, a Youth Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Great things are happening at the Manitowoc Public Library!
One of our many exciting July events is a FREE concert on Thursday, July 7, at 6 PM. Enjoy this musical performance from multi-award winning, international touring artist, Wade Fernandez (Walks with Black Wolf). Fresh from the release of his new CD, a European Tour, and performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Fernandez offers a magnetic personality and a unique listening experience.
Fernandez explains, “If you try to define yourself as a musician, you end up comparing yourself to other people. I felt like I wasn’t good enough unless I could play as good as others in any style of music. I finally grew out of that by accepting who I was . . . and I think that’s the key. We don’t need to sound like anybody else, we just have to find a way to deliver what we have.”
Fernandez’s unique catalog of music incorporates many genres, including his Menominee roots, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk, flamenco, and more. He plays native flute and guitar, hand drum, percussion, bass, keyboards, bouzouki, mandolin and the harmonica. In addition to being a professional musician and composer, Fernandez also teaches music at the Menominee Tribal School. Many of his students have gone on to perform nationally.
Kirsten Smith
Fernandez is a featured artist of PBS’ “Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin.” “Re/sound” is a collection of educational media resources for general music programs serving grades 4-8, and is a collaboration with Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). The program meets Wisconsin educators’ need for current, authentic, culturally diverse resources, as well as support in teaching with and about music from different cultures. There are just a handful of original speakers of the Menominee Language still living. This immense cultural loss has put a sense of urgency in Fernandez to translate his songs into the Menominee Language.
A recent review by Tom Fairnie of the “Tom Fairnie (Radio) Show” states, “Wade Fernandez is more than an extremely accomplished musician, a superb songwriter and a great performer, his house concert with us was like being held spellbound by a close friend who told stories, played wonderfully evocative melodies, and sang songs that gave an insight into the Native American culture of the Menominee tribe. It was a bridge to an ancient history, yet it was as relevant and contemporary as some of the best song writing coming out of America today . . . It was, quite simply, a wonder shared.”
Both Fernandez’s music and message are firmly grounded in his love for land, animals, and people. His work reflects a passion to educate, share music and culture, serve community, and honor Grandmother Earth. Join us on Thursday, July 7, at 6 PM for an opportunity to experience this unique, world-renowned musician.
Educators can find learning resources at https://pbswisconsineducation.org/musician/wade-fernandez/. There is NO registration required for this FREE musical performance. We hope to see you there!
