Menu

Ganondagan

Ganondagan Indigenous Music & Arts Festival. July 23 & 24, 2022. Image of Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle in traditional regalia, Bill Crouse in Haudenosaunee regalia singing, and Twice as Good playing guitars in matching outfits.

Indigenous Music & Arts Festival

July 23 & 24, 2022: 10 am - 5 pm

After a two-year hiatus Ganondagan's Indigenous Music & Arts Festival is returning Saturday and Sunday, July 23 - 24, 2022. For this year only, our Indigenous Music & Arts Festival will be FREE for everyone! The event showcases Haudenosaunee and Indigenous cultures through dance, music, storytelling, authentic craft demonstrations, a Native American Arts Market, a Family Discovery Tent, raffles, guided trail walks, gallery tours, food, and more. 

This summer's event headlines a return appearance of Indigenous blues performers Twice As Good, and Native American flute player, singer/songwriter Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne), joined by her husband dancer/drummer/storyteller, Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha).  Crowd favorite, Allegany River Dancers will be back to demonstrate Iroquois Social Dancing on the main stage.

On Saturday, July 23 we'll be celebrating Dr. Peter Jemison Day to honor the illustrious career of Ganondagan's founding site manager. Peter Jemison (Seneca, Heron Clan) began his career at Ganondagan in 1988. During his tenure, Jemison was instrumental in ensuring that Ganondagan became recognized as an international site for Haudenosaunee history and culture. The site now spans 569 acres, features a full-size Seneca Bark Longhouse, 1700 square foot Seneca Art & Culture Center, and interpretive trails. Peter Jemison is a well-established, internationally recognized artist and will be now be dedicating his efforts to his art career. To make a donation in honor of G Peter Jemison please visit the donation page.

This year's event is free but if you are able, please consider donating $5/ person, $10/family to help support future programming.

Nya:wëh (Thank you)!

 

Twice as Good wearing matching outfits and playing guitar

Twice as Good

Performing high energy blues, soul and rock & roll; the father-son duo Twice As Good aka 2XG feature Paul & Rich Steward who are members of the Pomo tribe who call Elm Indian Colony, on the shores of Clear Lake, north of San Francisco; home. Twice As Good blends the blues of B.B. King, and the soul of Al Green with Indigenous rhythms into a highly danceable style of music that’s all their own. Touring since 2003, Twice As Good are among the most decorated Native American musicians performing today. 

Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontenelle wearing traditional regalia

Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle

2019 Native American Music Awards "Artist of the Year" singer, songwriter, Native American flute player and Grammy Member Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne) is a Multiple Music Award Winner! With seven prestigious Native American Music Awards to her credit, Shelley Morningsong sings, writes and performs soulful and powerful Native American Contemporary music. She has also authored her very first children's book called "She Talks to the Animals" based on a song she wrote for her album Love Medicine.
 
Shelley is joined by her husband, Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha), who presents Northern Traditional dancing, storytelling and traditional Plains & Southwestern style drumming at its finest to accompany her presentation. Fabian brings great honor to his Zuni and Omaha families through what he shares on stage and in his own personal life. He is also an original member of the American Indian Dance Theater. Shelley and Fabian have traveled to many countries around the world educating about Native American cultures. 

Iroquois Social Dancing, Storytelling & more!

Popular Iroquois Social Dancing returns, performing twice daily this year. Bill Crouse (Seneca) leads the Allegany River Dancers in full regalia. You’ll also find our fascinating Native American Arts Market, traditional arts demonstrators, Indigenous foods, Iroquois storytelling,"hands-on" fun in the Family Discovery Tent, free admission to the Seneca Art & Culture Center, guided trail walks, bark longhouse tours, and much more. 

Admission

2022 Special- FREE Admission for ALL
 
"This year only, we are offering free admission to the Indigenous Music & Arts festival as a way to do something good for the community, promote unity, and encourage people to get to know about Haudenosaunee and Indigenous cultures.
 
Since Saturday is Dr. Peter Jemison Day, free admission removes any barriers that may have gotten in the way for people to come out and celebrate Pete's many accomplishments and all the good work he's done for Ganondagan, the Haudenosaunee and Indigenous communities, and the Greater Rochester area as a whole"
- Program Director, Jeanette Jemison (Mohawk). 

Parking Information

Free parking and shuttle service is available from 9:45 am - 6:15 pm at Fireman's Field. Shuttle service runs every 10 -15 minutes. 

Directions to Victor Fireman's Field
Route 96 to Maple Ave/Rt 444, Fireman's Field is across from St. Patrick's Church

ASL Interpretation

ASL Interpretation provided at the main stage, throughout performances

Sponsored by The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), a college of Rochester Institute of Technology

The Indigenous Music & Arts Festival is made possible by generous Sponsorship

 

"New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature."