Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

March 6, 2004 - Issue 108

Catching up with the Diva

One of the first entertainers to be featured in Canku Ota was Arigon Starr. I recently caught up with the Diva for an update on what's been happening in her busy life.

Native Voices at the Autry is bringing Arigon back as The Wooden Indian Woman in the world premiere of Joseph A. Dandurand's play!

Arigon Starr will return to the Wells Fargo Theater in March for the three-week run of "Please Do Not Touch The Indians." The latest production from Randy Reinholz and Jean Bruce Scott of "Native Voices at the Autry" will preview on Thursday, March 18th and officially open on Friday, March 19th in Los Angeles at the Autry National Center. Tickets for the shows will be on sale through the Autry and Ticketweb.com.

"I had to endure a couple of grueling auditions. They certainly didn't hand me the part," said Arigon. "I am looking forward to the challenge of bringing life and humanity to the Wooden Indian Woman. The script by Joseph Dandurand is packed with lots of emotion. But -- I promise you I won't chew the scenery! AAAY!"

Arigon also had a word of caution to our Canku Ota readers. "This play might not be appropriate for younger audiences, as there are some "dark" moments."

Joining Arigon in the cast will be Andrew Roa and Uzziel Martinez, who were also in the staged reading of the same play last November. Also on board are actress Tontanzin Carmelo and actors Kalani Queypo, Stephan Wolfert and musician Vincent Whipple. Randy Reinholz will direct the play.

More information about dates, times and ticket prices can be found on the Autry National Center's website. Please Do Not Touch The Indians will run at the Wells Fargo Theater from March 18 through April 4.

Arigon is a Winner!!!
No, Ed MacMahon didn't stop by to give her one of those oversized checks you hear tell about. She has been recognized by Native American arts organization First Americans in the Arts for her performance as Martha Kakina in last year's "The Buz'Gem Blues." Arigon will pick-up her trophy in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 20th. "But isn't she ins the PLAY that weekend??" you cried. Don't fret, Diva fans! She will do her evening performance in Please Do Not Touch The Indians -- then head downtown to pick-up her trophy.

About the Diva
"It’s pronounced like ‘arrogant’ without the ‘t’," grinned Kickapoo musician Arigon Starr. "People often mispronounce my name, but they never forget it!"

Proud, vivacious and full of energy, Arigon Starr continues to defy the odds of becoming a successful artist in the music business. Her debut CD, MEET THE DIVA, earned an enthusiastic response from Native, college and community radio stations – plus a prestigious Native American Music Award for "Best Independent Recording."

Arigon’s blend of pop, rock, country, punk and funk reflects her upbringing as a military "brat." "We pulled up stakes about every two years while I was going to school," she said. "There’s an old country song that tells the story of a person who’s been ‘everywhere, man’ and that describes my life. I was born in Florida and have spent time in Tennessee, Maryland, New Jersey, Oklahoma, New Mexico, California – you name it." The eclectic mix of scenery, music and people helped form her unique approach to contemporary Native American music. "The music must serve the song – and help tell the story. Taking elements of different styles of music and mixing them up seems to me to be the most natural thing in the world."

To learn more about Arigon, visit her site at:
http://www.arigonstarr.com/index.html

Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry.

The "Canku Ota - A Newsletter Celebrating Native America" web site and its design is the

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 of Paul C. Barry.

All Rights Reserved.