News Release
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum will present the Third Annual Singing the Birds (Wikitmallem Tahmuwhae) Bird Song and Dance Festival on Saturday, December 15 at The Pavilion Auditorium at Sunrise Park in Palm Springs. This event reflects the Museum’s role in preserving and sharing the gifts of Native culture and knowledge.
The Singing the Birds: Bird Song and Dance Festival will celebrate the tradition of Cahuilla bird singing and dancing. Through the ages, bird singing and dancing has been a vital part of Native culture for tribes in Southern California and other regions of the Southwest. This daylong free event will feature honored bird singing groups, a tap-out dance competition, and a non-competitive children’s dance exhibition for ages 12 years and younger. Cash prizes (provided by Presenting Sponsor Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians) totaling $10,000 will be awarded. Native vendors will offer food, beverages, and other merchandise for purchase.
More than 150 singers and dancers will be performing throughout the day, including Avikwaame Bird Singers & Dancers (Mojave), Morongo Bird Singers, Red-Tail Hawk Singers & Dancers (Mojave), Kupa Bird Singers (Cupeño), and the Inter-tribal Bird Singers of Southern California. There will be a special appearance by the Chumash Storytellers & Singers to highlight the upcoming Southern California Indian Storytelling Festival to be held in May 2008.
This event is produced by the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum’s Education Department.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum inspires people to learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other Native cultures. They keep the spirit alive through exhibitions, collections, research, and educational programs.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is located at 219 South Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 12 Noon to 5 pm. Admission is free. For more information on the Museum, please call 760/778-1079 or visit www.accmuseum.org.
