The Gathering of Nations is the largest pow-wow in the United States and North America. It is held annually on the fourth weekend in April, on the Powwow Grounds at Expo NM, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over 565 tribes from around the United States and 220 from Canada travel to Albuquerque to participate. There are 36 dance categories, and different age group categories including Elders, Golden Age, Adults, Teens and Tiny Tots. Other competitions include Northern Singers, Southern Singers, Women's Back-up Singing, and a competition for Drum Groups and Drummers and other various special competitions. A pageant for Miss Indian World is held each year. The winner is chosen based upon personality, knowledge of tribal traditions, and dancing ability. There is also Indian Traders Market featuring artists, crafters and traders selling Native American and Indigenous arts and crafts. Additional activities during this native themed festival is stage 49 The contemporary music and performance space where native musicians and others experience performance on a professional stage and in front of a large audience. Also is the native horse and rider regalia parade, honoring the horse culture among tribes. And the tee pee village. Gathering of Nations also participates annually in a literacy program, delivering over four thousand books to young children registered to dance. Gathering of Nations maintains a high level traveling show since 1995, with performances throughout USA, Asia, Europe and on Broadway in New York City. Also numerous performances on national television with five live performances on the NBC Today show. 2010 Grammy winner for best Native American music album, A Spirit's Dance. The Gathering of Nations Powwow is a family event where everyone is invited. The Gathering of Nations is North America's biggest Powwow.
Electric 49
The Electric 49 was an annual Native American Music concert held during the weekend of Pow-wow, but in no way associated with the official events of the Gathering. The concert was originated/created by the group Red Earth in 1998, and saw eight annual editions since that year. Since 2006, however, there has not been another festival, as Red Earth remains on hiatus. The Electric 49 focused on highlighting artistically challenging Native American Musicians throughout the Americas, and its goal was to highlight contemporary Native music. Throughout the years, the Electric 49 has featured Red Earth, Robert Mirabal, Ethnic DeGeneration, Star Nayea, Native Roots, Casper, Querosene Jacare, Cisco, Derek Miller, Stoic Frame, DJ Abel and Quese IMC. True to the diversity of contemporary native music, festival performers have been from across numerous genres including Heavy metal, Reggae, Blues, Hip hop, New Mexico music, and Waila.
