Musicians celebrate culture and compassion

By Laureen F. Guenther Times Contributor

Producer and musician Denis Grady is bringing two musical and cultural events to Wheatland County this week.
On June 30 and July 1, he is producing and performing in the Love the Tribe: Canada Day Music Festival at the Strathmore rodeo grounds. Numerous Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians will perform from noon to 6 p.m. both days. Grady performs with the Common Welfare Band, and Danny Agajanian of Colorado will also perform.
Love the Tribe is part of the Blackfoot Cultural Festival, which also includes the Chief Crowfoot Art Show, the First Nations Festival of Faith, Cowboy Church and the Indian Relay Race.
The Indian Relay Race is on horses, Grady said, and the riders ride bareback. Most of the riders are Indigenous, and they wear regalia, such as feathers and painted faces.
“It’s visually very appealing, and (that adds to) the energy of the race. It will grab everybody’s attention,” Grady said. “(It’s) a wonderful cultural sports event. It brings forth the integrity of the culture in a fun way.
“The whole idea here is the collective of the Canadian cultural mosaic, that we’re a multi-cultural country. That makes us special, diversified and great. The idea of coming together and celebrating with the original Canadians.”
On July 3 at 7 p.m., Grady and Agajanian will perform a country gospel and comedy concert at St. Rita’s Church in Rockyford. Although admission is free, an offering will be taken with funds going to Franciscan and Friends Mission, of which Grady and his wife are the founders.
“Danny’s got an amazing ability to make people laugh,” Grady said. “(He has) banjo and mandolin skills. It makes for a very entertaining evening.” Agajanian has performed with Johnny Cash, Grady said, and at the Grand Ole Opry.
Grady himself is also a songwriter and has been performing music for 30 years. He said he looks forward to the power of music and culture to bring people together at this concert.
Their current focus is working with local Indigenous people, especially youth who struggle with addictions and social issues. Once a month, they visit Siksika Nation and the Piikani Nation, bringing arts supplies, harmonicas and sports equipment. They give arts and harmonica-playing classes, and initiate games of soccer or lacrosse.
Tax receipts will be issued for donations at the concert. For more information, see franciscanandfriends.ca. For more information about the Blackfoot Cultural Festival, see blackfootrodeo.ca. The Indian Relay Race takes place on June 30 and July 1 at 6 p.m. at the Strathmore rodeo grounds.