photo by Kimberlie Hall

With the help of some friends, the hard rocking Mr. Bling Bling himself, Micki Free, brought down the house during the closing of the 7th Annual Native American Music Awards. Micki Free along with his band The 9 was set to close the show, but to our surprise, what seemed to be half way through his electrifying rocking performance, he called the styling Martha Redbone to the stage, incorporating her unique soulful sound to his electric beat.

It was at that moment I realized this amazing performance was totally spontaneous, and both Micki and Martha were in the midst of creating an amazing song right there on the spot.

One of the inspiring memories of this great closing was the homage Micki was paying to Martha, chanting her name over and over again between their amazing lyrics. As if this wasn’t enough, the jam went on with Micki calling Native rapper and this year’s Artist of the Year, Litefoot, to the stage.

And like the homage Micki was paying Martha, he reiterated the same to Litefoot who joined them both on stage and began blending his inspiring rap message Litefoot style.

It was like a competition to see who could last the longest and keep the music going without missing a beat… Micki… Martha… Litefoot… back and forth for what seemed to go on for a lifetime… an amazing dream that you just didn’t want to end. Rock’n guitars… soulful sounds with a hip hop added flavor… praising each other… praising the people… the Seminole Tribe… the Creator.

– Kimberlie Hall