November 7, 2019
A special screening of Spirit Song, a documentary filmed on the Skywalker Ranch, established by George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars franchise, will feature the recording "Voices of the Guardians," a collaboration between Native American musician, composer, and MTSU student Gareth Laffely. Wes Studi, whose work includes "Dances With Wolves" and "Last of the Mohicans" and "Avatar" narrates the film. The film, which was selected for the 2019 American Documentary Film Festival and the George Lindsey Una Film Festival, will be followed by a discussion with Laffely and a traditional Native American musical performance by the 21-year-old artist. The talented multi-instrumentalist, who at the age of 17, became the youngest artist to reach No. 2 on the Billboard New Age chart, is of Native American ancestry. Laffely's performances of original compositions that promote social justice and historical awareness are propelling him as an impact activist for the Native American Community.
Start time: 6:00 pm
Location: Tennessee State Museum