Gareth Laffely, 16-year-old NAMMY Rising Star Award recipient and NAMMY and ISMA multi-award nominated Native American flutist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, returns to the Chattanooga Heritage Festival and Pow Wow On The River 2015 stage as a headline performer on Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5. Performance times are, Saturday, April 4, at 5:15 p.m and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 5, 4 p.m. (time approximate due to Pow Wow events scheduled).
Review for Gareth Laffely:
Gareth enjoyed tremendous success in 2014, having captured much fan excitement with his music (debut album release, "The Journey"), live performances, on air radio and television appearances and philanthropic work (charitable donations of time, music, and performance for Hospice, Cancer Patients and anti-bullying messages in schools) across the United States and Canada. Gareth first appeared on the stage of last year's Chattanooga's Heritage Festival and Pow Wow On The River 2014 during his "The Journey" Tour 2014. This time around, Gareth's performance is a one-off performance; he is not currently on tour but he enjoyed being a part of the event so much he could not wait to return. He is thankful for the support of all of his Pow Wow fans, Tammera Hicks and the entire event staff.
Gareth has a revolutionary style that combines rock, pop, and world music and is completely self taught on the Native American flute. He is of Mi'kmaq/Cree descent and from Gallatin, Tenn. near Nashville.
Gareth enlisted two-time GRAMMY Award nominated hit songwriter and Dove Award winning producer Robert White Johnson (Celine Dion, Larnelle Harris, the Beach Boys, Edyta, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, .38 Special) to produce his highly acclaimed debut album entitled, "The Journey", as well as his soon-to-be-released follow-up entitled, "Dare To Dream"; which features an instrumental duet with GRAMMY Award winning composer Laura Sullivan on "Regen's Song", dedicated to a 12 year old boy that lost his battle with cancer. "Dare to Dream" is due to be out later this spring.
Remarkably talented well beyond his years, Gareth has been touching lives and moving souls by tugging at heartstrings of many all over the world. In his short lifetime, he has shown a unique, rare, and undeniable innate ability to make others happy through his music. Whether expressing an emotion or simply conveying an important message for change, Gareth has faced sensitive issues head-on to great aplomb and challenges teens everywhere to get involved with a cause to help make their community a better place. His unquestionable sincerity and thoughtfulness in wanting to make a difference in the lives of others is truly heartfelt, infectious, and very influential and persuasive.
Gareth uses his music as a vehicle to bring attention to important social issues. The title track of his debut album, "The Journey", was written by Gareth to honor those who lost their lives on the Trail of Tears. He was invited to perform at the Tennessee House of Representatives for the history making, Resolution of Regret, issued by the State of Tennessee in 2014 to all Native Americans for the states involvement with the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the subsequent forced removal known as the Trail of Tears. "This Time" promotes an anti-bully message which he takes into schools; performing and teaching what bullying is and its prevention. "Move On" was written after a dear family friend passed away from cancer. Gareth penned the song to help the family deal with the loss. He went on to gain national attention with his music video for "Move On, and began performing at cancer events around the country. He donates all proceeds from the song to cancer. When not touring on the road, Gareth volunteers his time with High Point Hospice, taking his music into hospitals and nursing homes to play for terminal and palliative care patients.
For updated news on everything Gareth, please visit Gareth's Website at: http://www.GarethMusic.com
Also featured will be the Tlaltlacayolotl Aztec Dancers, along with master of ceremonies Jeff Whaley. This year's festival will include Easter games and dancers, along with an award winning tipi lodge, and crafts, such as bow making, beading, pottery, finger weaving, and carving. The festivities at the Chattanooga Heritage Festival and Pow Wow On The River 2015 will be held at the First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.