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Speak Story Series to host Native American storyteller July 11

ISSUED: 29 June 2017
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University and Speak Story Series will present a special concert with South Dakota’s Native American storyteller Kevin Locke (Tokaheya Inajin in Lakota) on Tuesday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Student Center Storer Ballroom. Tickets, which are $12 for the public and free to Shepherd students with a valid Rambler ID, will be available at the door on the night of the performance.

Of Lakota and Anishnabe descent, Locke is a world famous hoop dancer, preeminent player of the indigenous Northern Plains flute, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist, and educator. A recipient of the National Heritage Fellowship, Locke has performed for more than 40 years to hundreds of thousands of people in more than 90 countries.

Locke said his goal is to empower today’s youth in culture and “raise awareness of the oneness we share as human beings.” His belief in the unity of humankind is expressed dramatically in the traditional hoop dance, which he said illustrates the roles and responsibilities that all human beings have within the hoops, or circles, of life.

“Through my music and dance, I want to create a positive awareness of the oneness of humanity,” he said. Since 1982, Locke has recorded 12 albums of music and stories.

For more information about the event, visit the Speak Story Series site: www.speakstoryseries.com/.

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