Albuquerque, NM- This year marks the 25th anniversary of “North America’s Biggest Powwow,” the Gathering of Nations, and Southwest Stages is proud to bring the powwow to fans across North America with 12 hours of live radio coverage from the University of New Mexico Arena (the "Pitt").

Hosted by Native America Calling’s Harlan McKosato (Sac & Fox), and Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist Conroy Chino (Acoma), the two days of coverage will capture all the sounds from the powwow floor, including the MC’s, drum and dance competitions, along with special presentations, candid interviews, and the Crowning of Miss Indian World.

With over 3,000 dancers and singers representing more than 500 tribes across North America, this year’s Gathering is once again expected to fill the “Pit” to capacity. These broadcasts give valuable exposure to Native artist and drum groups who often are not heard on mainstream radio. They provide insight into Native cultures, music, powwow history, and traditions, giving those who are unable to attend the best seat in the house.

In collaboration with Native Voice One (NV1), the only radio distributer for Native American programming, the live broadcasts will be heard on a network of Tribal and Public Radio stations throughout the country. So far, 29 stations in eleven states and Canada have already confirmed their participation.  A complete list of stations is available at http://southweststages.org.

Southwest Stages is a nonprofit arts and media organization based in Albuquerque, NM,  that delivers quality radio programming which celebrates the cultures, communities, and musical events of the Southwest. We specialize in live radio broadcasts, and have provided live coverage of significant national powwows, such as the Gathering of Nations, and The Smithsonian Institution’s National Powwow, since 2005. Southwest Stages also produces a weekly, one-hour, commercial-free concert program called Southwest Stages,  which features a variety of musical performances and artist interviews, recorded live at venues, events and festivals around the Southwest.

2008 Gathering of Nations Live Broadcast Times:
Friday, April 25th       6pm-12am (MT)
Saturday, April 26th   5pm-11am (MT)

Southwest Stages' 2008 Gathering of Nations Live Broadcast is made possible by the generous support of:
AMERIND Risk Management
Q Jam - Free event Alb. Civic Plaza, Saturday May 4, 2008
Junior Achievement of NM
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuqerque International Balloon Museum
Futures For Children
New Mexico Department of Tourism
The City of Albuquerque
The Gathering of Nations
NV1

A detailed GON powwow schedule at www.gatheringofnations.com. More information about Southwest Stages weekly broadcast schedule and partner stations is at http://southweststages.org