Michigan and Rookie - Book Launch!

Joaquin and I are pleased to announce the launch of Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night September 9-11, 2011 at Indian Summer Fest in Milwaukee! Held at the beautiful lakefront Henry Maier Festival Park, this 3-day festival is the largest Native American celebration in the country. This year marks the 25th anniversary for Indian Summer Fest, a regular stop on the annual tour schedule for Brulé.

Yes, equally exciting to announce, Brulé will be performing throughout the day at the main entrance! Thanks to an invite from Paul LaRoche and Kathy Summers, Joaquin and I will get to set up shop with the book right next to them. Brulé is also scheduled to perform a full concert both Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 on Miller Stage. As everyone who has already seen Brulé knows, their hauntingly beautiful music and live performances create a contagious excitement wherever they go. Their concerts are described as an experience in “sight, sound, and soul”; a two-hour show that features their unique blend of contemporary Native American sounds and rhythms. Each song is accompanied by beautiful choreography and breathtaking American Indian dancers wearing traditional regalia.



Brule' in concert

American Indian dancers in traditional regalia

Joaquin first saw Brulé in concert back in 2009 when he was going through a difficult period in his life. Their stirring and soulful music bought a sense of healing to Joaquin and after reading Paul’s biography, Hidden Heritage: The Story of Paul LaRoche, Joaquin contacted me about writing his memoir. As it turned out Paul was so moved by Joaquin’s story that he featured Joaquin and Rookie in the episode “Native American Heroes” on his weekly television program Hidden Heritage on RFD-TV. Joaquin’s episode earned among the highest Nielson Ratings for RFD-TV in 2010.

Paul, Joaquin, and Rookie
Taping the episode "Native American Heroes"

I feel honored to have written both Paul’s and Joaquin’s story, a journey that’s allowed me to spend time on the pristine and beautiful Lower Brule Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, and to ride shotgun in Joaquin’s police car on his regular nightshift in Saginaw, Michigan. Writing both stories has enriched my life immensely, and it is my hope and prayer that everyone who reads their books will be enriched as well.

We’d love to have you join us at Indian Summer Fest for three full days of American Indian arts, music, pow wow, and more. For details, go to: www.indiansummer.org

For Brulé’s current tour schedule, go to: www.BruleRecords.com

We’d love to see you at our book launch in Milwaukee, Friday-Sunday, September 9, 10 & 11!

Barbara & Joaquin