At 6pm on Thursday, April 17, students and community members alike were welcomed to gather in an intimate performance by Bizhiki, to connect “experientially and emotionally to Native American culture, through the crisp lens of art and collaboration,” the event webpage reads.

“Diverse instrumentation — including powwow drums, percussion, drum programming, electric bass, synthesizers, guitars, piano, and vocals — expertly evoke the lived Anishinaabe experience in a unique format,” The University Activities Commission at UW-Eau Claire wrote to describe Bizhiki's musical style.

The University Activities Commission coordinated the event — held in the Dakota Ballroom at the W.R. Davies Student Center (77 Roosevelt Ave., Eau Claire) — with Centering Native Voices and the American Indian Studies program serving as co-hosts.

Throughout the performance, vocalists Joe Rainey (Red Lake Ojibwe) and Dylan Bizhikiins Jennings (Bad River Ojibwe) shared their appreciation for the opportunity to convey aspects of their communities and embrace a feeling of unity and togetherness.

The audience at UW-Eau Claire witnessed a collection of songs from Bizhiki's debut album, Unbound. The ensemble delivered a captivating performance, showcasing their musical talents and engaging stage presence, audience members commented. 

Sean Carey (percussion), Ben Lester (pedal steel guitar), Michael Lewis (saxophone), Jeremy Ylvisaker (guitar) and Steve Garrington (bass) joined Rainey and Bizhikiins Jennings on stage.

The show featured a complete collection of songs from the album, including the title track "Unbound," a thought-provoking view in "Rez News," and a stirring call to action, "Gigawaabamin (Come Through)." This contemporary intersectional musical production celebrated the traditions of Native powwow music.

Bizhikiins Jennings described the style of singing and the songs associated with the drum as unique and distinct. Bizhiki's message of healing, unity, togetherness, and community feels especially important now, he said. It's about checking on each other and being together, just like the audience was that night.

“They say that (the music) pierces the air and it impacts us in a good way,” Bizhikiins Jennings said. “That style of drum is healing, so when we hear those drums and we hear these songs, that's what we're doing too — we're spreading the healing.”

As the performance concluded, Bizhiki expressed their sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support they received from both residents and the broader music community Eau Claire fosters.

Bizhiki, the Wisconsin-based collective of musicians, fuses Native American powwow singing and hand drumming with electronic indie and avant-garde pop music. Their debut album, Unbound, is available on all major streaming platforms.