Dawa nominated for three NAMA awards, performing at Jugg-Fest Saturday

Dawa is nominated for three Native American Music Awards, which take place May 10 in New York. The group performs Saturday at Jugg-Fest at Comerica Theater in Phoenix. Pictured: Chuck Harris,  Frank Poocha, John E. Lawrence, Patrick Murrilo and Brad Choate.  Submitted photo

Dawa is nominated for three Native American Music Awards, which take place May 10 in New York. The group performs Saturday at Jugg-Fest at Comerica Theater in Phoenix. Pictured: Chuck Harris, Frank Poocha, John E. Lawrence, Patrick Murrilo and Brad Choate. Submitted photo

Native American band Dawa was recently nominated for three categories at the Native American Music Awards (NAMA), which take place May 10 at the Seneca Niagara Hotel and Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

The Phoenix-based group was nominated for Best Debut Group of the Year, Best Rock Album of the Year and Best Video of the Year (long version).

Dawa is Chuck Harris on lead guitar, vocals and Native American flute, Frank Poocha on keyboard, trumpet, vocals and acoustic guitar, John E. Lawrence on drums, Patrick Murrilo on percussion and vocals, and Brad Choate on bass guitar.

Formerly with Clandestine, Harris and Poocha won Best Pop/Rock Album of the Year at the Native American Music Awards in 2001.

Band manager and booking agent Jackson Harris said being nominated for the awards is amazing, but one nomination feels a little extra special.

"It's so incredible to come out and be nominated for Best Rock Album of the Year," said Harris. "I think that one is a little more special because it's all completely original music of theirs and they've worked so hard to get here."

Dawa's relationships and achievements within the Native music scene run deep. A blend of culture and music, Dawa combines rock, reggae and acoustic influences with indigenous sounds to create a uniquely original style.

Music lovers and Dawa fans can vote for their favorites in each of the NAMA categories online at www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com. On the website voters can listen to the music, watch videos and then pick their favorite.

"We worked so hard and we're so thrilled to be nominated," Harris said. "And we're hopeful and positive that we'll get the support we need to come away winners in May."

Collectively experienced on local and international levels, the band strives to convey positive vibes, a respect for life and a sense of cultural dignity through its music. With the ability to perform as a duo, trio, or a full live band, Dawa is capable of playing a variety of events and venues.

Dawa takes the stage this Saturday at the second annual Jugg-Fest concert at Comerica Theatre at 400 W. Washington St. in Phoenix. Dawa is one of several bands opening for headliner Ky-Mani Marley. Dawa performs at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m.

Juggernaut Music Entertainment Inc. and former Arizona Cardinal Reagan Maui'a are putting on the concert event, which also features chart-topping artists Common Kings, Natural Roots, Zhen, Kava Kreation and Teez.

"It's going to be a big deal and I'm really excited about this. We are so honored that they called us to be a part of it," Harris said. "We're thrilled, it's not only a concert it's a full-on event."

Vendors, Polynesian dancers, merchandise, give-a-ways, meet and greet sessions with all performing artists and photo opportunities with special guest celebrities and NFL players will all be on tap.

Organizers put on Jugg-Fest annually to raise money to help Valley communities prevent, cope with and address bullying in various societal settings and schools. Money raised through Jugg-Fest will benefit the development of the Reagan Maui'a Foundation and its trek to become an official not-for-profit organization by the end of 2013.

After moving to California from American Samoa, Maui'a, CEO and president of Juggernaut Music Entertainment, said he understands firsthand how being viewed as different can affect children on various levels - even to a point of being bullied and developing low self-esteem.

"It's truly inspiring whenever artists, and people in general, can come together in support of a wonderful cause," said Maui'a. "We are all passionate about the happiness, health and well-being of children, and look forward to the actualization of the Reagan Maui'a Foundation's mission, which is centered on hope."

Jugg-Fest tickets are $40 at the door, $30 pre-sale for general admission, and $35 pre-sale for front stage or pit. Children six and younger are free. Tickets are available at (602) 300-6952 or at www.ticketmaster.com. More information about Juggernaut Music Entertainment is available at www.juggernautmusicent.com.

Later this month Dawa will provide music for the Sunrise Service for Lori Piestewa and all fallen warriors on March 23. Later that same evening, Dawa will perform at the third annual Lori Piestewa Memorial Concert at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Phoenix.

The National Indian Gaming Association's (NIGA) Native Showcase is March 24-28 in Phoenix. Dawa performs on March 27 during the showcase.

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