Spirit Plate

Presented by Sacramento Knoxx with Giizhigad, Kazzy The Gypsy, Raychel Gafford, and The Aadizookaan

 
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Spirit Plate is an immersive storytelling experience that uplifts the ancestral technologies of the people and the land here in Waawiiyaatanong (Detroit). Organized during Día de Muertos and the autumn Ghost Supper, the project uplifts and holds space for the indigenous cultural traditions of Mexico and the Anishinaabe. Unfolding over seven days, it features communal learning journeys, conversations, open studio events, and meals that culminate in a powerful live music performance of Spirit Plate.

The Mighty Children (Day 1) holds space for neighborhood youth to actively engage with indigenous cultural knowledge systems through music production, experimenting with and exploring sounds, live group performances, and recording.

Honor Songs (Day 2) is an intentional space for adults to learn about the teachings of honor songs and to play music that reminds us of our ancestors. This day focuses on conversations with deeply rooted community members to feature and uplift their incredible work within their communities. Conversations are recorded as podcasts and are accompanied by live calavera style make-up sessions and Día de Muertos teachings.

The Spirit Plate (Day 3) combines music, video/moving images, and dancing to honor and remember the ancestors by bringing their stories into an active present and to help shape our future. Guided by the original indigenous culture and sounds from Anishinaabe and Detroit techno, ghettotech, hip-hop, soul, and grit, a contemporary medicine bundle containing a 2LP vinyl record and additional gifts are activated during the experience.

Dates: October 31–November 6, 2019
Partner: ADZKN Headquarters
Location: 3503 Cicotte St, Detroit, MI 48210
Coordinates: 42.32626, -83.12047

Partner: Garage Cultural
Location: 3439 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48210
Coordinates: 42.32648, -83.11728

Partner: Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation
Location: 1211 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216
Coordinates: 42.32658, -83.06379

 

About the Artists

Sacramento Knoxx is an interdisciplinary artist with strong roots in Southwest Detroit. Knoxx blends traditional and contemporary music and sonic styles to create dynamic storytelling experiences. Through live music performances, dancing, & video projections, he takes audiences on a resonant, participatory journey to assemble the worlds we want to live in.

Giizhigad is an Anishinaabe artist & cultural worker rooted in Southwest Detroit. She currently builds creatively and collaboratively with The Aadizookaan in the facets of music, dance, photography, film, and mixed media design as a part of dynamic storytelling installations alchemizing the worlds we want to live in.

Kazzy The Gypsy is an experimental hip-hop artist and musician. He combines elements of rap, jazz, alternative rock, and rhythm and blues that uplifts the cultural legacy of Detroit.

Raychel Gafford is a Southwest Detroit native who engages people to tap into their innate ability to create healing and feed their inner fire through dynamic storytelling, poetry, and art.

The Aadizookaan (ADZKN) seeks wisdom from indigenous, ancestral knowledge systems toward cultural production and storytelling through contemporary, experimental, and traditional film, music, media, and design.