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Native American Flutist Gareth Laffely featured performer at flute festival in Townsend

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Gifted 16-year-old Native American flutist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer Gareth Laffely will bring "The Journey" Tour 2014 to the 2nd Annual Renaissance of the North American Flute Festival in Townsend, TN.


 

KNOXVILLE — Gifted 16-year-old Native American flutist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer Gareth Laffely will bring "The Journey" Tour 2014 to the 2nd Annual Renaissance of the North American Flute Festival, Main Stage. The festival is being held at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend, TN from June 5th through June 8th. Laffely will perform on Thursday, June 5th at 8:00 pm and Friday, June 6th at 10:00 am. Performances over the four day event also include R. Carlos Nakai, Jan Seiden, Walt Keale, Randy McGinnis, Randy Granger, Rona Yellow Robe, Ron Warren, Rob Thorne, Cody Blackbird, Fred Yellow Knife, Painted Raven, Steve Rushingwind, Ryan Little Eagle Molina, Robert and Julia Gatliff, and John Sarantos.

Gareth has been capturing much fan excitement with his music and live performances across the United States and Canada since his debut CD release "The Journey". He recently participated in a GRAMMY U Amplifier contest, sponsored by the Recording Academy and Hyundai Motors, where he finished in 3rd position for popular fan voting with his song "Under A Big Sky”. Several TV and on-air radio appearances have only helped to solidify his popularity.

- “[Gareth] exhibits the promise, passion, and dedication necessary to carry on the tradition of the Native American flute.” Dr. Kathleen Joyce-Grendahl, Overtones | Quarterly Publication of the World Flute Society

- "He’s a rare talent, and he’s still just a kid. Compared to a lot of what’s going on in Nashville these days, he puts the 'music' in 'Music City'. Check him out." - Rick Moore, Writer - Music News Nashville

- "This eleven song debut release [The Journey] is as interesting as it is refreshing; a very impressive and solid first outing. Mention flute music in any combination with rock or pop and you naturally think of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. And, it's apparent Gareth's musical vision combines the spiritual and healing influences of the Native American flute with the edge of Ian Anderson. Gareth has an exceptional command of the Native American Flute as an instrument..." - William Kelly Milionis, Chicago Live Music Examiner - Examiner.com

Gareth has a revolutionary style that combines rock, pop, and world music. He is completely self taught on the Native American flute. He is of Mi'kmaq/Cree descent and from Gallatin, Tennessee near Nashville. He enlisted two-time GRAMMY Award nominated hit songwriter and Dove Award winning producer Robert White Johnson (Celine Dion, Larnelle Harris, the Beach Boys, Edyta, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, .38 Special), top Nashville session musicians Dave Cleveland (Guitar), Mike Noble (Guitar), Jason Webb (Piano), Jeff Roach (Piano), Craig Nelson (Bass), Scott Williamson (Drums), Steve Brewster (Drums), Thornton Cline (cello), Susan Oliver (Background Vocals), and GRAMMY Award winner Gary Dales (engineer) to assist on his album, "The Journey".

Remarkably talented well beyond his years, Gareth has been touching lives and moving souls by tugging at heartstrings of many all over the world. In his short lifetime, he has shown a unique, rare, and undeniable innate ability to make others happy through his music. Whether expressing an emotion or simply conveying an important message for change, Gareth has faced sensitive issues head-on to great aplomb and challenges teens everywhere to get involved with a cause to help make their community a better place. His unquestionable sincerity and thoughtfulness in wanting to make a difference in the lives of others is truly heartfelt, infectious, and very influential and persuasive! “This Time”, features Gareth on vocal and Native American Flute and was co-written by Gareth with Robert White Johnson and Susan Oliver and promotes an anti-bully message which he takes into schools; performing and teaching what bullying is and its prevention. "Move On" was written after a dear family friend passed away from Cancer. Gareth penned the song to help the family deal with the loss. Gareth went on to gain national attention with his music video for “Move On”, and began performing at Cancer events around the country. He donates all proceeds from the song to Cancer.

For updated concert listings, please visit Gareth's Website at: www.GarethMusic.com. Laffely is also on Facebook at : www.facebook.com/GarethMusic; on Twitter at twitter.com/GarethLaffely; and www.soundcloud.com/GarethLaffely .

For more information on the Festival, please visit www.knoxvilletennessee.com/events/native-american-flute-festival.html.

Published June 4, 2014




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