Taylor Cheii Begay takes M.C. duties at Indigenous Arts and Music Festival

The fourth annual Indigenous Arts and Music Festival (IAMF) runs through Saturday, February 7, at the Junior Cypress Entertainment Complex on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in Clewiston, Fla.

Popular social personality Taylor Cheii Begay, who rose from teenage content creator to in-demaind host, is master of ceremonies this year. Cheii Begay an Indigenous educator, ambassador, and public speaker, as well as the creator of “The Cheii Show,” a web series dedicated to Indigenous representation, education, and success. 

This year’s festival theme, “Honoring Our Men,” highlights Indigenous strength, creativity and cultural continuity through music, dance and storytelling. The three-day, free-admission event will feature Indigenous performers from across the United States and Canada.

Scheduled performers include Champion Hoop Dancers of the Southwest, the Aztec Cultural Experience, the Bearhead Sisters, Bird Singing and Dancing by the River, the Ahfachkee School band, AntioneX, Mista Chief, Tatanka Means, Carradine Billie and James Billie. Friday night’s co-headliners are Blaine Bailey and Tia Wood. Additional musical acts include Ricky Valido on Thursday and country artist Neal McCoy, who will headline Saturday evening.

In addition to live performances, the festival will feature Native American food vendors, wildlife demonstrations, art and craft booths, Seminole cultural demonstrations, carnival attractions and family-friendly activities.

IAMF is open to the public at no cost. The Junior Cypress Entertainment Complex is located at 36500 Rodeo Drive, Clewiston, Fla. A full event schedule and additional details are available at indigenousamf.com.