You Need To Get Out To Big Cypress! The 4th Annual Indigenous Arts And Music Festival Starts Tomorrow
Tribal Fair might be over, but there’s still a lot of fun left to go this festival season! The Big Cypress Indigenous Arts and Music Festival is back for another year full of music, culture, and dancing starting tomorrow February 5th, 2026 and running through Saturday, February 7th, 2026. This free, family friendly event will honor the knowledge of the men who have come before us, with the theme “Honoring Our Men.” Not sure how to get there? Follow directions to the Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena at 36500 Rodeo Circle Drive, Clewiston, FL 33440.
Below, get to know some of the incredible entertainment at this year’s IAMF before gates open tomorrow! In addition to these incredible performers, IAMF will have an exciting array of food and craft vendors, carnival rides, and Seminole cultural demonstrations to round out the festivities.
Taylor Cheii Begay
Welcoming IAMF’s Master of Ceremonies, Taylor Cheii Begay!
Taylor Cheii Begay is 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. Purposefully not a podcast, the show centers Indigenous voices and visibility, creating a space where stories are both seen and heard. Now back for Season 5 on Instagram and Facebook, The Cheii Show continues to challenge stereotypes and highlight the many ways in which Indigenous people thrive.
Catch Taylor Cheii Begay live as this year’s Indigenous Arts and Music Festival Master of Ceremonies!
Champion Hoop Dancers of the Southwest
Rhythm, movement, and storytelling – all through hoops. Join the Champion Hoop Dancers of the Southwest at this year’s IAMF as they share a stunning performance blending athleticism and tradition in a unique Indigenous dance form that has captivated audiences around the world.
With three highly skilled members, this award-winning group brings a powerful narrative using multiple hoops in motion, guided by the steady beat of the Native American drum.
Main dancer ShanDien Sonwai LaRance is a world-recognized Native American hoop dancer, cultural representative, and performing artist delivering professional Indigenous performances, cultural programming, and educational experiences for communities and institutions worldwide.
Wildlife Presentation
What would the weekend be without a wildlife presentation? At this year’s IAMF, enjoy an incredible educational opportunity to learn about Florida wildlife, handling, and more—with presentations happening each festival day. Don’t forget to also check out legendary alligator wrestler Billy Walker!
The Aztec Cultural Experience
The Aztec Experience is led and directed by Iztacōātl Ruvalcaba & Xiukōātl Ocelōtl. Emerging from the echoes of time, this cultural journey bridges ancient tradition and modern expression. It celebrates the rich heritage of Mesoamerica through vibrant Aztec dance, honoring the greatness of the legendary city of Mexico, Tenochtitlan.
Moving in unified rhythm, the dancers’ powerful and agile motions awaken ancient traditions, transforming history into living movement. Adorned in breathtaking regalia, the dancers become a living tapestry of movement, sound, and spirit.
At the heart of the performance resound the deep, thunderous rhythms of ancient Aztec drums, guiding every movement and awakening ancestral memory. These rhythms blend seamlessly with pre-Columbian music and the spoken sounds of ancient Indigenous languages, immersing the audience in a sacred and electrifying sensory experience.
As the final beats fade and the last dance is offered, we are reminded that this cultural legacy lives beyond the past. By honoring our ancestors, we ignite a future rooted in identity, resilience, and unity.
This cultural experience is presented with profound honor and gratitude as they share the majestic legacy and enduring survival of the Aztec Mexica Nation’s heritage to the formidable and esteemed Unconquered Seminole Tribe of Florida.
In celebration of the great achievements of the Seminole patriarchs, whose wisdom, bravery, and legacy continue to inspire us all, we honor and celebrate the bonds we hold as relatives on our beloved continental Mother Earth. We do so with deep respect, love, and gratitude.
Bearhead Sisters
Comprised of Allie, Trina, and Carly Bearhead, the Bearhead Sisters are a rising musical trio from Paul First Nation, Alberta, Canada. They perform traditional First Nations Pow wow music. Just recently, they won the Juno Award for Traditional Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2023 for their album Unbreakable.
On their official Youtube page, the sisters state “Our music is healing for all. We sing because it heals us also. In this world music is a language spoke by all. We heal each other one song at a time. Sing from heart and they’ll hear you. When you’re feeling down always remember that our loved ones prayed for you to be here. Take that and use it for fuel to find your purpose in this life. You are loved. Always.” You can find more information about their performances on their Facebook.
Bird Singing and Dancing by the River
We’re excited to welcome the Bird Singers to this year’s IAMF lineup! Catch them performing every day of the festival.
Bird Singing and Dancing by the River group was formed back in 2003 by current group leader Annette Vest and other parents and grandparents from Salt River and Lehi that saw a need for their children to learn about their culture and traditions rather than getting involved in the not so great influences of the cities that surround us.
The group teaches and learns both O’odham and Piipaash cultures and traditions of the community. Current lead singer Lynwood Vest joined the group not too long after it was formed. The group consists mainly of youth and their families from the Salt River/Lehi as well as others from our O’odham sister tribes and Yuman family tribes that want to still practice their traditional ways but are living away from their respected communities.
We welcome all that are willing to learn and participate, our group travels all over throughout Arizona and Southern California and even as far as Hawaii to share both songs and dances of the O’odham and Piipaash. Our group’s strength is that not just the children are learning and participating but the families are also learning and participating and giving support as a whole. We do a lot of food sale fundraisers to help offset all our travels costs and the families as well as the group members are all a part of that effort.
Ricky Valido
A modern-day outlaw of country music, Ricky Valido blends honky-tonk, folk, rock, and Americana into a sound uniquely his own. His storytelling, soulful voice, and dynamic performances bring every song to life, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences everywhere.
Distant Thunder: A New Native Musical in Concert
Distant Thunder: A New Native Musical in Concert, written by Shaun Taylor-Corbett from the Blackfeet community, his mother Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and Chris Wiseman, is a hit Native-pop Broadway musical, which premiered in New York City Off-Broadway in 2024. The show offers a beautiful window into the life of a Native community through Darrell Waters, a brash young attorney, who returns home to broker a deal between a large energy company and the Blackfeet Nation.
In the process, he is forced to confront his reclusive father about their painful past. Through his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy Dark Eyes, he rediscovers his identity and feels his perspective shift: his clever business deal will destroy her language school, further erode Blackfeet culture and taint their land. Darrell must grapple with the paradigm of being Native American in America. We are so honored to share this concert performance of Distant Thunder at the 2026 Big Cypress Indigenous Arts and Music Festival!
Seminole Princesses
Miss Florida Seminole Bailey Marie Latchford
Cheehantaǎmo! My name is Bailey Marie Latchford, and I am 21 years old and a proud member of the Otter Clan. My Indian name is “Pa-lo-la-wee-che,” which is from an Indian medicine song for an easy birth. I am currently pursuing a dual degree in Social Work and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology, at Florida State University. Since beginning college in the summer of 2023, I have completed over 200 hours of community service through various organizations and shelters in the Leon County area.
During my reign, my goal is to connect with as many people as possible. I believe that the wisdom and experiences of others allow me to form deeper connections and carry forward new knowledge from every place I visit. I am especially looking forward to meeting with tribal leaders, engaging with Indigenous youth, and sharing the history of the Seminole Tribe wherever my journey takes me. Shonaabesha.
Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Chaka Yani Smith
Estonko! My name is Chaka Yani Smith and I am the reigning Jr. Miss Florida Seminole 2025-2026. I am eighteen years old, and reside in Okeechobee, Florida. My parents are Suraiya and Chaka Smith and I am a proud member of the bird clan. My este-cate, or creek name is “Eslicet” which means to sit with something. I am a senior at Okeechobee High School as well as a dual enrollment student at Indian River State College.
During the school year I participate in a number of sports and extracurriculars such as volleyball, basketball, weightlifting, and flag football. I am also a member of my school’s Drama Club, National Honor Society, and Beta Club. In my free time I enjoy traveling, reading, volunteering for local organizations as well as spending time with family and friends.
After high school I plan to continue my college education earning a degree in Political Science, or Public Policy. Eventually I would like to work in the Florida House of Representatives and one day, Congress, to make a positive difference not just for Florida, but for the rest of the country, especially my Seminole people and indigenous communities.
AntioneX
AntoineX is an Omaha-based hip-hop artist and producer of Umonhon, Oglala, and Sicangu Lakota descent. As the founder of the ALLSZN collective, he leads music production workshops for Indigenous youth across North America, blending high-level artistry with community empowerment.
His career is marked by high-profile collaborations, including the single “Used to This” featuring Shordie Shordie, and national media coverage on platforms like The Breakfast Club. A seasoned live performer, AntoineX has shared stages with legendary acts such as Nelly and Three 6 Mafia, and recently headlined major events including the NDN Collective’s 2025 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Concert. He remains a prominent voice in contemporary music, dedicated to representing Lakota culture on global stages.
Mista Chief
Dubbed as the Reggae Redman, Mista Chief is a multi-award-winning Indigenous Reggae & Hip-Hop Artist/Producer and founding member of BurialGround Society. Born of Northern Cheyenne ancestry, Chief applies his Native American culture into his unique blend of Dancehall Reggae and positive Hip-Hop.
Mista Chief walks proud through his journeys in life spreading music that people can vibe to and connect with; he likes to think of himself as a bridge between cultures, a voice of the people and a link between many worlds. His debut LP NATION2NATION features a song & music video with Abstract Rude of LA’s legendary Good Life Cafe Hip-Hop scene. Afterwards, Mista Chief was featured on 2 songs (including a solo cut), on Abstract Rude’s Keep The Feel Ent. label sampler.
Tatanka Means
Tatanka Means is an award-winning actor and stand-up comedian from Chinle, Arizona. He represents the Navajo, Oglala Lakota, Yankton Dakota and Omaha Nations. His most recent film is the Oscar nominated “Killers of The Flower Moon” directed by Martin Scorsese. Means can be seen on Kevin Costner’s, “Horizon” and in the A24 horror “Opus” now streaming on HBO and season one of the NETFLIX series, “Ransom Canyon.” Watch Tatanka next in his upcoming Yellowstone spinoff series, “Y: Marshals,” coming soon to CBS and Paramount Plus.
Aside from acting Tatanka performs stand-up comedy throughout Native America sharing the good medicine of laughter to all ages. Tatanka was recently a featured comedian on the PBS special, “Roots of Comedy,” with Jesus Trejo.
Tatanka was named “Entertainer of The Year” by the National Indian Gaming Association. He is proud to be an alcohol & drug-free sober performer.
Carradine Billie, via the Seminole Tribune
Carradine Billie
Back again to the IAMF stage is Carradine Billie! Billie, also known as Seminole Prince, is from the Big Cypress Reservation. Carradine Billie received his second NAMA nomination in 2022 when his song Osceola was nominated for “best rap video.” His first nomination was for the song Remember Me.
Although Osceola is about the Seminole War period, Billie chose to portray a modern-day warrior in his music video. “Living as modern-day Seminoles, we have our own battles,” Billie said in a 2022 article about the nomination. “I’ve been sober 17 years. It took its toll on me; I lost a lot of friends to it. I knew it was time to make something better of my life and it was the best decision I ever made.”
Blaine Bailey
Blaine Bailey will co-headline the Friday evening concert for the Indigenous Arts and Music Festival February 6th, 2026. His Native heritage is at the heart of his identity and artistry and has already carved a distinctive voice in the music world. Growing up in Tahlequah, Oklahoma he was surrounded by the blues-infused sounds of his Keetoowah elders. Influenced by legendary guitarists Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as the red dirt country music his mother played during his childhood, Blaine developed a unique style that fuses storytelling, soul and grit.
Tia Wood
It’s a long way from the dirt roads of Saddle Lake Cree Nation in central Alberta to the bright lights of Los Angeles, California, but Tia Wood followed her heart from the Rez to the City of Angels to make her musical dreams come true.
Her powerful, soulful voice carries the spirit of her peoples’ songs that have echoed from her homelands since time immemorial, and the musical roots of her family tree run deep. Growing up in a home rich with music and culture, she began singing as soon as she could talk, inspired and nurtured by her parents, siblings, and her dual Plains Cree and Coast Salish heritage. So, Tia believes it was inevitable that she’s now blazing her own trail as a solo artist. Wood received a 2025 JUNO nomination for her debut EP “Pretty Red Bird” last year.
“When I was younger, this kind of stuff is something I dreamed about, but just never would say out loud because I never thought it was reachable,” says the 26-year-old. “But it’s just so cool. I’m just so grateful.”
Tia also calls it “surreal” to go from the western edges of the Canadian Prairies to the west coast metropolis of Los Angeles. Saddle Lake Cree Nation is a community of about 6000 people in Treaty 6 territory, about a two-hour drive east of the Alberta capital of Edmonton. Her home community is where Tia’s musical journey began; her first experiences on stage were performing with her family, singing traditional music at powwows, schools, community events, and various showcases.
Back then, her father, Earl Wood, co-founded and was a member of the legendary JUNO-winning and Grammy-nominated powwow drum group Northern Cree, and her mother, Cynthia Jim, was in an all-women drum group. The talent in her family is generational: her sister, Fawn Wood, is also a JUNO Award-winning singer.
Even though she calls her younger self “the shyest kid” among her other siblings, Tia says those early performances and musical teachings from her family were hugely formative and led her on to the path she continues to follow today, proudly celebrating and sharing the songs and dances of her people.
Want to know a little secret? Tia Wood has brand new music being released tomorrow on February 6th! Check out her social media for more details, and catch her live also on February 6th at IAMF!
James Billie and Raiford Starke Band
IAMF attendees are in for a treat Saturday night at 6 pm! Right before Neal McCoy goes on at 7pm, former Chairman James E. Billie and the Raiford Starke Band will take the main stage. Billie has had an incredible impact on the Seminole Tribe of Florida, both as a political powerhouse and a musician. He also received a Florida Folk Heritage Award in 2019. Ten years earlier in 1999, he received a Grammy nomination for his song Big Alligator. That same year the Native American Music Awards named Billie a Living Legend. Billie is known for his signature style of mixing stories, legends, and music together to create a performance to remember.
Billie is joined on stage by Raiford Starke, real name Colin Kenny. Starke is a guitar whiz and “outlaw country folk singer steeped in southern rock and psychedelic blues guitar.” He has been playing with Billie for years, actually cutting his first album in the Big Cypress Swamp. Above, you can see Billie playing with Raiford Starke in 2014 at the 17th Annual American Indigenous Arts Celebration on Big Cypress.
Neal McCoy
Coming to this year’s Big Cypress Indigenous Arts & Music Festival is Neal McCoy! Neal has released fifteen studio albums. In 1993, Neal McCoy broke through with the back-to-back number 1 singles “No Doubt About It” and “Wink” from his platinum-certified album No Doubt About It. His commercial success continued into the late 1990s with two more platinum albums and a gold album, as well as six more Top Ten hits. A seventh Top Ten hit, “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On”, came in 2005 from his self-released That’s Life.
A new studio album, XII, arrived in 2012 Co Produced by Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert. In 2013 he released Pride: A Tribute to Charley Pride, Neal’s longtime friend and mentor. 2015 brought the Big Band Standards CD You Don’t Know Me. 2017 brought Neal McCoy’s Favorite Hit’s. 10 Hits with 2 new songs.
Neal has been on 17 USO Tours around the world and continues to say it’s one of the achievements he’s most proud of. He is also the recipient of multiple Humanitarian awards from The Academy of Country Music, The Country Radio Broadcasters and The Masonic Grand Lodge.
In 2016 Neal has again made a move to continue his patriotic values by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance “Live” on his Facebook page every morning. He’s reached millions of viewers all over the country and around the world. Currently he just achieved 3000 days in a row and going strong. Neal still maintains a very busy touring schedule all through the year. Make sure to catch a show when he’s near because as Neal says “No two shows are the same!”
