BIG SKY – In an hour-long performance, Supaman is able to transcend his audience through a multitude of emotions and valuable lessons, both personal and historical. The Apsáalooke rapper and dancer, dressed in traditional Crow regalia, mixes rap and traditional Crow song and dance with stand-up comedy, as well as stories of his troubled childhood growing up on the Crow Reservation, including battling alcoholism and the foster care system.
Supaman, whose given name is Christian Parrish Takes the Gun, was part of the Arts Council of Big Sky’s Artist in Residence program with Lone Peak High School on Nov. 16 and 17. The Arts Council coordinated with history and social studies teacher Tony Coppola as well as Shane Doyle from the Montana State University Office of Public Instruction, who is an educational consultant on Native American Studies.
“We strive to use the Artist in Residence program as a way to expose the students to diversity and culture through the arts,” said Megan Buecking, the Arts Council Outreach and Education Coordinator. “Supaman combines music, dance, traditional regalia to engage his audience with the concepts of contemporary Native American culture.”
Supaman is featured alongside the Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo in the music video “Stand Up /Stand N Rock #NoDAPL” earning him an MTV Video Music Award in 2017. Along with his success, Supaman produces his own albums, which he feels ensures its authenticity.
“We listened to these rappers, we listened to what they were saying,” Supaman said, remembering his early days as a DJ. He spoke of the oppression Native peoples have faced and continue to face in the U.S. “What they were saying kind of resonated with a lot of Native Indigenous people because they were talking about being oppressed …we can relate.”
Supaman spoke to the high school students seated in the auditorium about the importance of passing down traditions and of keeping the language of his people alive. He performed the “Men’s Fancy Dance,” as well as the “Crow Hop,” explaining the different elements of his regalia and spoke of the annual Crow Fair. Most of all though, Supaman shares his stories to connect with his audience—to ensure they know they are not alone in their endured hardships.
“When you’re vulnerable, like I was on stage telling my story about my childhood, there’s people in the crowd who listen and they might be able to relate to that story,” he said. “You never know how far your music goes out and touches people, you know, or their situations or whatever it is, as long as you stay open to that, you know, and you give yourself in a genuine way, it impacts people. That’s bigger than any award or money or anything like that.”
The Artist in Residence program is funded by a grant from the Montana Arts Council and the Indian Education For All program. Due to COVID-19 the performance and workshop was spanned over two days so the students could all see Supaman perform in-person at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. The show can be viewed on the Arts Council’s YouTube channel.
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm