April 17, 2003

Grammy-winning area flutist to perform

Mary Youngblood, the Orangevale resident who won this year’s Grammy Award for Best Native American Music Album, will give a performance and lecture from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at California State University, Sacramento. The free event will be at Serna Plaza, adjacent the University Union.

Youngblood, an American Indian of Aleut and Seminole descent, is often called the first American female to professionally record the native flute. Her Grammy, for the album “Beneath the Raven Moon,” was the first win by a woman in the Native American category.

Billboard magazine, in its review of “Beneath the Raven Moon” said, “There's something about the sound of a Native American flute that can be absolutely enchanting and in the hands of a master like Mary Youngblood, the sound ably soothes tired bodies and souls."

In addition to her Grammy, Youngblood has received several Native American Music Awards including the 2002 “Nammy” for best new age recording for “Beneath the Raven Moon.” She also received awards for female artist of the year, flutist of the year and best new age recording for the album “Heart of the World” in 2001.

For additional information, contact UNIQUE promotions at (916) 278-3928. Media assistance is available by contacting the CSUS public affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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