Red Clay State will feature a summer concert with award winning Gareth Laffely from Gallatin, Tn. on Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at Red Clay State Park Amphitheater, 1140 Red Clay Park in Cleveland.
Officials said, "Gareth has a revolutionary style that combines rock, pop, and world music and is completely self taught on the Native American flute. He is of Mi'kmaq/Cree descent and from Gallatin, Tn. near Nashville. Gareth will be performing songs from his award winning CD, "The Journey" and from his soon to be released CD, "Dare to Dream," which features an instrumental duet with GRAMMY Award winning Laura Sullivan on "Regen's Song", a song dedicated to a 12 year old boy that lost his battle with cancer on Christmas day 2013."
The title track of, "The Journey", was written to honor those who lost their lives on the Trail of Tears.
Mr. Laffely was invited to perform at the Tennessee House of Representatives for the history making, Resolution of Regret, issued by the State of Tennessee in 2014 to all Native Americans for the states involvement with the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the forced removal known as the Trail of Tears.
"Remarkably talented well beyond his years, Mr. Laffely has been touching lives all over the world. He faces sensitive issues head-on and challenges teens everywhere to get involved with a cause to help make their community a better place. The song, 'This Time' promotes an anti-bully message which Gareth takes into schools across the country. When not touring, Gareth volunteers his time with Hospice, using his music to soothe terminal care patients," officials said.
The concert is free and open to all ages. Donations to Red Clay Park will be accepted. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as seating is limited.
Reviews of Gareth Leffely
"He’s a rare talent, and he’s still just a kid… he puts the 'music' in 'Music City'. Check him out." - Rick Moore, writer - Music News Nashville
" -Gareth's musical vision combines the spiritual and healing influences of the Native American flute with the edge of Ian Anderson.”- William Kelly Milionis, Chicago Live Music Examiner
"... Young, smart, innovative artists are making strong bold statements on the environment and social justice issues every day. The challenges of our youth are particularly troubling and having them addressed by young artists like Gareth is exactly what Native people need." - John Kane, national commentator and host of "Let's Talk Native with John Kane" (WWKB/ESPN 1520 AM, Buffalo, N.Y.)