Jack Gladstone to Perform with Swan Valley Students

SWAN VALLEY - Alpine Artisans' 2 Valleys Stage (2VS) presents one of Native America's premier lyric storysmiths Jack Gladstone, "Montana's Troubadour." Gladstone will perform in concert, with Swan Valley School (SVS) students, at the Swan Valley Community Hall March 12 at 3 p.m. Along with the concert, a slide show produced by Patti Bartlett will play as backdrop for Gladstone and his music.

In a career spanning more than three decades, Gladstone is regarded as a cultural bridge builder. In 2015, Gladstone was honored with a Governor's Humanities Award. He is also an inductee to the University of Washington Alumni Hall of Fame, a C.M. Russell Heritage Award recipient, and winner of a "Best Historical Recording" award from the Native American Music Association. In addition, Gladstone received a Community Spirit Award in 2016 from the First Peoples Fund.

Attending the University of Washington on a football scholarship, Gladstone earned both a Rose Bowl ring and a B.A. in Speech Communications. Returning to teach and coach on Montana's Blackfeet Indian Reservation, he diversified his interpretations and lyrical illustrations of Native America.

In 1985, Gladstone co-founded Glacier National Park's "Native America Speaks" lecture series, which has emerged as the longest running indigenous speaker series within the National Park Service. In 1987, Gladstone transitioned into a full time performing and recording career. He has produced 15 critically acclaimed CD's and presented thousands of concerts, workshops and school programs throughout the world.

Heralded as a "modern day warrior," he holds a Human Rights Award for Outstanding Community Service from Montana State University-Northern. Gladstone frequently headlines programs at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. From 1997 through 2002, Gladstone produced four original CDs with Lloyd Maines, Grammy winning producer of the Dixie Chicks.

In 2010 Gladstone released "Native Anthropology," a landmark recording achievement, co-produced by legendary multi-instrumentalist Dave Griffith and Montana's Grammy nominated composer, Phil Aaberg. "Native Anthropology" is Gladstone's most intricate and timely album to date.

Gladstone will be working with SVS students, along with music teacher Kaytee Ambrozich, on March 7 and 9 in preparation for the public concert March 12. School performances will take place March 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the Potomac School, March 16 at 10:45 a.m. at Seeley-Swan High School and at 2:15 p.m. at Seeley Lake Elementary School.

It is especially exciting that Gladstone has agreed to work with SVS students to incorporate them in the public performance. We hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunity to see this local legend and Montana storyteller.

Tickets will be available at the door at the Swan Valley Community Hall.