Tribal Council Sponsors Gospel Celebration

By Nery Mejicano

BIG CYPRESS — The weather could not have been better, the sun shined on the Big Cypress Rodeo Arena, the few clouds passed leaving not one drop of rain. The day started with a prayer by Jonah Cypress, followed by the national anthem sang by Nicole Niles, one of the invited performers.

Alfonso Tigertail served as emcee, and did a wonderful job. His energy and dedication were obvious as he energized the crowd.

First on the stage was the Andy Buster, from the Miccosukee Tribe. He is well-known to Tribal citizens and has performed at various events hosted by the Tribe. Buster was followed by Jonah Cypress and his musical group, a well-known and beloved band that performs at almost any event in Big Cypress. The audience really liked the local performers.

Next on the stage was Nicole Miles, a national recording artist who also performed during the Ahfachkeke Festival, which the Tribe hosted on Jan. 15 to benefit the victims of the four hurricanes and the tsunami in Asia .

Some folks drove more than four hours to hear the next performer. The Reverend Charles Johnson and the Revivers drove all the way from North Carolina and their arrival at the stage was greeted with a great deal of spiritually charged emotions. He brought the audience to their feet and their message of hope, love and salvation was spread with every note in their voices.

During the musical break after their performance, several Tribal and non-Tribal individuals requested that they be invited back.

The last group to perform was the Crabb Family, a group who has won national acclaim by their talented and enlightened songs. They arrived from Nashville , Tenn. just a couple of hours prior to their stage performance. As the sun was setting in the everglades, their voices brought light to an audience, who seemed touched by their message.

This family has performed all over the nation, and has won several distinguished awards for their outstanding talent, wonderful music and ability to move those in attendance with their spiritual message.