‘Music is Medicine’ comes to South Park

Kelly Jackson to perform July 24

The 2024 Waupaca Community Arts Board’s Summer Nights Concert series will wrap up with a performances by award-winning indigenous musician and speaker Kelly Jackson Wednesday, July 24, at Waupaca’s South Park.

At 5 p.m., Kelly will perform “Music is Medicine” through which she says she hopes “people will gain insights into the experiences of tribal communities (especially the impacts of government boarding schools), the residual impacts of those experiences on indigenous people today, and how we can be empowered to move forward.”

Beginning at 6 p.m., the beverage stand will open, food will be available from Diablo Taco Truck and Moos Ice Cream, a family craft project will be available, and the Hutchinson House will be open for free tours.

The Kelly Jackson Band will then perform from 7-9:30 p.m., featuring contemporary rock and a selection from Jackson’s catalogue of songs.
Jackson is a tribal member of the Lac du Flambeau band who grew up in a musical family just south of Lac du Flambeau.

In case of rain, events will move to Par 4 Resort.

Developing her talent

She started playing guitar at 11 but didn’t take it too seriously until age 16 when she began playing in local bands. In 2010 she realized that she had built a catalogue of original music and went into the studio and recorded “Spirit of a Woman,” which was released in 2012 and won American Album of the Year from the Native American Music Awards.

In 2015, Kelly released her second album, “Renditions of the Soul,” and in 2017, she released the single titled “Wake Up.”

A few years ago, Kelly was asked by the Department of Justice to perform at an event. The program she put together became “Music is Medicine,” which she’s performed across the U.S.

To learn more about Jackson and to see her video “Don’t Speak,” visit www.spiritofanikwe.com.

“The Rotary Club of Waupaca is proud to sponsor Kelly Jackson’s performances,” said Chuck Reynolds, chair of the club’s Promote Peace Committee. “Understanding the generational impacts of historical traumas is essential if we want to play a constructive role in promoting healing, peace, and goodwill in our community going forward.”

To learn more, find Rotary of Waupaca on Facebook.