World Fest Concert Celebrates Indigenous Inuit Culture

Pamyua, Alaska’s Famous Inuit Band, Comes to World Fest in Marinette to Celebrate Indigenous Culture. Free Community Concert February 25 at Theatre on the Bay

The community was abuzz with excitement after the first World Fest performers made their debut. A program of Arts Midwest, World Fest connects Midwestern communities to international musicians to foster an understanding and appreciation of our global uniqueness and differences. Coming to Marinette and Menominee on the World Fest tour is the musical group Pamyua, Alaska’s most famous Inuit band. Pamyua will perform a free community-wide concert on Saturday, February 25 at 6:00 p.m. at Theatre on the Bay, on the campus of UWGB-Marinette.

The concert is free, but space is limited; therefore, tickets are required for entrance. People can pick up tickets at any office of The Stephenson National Bank & Trust (SNBT), Main Street Antique Mall, and Theatre on the Bay.

Pamyua has toured worldwide. Their performances honor and share the indigenous Inuit cultural traditions and stories of their heritage through ceremony and songs passed down through generations. The group’s compelling performances blend the traditional Inuit drum/dance melodies and songs of their Yup’ik ancestors, with the contemporary R&B and soul music, often referred to as “tribal funk” or “Inuit soul.” Pronounced “bum-yo-ah,” Pamyua is a Yup’ik Inuit word meaning ENCORE or DO IT AGAIN!

During their visit the last week of February, Pamyua will provide workshops for students from surrounding schools, featuring an up-close introduction to the music of their Yup’ik heritage while sharing their talents, language, and culture.

“We are certainly looking forward to welcoming Paymua as they showcase Inuit culture though music and dance,” said Kim Brooks, local event organizer. “Through this three-year program, World Fest will bring world-class musicians to our region and give our communities a greater understanding of global traditions.”

SNBT is the title sponsor among a generous group of businesses and individuals: Provident Health Foundation, M&M Area Community Foundation, Riverfront Inn, Rusty Wolfe Studios, The Print Shop, and many other local donors. Together, their goal is to bring music from around the world to around the corner.

SNBT has always been synonymous with supporting the communities in many ways, from encouraging staff volunteerism, to making charitable donations, and now the list also includes international music appreciation.

“We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of community support and pride that went along with October’s World Fest performance,” said Daniel Peterson, SNBT president & CEO. “The momentum is building and we’re anxious to see the incredible variety of musicians to come. This three-year event is an excellent opportunity for area students and residents to take a journey around the world without leaving home.”

World Fest is a project of Arts Midwest and is sponsored by the National Endowment of the Arts and the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies that brings six international ensembles (approximately ten musicians per ensemble) to communities in Midwestern states. Marinette/Menominee has been selected as the city in Wisconsin to receive this incredible opportunity for the period of Fall 2022–Spring 2025. To learn more about the three-year World Fest residency and find information on subsequent concerts, visit the World Fest Marinette/Menominee Facebook Page by searching @worldfestmm.