They make a remarkable team. Both are committed to advancing the scope and knowledge of Native performing arts; both have a business acumen and ear for what is and isn’t good. And through it all, absolutely loving what they do.

Melissa Sanchez and Emmet “Shkeme” Garcia are  Emergence Productions.

When the two joined forces six years ago, Emergence focused exclusively on providing entertainment promotional services. In 2004, after a hiatus working as a major casino's entertainment manager, Sanchez reconnected with Garcia (lead singer for Native Roots) and their newly established company was on its way–this time adding the ambitious mission to increase awareness of Native American entertainment.

How they do this, and equally important, why, is reaping greater opportunities for Native performing artists and building a more sophisticated audience looking beyond the “Hollywood Indian.” By combining “grass roots” performers with traditional or contemporary, fans are introduced to genres and artists previously unconsidered. Opening minds by opening doors—literally—sounds easy enough, but it’s not often you find a folk singer sharing the stage with a traditional dancer or reggae group.

“Shkeme and I put our heads together and see how best we can market those we represent,” Sanchez (Acoma Pueblo/Laguna Pueblo) says. “We try to incorporate Native actors and celebrities with differing backgrounds. Cross-marketing not only fills the showrooms, but builds a different fan base.”

Watching Emergence working with talent as diverse as George Leach, Elaine Miles, James and Ernie, Native Roots, and Bill Miller you notice something very quickly. Their idea works. Cross-marketing increases public awareness, media interest, and merchandise sales; all of which equals performance opportunities.

“Yeah, we do like to mix it up,” Garcia (Tamaya/Jemez) adds, “In Native music, for example, we have two genres. One is grass roots, and the other, which is what non-Natives might want, includes drums and flutes and leggings. Put them both together and then we can educate people what we’re all about.”

From the established to the rookie, they are out there showing the world the depth and diversity of Indigenous entertainers. “We work with all budgets or no budget,” says Sanchez. “What we do is try to help them (performers,) and if we can’t, we’ll try to connect them to somebody who can.”

In keeping with their goal to advance Native performing arts, three years  ago they established  the Emergence  Youth Cultural Exchange Program (EYCE) for teens living across North America.This year, they’ve expanded the EYCE to include Maori youth in New Zealand. The connection between the EYCE and Emergence Productions is the empowerment factor, Sanchez explains.   

“An ulterior motive of Emergence Productions is to “glamorize our culture” through our performing arts.  While mainstream media is in our face with hip hop, celebrities, etc. it’s unrealistic to think we can expect our youth to not be inspired or interested in mainstream celebrities. However, we’ll provide them with massive talent from our own people.  Within Native America we have artists who clearly excel in mainstream avenues; all we need are the opportunities to connect audience and artist.” 

“The distinguishing characteristic of the EYCE program is the focus on cultural empowerment in hopes of inspiring the youth with the realization of the value of their culture, heritage and language,” she adds.  “By cultivating future leaders who are strong in their heritage and global thought relative to federal policy affecting Indigenous Peoples, we create stronger leaders within our communities and Indigenous Peoples worldwide.” 

The empowerment factor—to benefit teens and talent of all ages.  Because when it’s all said and done, It’s about Native American Entertainment. Not Hollywood Indians, but entertainers who are Native American. Who dance traditionally and play the flute; who rock and roll, hip hop, sing the blues, and do stand-up comedy.

Not Hollywood Indians, but entertainers who are Native American.

Melissa Sanchez and Shkeme Garcia are leading the way. And through it all, absolutely loving what they do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EMERGENCE PRODUCTIONS PROMO VIDEO

For more information, please visit their website:
www.emergenceproductions.info
Or on MySpace: www.myspace.com/emergenceproductionslive