Tohatchi fundraiser features big show

Entertainer Pax Harvey is definitely a rez boy at heart and that's the foundation of his comedy. If you have yet to see him, March 11 at the Tohatchi Middle School gym is your chance.

"I'm helping the students with a fundraising so they can make their trip out to Washington, D.C.," Harvey said. "This is the first time I'll be performing in Tohatchi. I want to get out there more towards places like Crownpoint, Thoreau, and Pueblo Pintado."

Forty-two 8th grade students signed up for the trip and the total budget is $44,604. Each student who signed up must raise $1,062 each to secure their spot.

In a recent planning meeting, Harvey was sitting at a local restaurant with his Smartphone stuck to his ear and a laptop that has seen better days.

He was in the middle of scheduling a show and you would think that since he's now becoming a big-time performer alongside Adrienne Chalepah, James Junes, Ernie Tsosie III, and Tatanka Means, he would have a nice well-kept planner.

Instead, he takes out a big desktop calendar. Without even trying he was already making people laugh.

"Well, I just ran out of the house and just grabbed this," Harvey said. "What can I say? I'm a rez boy."

Harvey, 36, is a full-time comedian who's also available to serve as a master of ceremonies and motivational speaker. He is married with two children and currently resides in Church Rock, N.M.

He is Tódích'íi'nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for the Ma'ii Deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass Clan). His chei is Tsinajinnie (Black Streaked Wood Clan) and his nálí is Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan).

Harvey grew up with his late father's side of the family, Pax Harvey Sr., in Lukachukai, Ariz., but his mother and maternal grandmother are originally from across the mountain in Mexican Springs, N.M.

His masani, Ruth Mike, is in her 90s. His mother is Gloria Harvey, whose maiden name is Tahe.

"I was the one that reached out to a parent who was working to raise money and suggested that I could provide my services to help with raising money so that the children can make their trip to D.C.," Harvey said. "I've been on trips before when I was in school and it's exciting for the kids. But I'm sure for the teachers and parents it's stressful because they have to raise money."

Harvey figured that if people were looking for something different to do and maybe help out their community at the same time, this would be a way of getting the best of both worlds.

Along with Harvey, Miss Navajo Nation Winifred Jumbo will perform the Navajo basket and ribbon dance with her relatives. The performance is a lively act that includes a singer with a hand drum to keep time for the dancers.

Also appearing will be Harvey's younger sister, Roxyanne Harvey, who last year stepped back from performing to concentrate on homemaking for her three children. This will be her second performance this year.

In February she was the opening act for 49 Laughs Comedy, which appeared in Chinle.

Tuba City-based comedian James Bilagody will also perform at Tohatchi Mid and with his brand of humor.

"It's going to be fun because James and I sing Navajo songs and we both tell stories like grandmas and grandpas do," Harvey said. "I think people will enjoy the show."

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and children under 5 free. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Information: Pax Harvey, 928-863-9702, or Bobby Martin, 928-206-9548.

Editor's Note: Bobby Martin, whose daughter Zunebah Martin, is a member of the class, is production manager for the Navajo Times.

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