Tohonnie, King Blizz among Times’ ‘People of the Arts’

Posted by Shondiin Silversmith | Dec 31, 2014 | Life |

Joe Tohonnie Jr., 34, was nominated for a Grammy in the best regional roots music album category on Dec. 6, 2014 for his “Apache Blessings & Crown Dance Songs.” In this photo, he performed during the 4th annual Monument Valley Balloon Event. (Times photo – Krista Allen)

WINDOW ROCK

Mike Mitchell sits behind the piano in the Tohatchi High School art room playing a few notes into a song as his piano recital came to an end on Valentines Day. (Times Photo – Shondiin Silversmith)

Over the past year the Navajo Times has had the opportunity to introduce many Native artists to the Navajo Nation.

These individuals showcased unique talents that were worth sharing in the Navajo Times this past year. This list features “People of the Arts of 2014” and they include:

Joe Tohonnie Jr. is well known for his entertainment with the Apache Crown Dancers, but he’s also a two time Grammy nominee.

This past year Tohonnie has been featured in the Navajo Times twice as a Grammy nominee. The Grammy awards is the premier outlet for honoring achievements in the recording arts and supporting the music community, states its website. They are the only peer presented award to honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry.

Tohonnie, from Whiteriver, Ariz., received his first Grammy nomination last year for his album “Apache Blessing & Crown Dance Songs” and this year his recent album “Ceremony” is up for the Best Regional Roots Music Album award.

Nizhoni Camille Begay, 16, was selected as a young master by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Texas Cultural Trust. She traveled to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico over the summer. (Courtesy photo)

Tohonnie said he recalls being told of his nomination by Cool Runnings Music Store owner Eddie Weber through a text. He said the text read, “How’s your day going, two-time Grammy nominee, congratulations.”