Sihasin – China
Tour & Program Manager: Richard Steighner
Legendary Diné (Navajo Nation) punk rock trio, Sihasin, was selected by American Music Abroad tour through China. The unique and powerful cultural exchange and diplomacy tour featured extraordinary performances by the band for audiences who had never been exposed to their culture in person.
The band featured 90+ year old, World Champion Hoop Dancer and traditional healer Jones Benally, his daughter Jeneda, son Clayson and granddaughters Dyatihi and Deezchiil Benally form the Jones Benally Family Navajo Dance Troupe. These 3 generations together bring the healing power, beauty and profound messages of Navajo (Dine) culture to educate and uplift audiences around the globe. The Jones Benally Family give an unparalleled introduction to Navajo culture, music and Dance.
The one-of-a-kind tour dazzled audiences in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuxi, and Wuhan featuring a blend of traditional Navajo song/dance with high-powered punk rock.
Tour Manager Richard Steighner guided the band through long travel days, strict requirements for lyrics/songs/dress, language differences, cultural differences, and travel issues. With help from the embassy and local contacts, Steighner was able to organize additional instruments when the airline had lost the band’s instruments in transit from the US.