Contemporary and traditional flute music of the Huron people will be performed by A.J. Split River in the Hurricane Library auditorium on Saturday,March 25,at 6 p.m. The library is sponsoring the cultural event and admission is free.

           “My staff and I are excited about the new programs we are hosting this year at the Hurricane Library,”said branch manager Lauren Stoddard. “We hope to present a diversity of cultures to the community through presentations and performances like this one by A.J. Split River,who will be sharing his Huron flute music with us. This should be an extraordinary experience,and I hope the community will take advantage of this unique opportunity. We are very grateful to A.J Split River for sharing his talent with us.”

           A.J. Split River is an accomplished recording artist and the only professional flute player for the Huron/ Wyandotte people. Wyandotte,which is what the Hurons call themselves,means people of the peninsula. Split River considers himself to be fortunate to be born to the Huron people in Michigan,in 1960. He also has Scottish ancestry from his father,but he was raised by his Huron mom and grandma. At age 10,he began playing a Tonette,an instrument similar to a recorder,and soon discovered his talents on the Native American flute.

           “My 'Red-road' brought me to the realization that this type of music is spiritual,a healer,a salvation. The Red-road is the path to righteousness for the Native American,”said Split River. “Now my goal is to teach,share,and bring together new traditions for the Huron people. I still remember my grandmother’s teachings and her discipline. Her spirit and those of my ancestors are present in my playing. It is a responsibility that I am honored to have. I am privileged to share with all those who will listen.”

           Split River came to this area five years ago from Pinoche,Nev. Five years ago,he also began performing the Native American flute and has performed in Utah,Arizona,and Nevada.

           “I play my music to share the soul of my people,”said Split River.

           A Native American flute instructor at Dixie State College,Split River teaches his passion. His first CD is titled "The Huron Now," and he is currently working on his second CD.

           Connie VonSleichter,a clerk at the Hurricane Valley Library,described Split River’s CD as having "a flowing,relaxing musical style that embraces the sounds of animals and nature and evokes reflective and spiritual emotions.”

           Split River is married to Pam Wings-on-Her-Feet,of the Kickapoo people,who accompanies him on keyboards. She is a pianist whose favorite musician is Barry Manilow. The name Wings-on-Her-Feet translates to mean she is constantly moving. Her mother was Kickapoo,from the eastern U.S.,and was adopted by white people. Since her mother married a German,she is half-white and half-Kickapoo.

           Translated,the name Split River means he comes from two worlds,from the red world and the white world. He still practices his Native American beliefs and hasn’t conformed to any religion.

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