Native flute sensation receives 2 NAMMY nominations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – 16-year-old Native American flute sensation, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and rising star Gareth Laffely has received two Native American Music Award (NAMMY) nominations for Best Debut Artist and Best Rock Recording categories. Gareth, of Mi’kmaq/Cree descent is from Gallatin, TN and is the youngest nominee this year!  He has been capturing much fan excitement with his music and live performances across the United States and Canada. He is completely self taught on the Native American flute and combines rock, pop, and world music into a revolutionary style all his own. His debut album is entitled, "The Journey",  it’s title song was written to honor those who lost their lives on the Trail of Tears.  "The Journey" was  recorded with two-time GRAMMY Award nominated hit songwriter and Dove Award winning producer Robert White Johnson (Celine Dion, the Beach Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, .38 Special), and GRAMMY Award winning engineer, Gary Dales.  The 15th Annual Native American Music Awards ceremony will be held at the Seneca Allegany Events Center at Seneca Allegany Casino, 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd., Salamanca, New York, on Friday, November 14th, 2014 at 7:00pm.  The NAMMY’s will also be available to view online at FNX.org.  Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

 Fans and music lovers of all ages interested in participating in the NAMMY Award voting process are invited to vote for Gareth and their favorites by visiting the Native American Music Awards website at http://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/.  Register to vote by entering a valid e-mail address where requested ("Join our mailing list as an E-Member for the latest news and to register to vote") [wait to receive an e-mail confirming subscription to the NAMA LIVE mailing list and click ‘yes, subscribe to the list’].  It will direct you back to the Native American Music Award home page where it says "Thanks, you are now a member of the mailing list".  Scroll down and click ‘Vote Now’ to access the NAMMY Award ballot.

 Gareth’s recent live performance on Music City Roots, Nashville’s highly acclaimed variety show hosted by two-time GRAMMY Award winning country singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale; his participation in a GRAMMY U Amplifier contest, sponsored by the Recording Academy and Hyundai Motors, where he finished in 3rd position for popular fan voting; several TV and on-air radio appearances; and extensive touring during "The Journey" Tour 2014 have only helped to solidify his popularity. He is the youngest member of the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy.  Prior to his two NAMMY nominations, Gareth received four nominations from the prominent Indian Summer Music Award organization.

 ~  "He’s a rare talent, and he’s still just a kid. Compared to a lot of what’s going on in Nashville these days, he puts the ‘music’ in ‘Music City’. Check him out." - Rick Moore, Writer - Music News Nashville  ~

 Remarkably talented well beyond his years, Gareth has been touching lives and moving souls by tugging at heartstrings of many all over the world.  Gareth challenges teens everywhere to get involved with a cause to help make their community a better place.   “This Time”,  promotes an anti-bully message which he takes into schools; performing and teaching what bullying is and its prevention. "Move On" was written after a dear family friend passed away from Cancer. Gareth penned the song to help the family deal with the loss. Gareth went on to gain national attention with his music video for “Move On”, and began performing at Cancer events around the country. He donates all proceeds from the song to Cancer. When not touring on the road, Gareth volunteers his time with High Point Hospice, taking his music into hospitals and nursing home to play for terminal palliative care patients.

 For updated concert listings, please visit Gareth’s Website at: http://www.GarethMusic.com

Gareth Laffely is also online at: http://www.facebook.com/GarethMusic;

http://www.twitter.com/GarethLaffely; and http://www.soundcloud.com/GarethLaffely