Soulful blues and rock by Indigenous at Shank Hall, led by Mato Nanji.
Indigenous, fronted by Mato Nanji, brings their unique blend of blues and rock to Shank Hall. With roots in the Yankton Sioux Reservation, their music is deeply influenced by legends like Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King. This is a chance to experience a band that has shared stages with icons and continues to captivate audiences with their soulful sound.
More like this
Experience Beethoven's Missa solemnis, a profound spiritual journey led by Ken-David Masur in his final performance as Music Director. This event also marks the 50th anniversary of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. Arrive early to find good parking near the Bradley Symphony Center and enjoy the historical insights provided by Choeur USJ’s “Docu-Concert.”
Celebrate the music of 'One Tree Hill' with Kate Voegele and Tyler Hilton at The Argo. Expect a night filled with nostalgia and live performances from these talented artists. Arrive early for general admission seating and enjoy the full bar service throughout the show. Free parking is available, making it easy to enjoy a hassle-free evening.
Mato Nanji's leadership and musical prowess have kept Indigenous thriving, even as the band has evolved over the years. Their live performances are a testament to their dedication and passion for the blues. Shank Hall's intimate setting makes it the perfect venue to fully appreciate the depth and energy of their music.
Parking near Shank Hall can be tricky. There's a small lot behind the venue, but it fills up quickly. Street parking is available on Farwell Ave, but check signs for restrictions.
Born and raised on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, Indigenous front man Mato Nanji (Ma-TOE NON-gee) dedicates his latest release Time Is Coming (on Blues Bureau International) to the indigenous youth and all young people on the indigenous reservations. Mato Nanji’s father, the late Greg Zephier, Sr., was a well-known and highly respected spiritual advisor and spokesperson for the International Indian Treaty Council. In addition to this leadership role, he was an accomplished musician and a member of the musical group, The Vanishing Americans. Formed by Greg and his brothers in the ‘60’s, The Vanishing Americans toured nationally and shared bills with such legends as Bonnie Raitt. Besides being heavily influenced by the music his father and uncles were making, Mato was exposed to Greg’s vast collection of blues records by legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. Consequently, Mato embraced and began utilizing his own musical talent at a young age. With the experience, love and wisdom of their father to guide them, Mato, his brother, sister and cousin formed the band Indigenous while in their late teens. After much time invested in practicing and building a following, they began touring extensively across the country. In 1998, they released their award winning debut album Things We Do. The title track’s video, directed by Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals), won the American Indian Film Festival Award and was shown at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Indigenous’ music caught the attention of blues icon B.B. King and the young band was invited to play on his annual B.B. King’s Blues Tour in 1999. Sadly, Mr. Zephier would pass away before seeing his children receive this great honor. With momentum gaining, Indigenous’ 2000 sophomore release, Circle, was produced and arranged by Stevie Ray Vaughan’s longtime friend and collaborator, the late Doyle Bramhall, Sr. Three more cds; Fistful of Dirt (2002), Indigenous (2003) and Long Way Home (2005) would follow before the 2006 decision by the siblings to ‘disband’ and pursue their own musical paths but Mato carried on with the Indigenous band name. “Playing with my family for 10 years was a lot of fun, but it was time to grow and keep moving forward.” Mato continued touring and in 2006 released Chasing The Sun. Two of the cd’s songs, “Come On Home” and “Leaving”, were featured on the hit Discovery Channel show The Deadliest Catch. “Come on Home” was also featured on FX’s Sons of Anarchy.
