Morning Star Native Arts Ensemble

Morning Star Native Arts Ensemble
Founded in 1985 and co-directed by Gary Fields and his wife Angela Fields (Hopi/Chemehuevi), Morning Star Native Arts Ensemble is a renowned cultural group dedicated to sharing the rich traditions of Native American music, dance, and storytelling. Inspired by traditional Native legends, the group’s name reflects their mission: Morning Star—the herald of a new day—symbolizes truth, knowledge, and new beginnings. In the spirit of this symbol, Morning Star seeks to bridge cultural boundaries and bring Native American heritage to audiences across the globe.

Morning Star’s dynamic performances blend traditional and contemporary Native expressions, including intricate hoop and fancy dancing, drumming, and Native American flute, interwoven with storytelling that reveals how music and culture are passed down through generations. Their interactive presentations are both entertaining and educational, offering hands-on experiences in schools and communities that include traditional games, crafts, and musical exploration.

The ensemble has toured extensively, performing in 15 U.S. states and 21 countries throughout northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. For over a decade, they partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense Armed Forces Entertainment to present Native culture at military installations, U.S. embassies, and American schools overseas. Their appearances include high-profile events such as the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies, Madison Square Garden with the World’s Toughest Rodeo, Disneyland, and the World Downhill Ski and Speed Skating Championships.

Morning Star has also graced the stage at prestigious museums like the San Diego Museum of Man, BYU Museum of Art, and the Utah Museum of Natural History. They toured for 11 years with Michael Martin Murphey’s WestFest and are longtime favorites at numerous CIOFF folk festivals. Most notably, they have performed for 38 consecutive years at Utah’s Springville World Folkfest since its inception.

Through their artistry and outreach, Morning Star continues to inspire audiences with the vibrant living traditions of Native America—welcoming each new performance as an opportunity to honor the past and light the path forward.