CLEVELAND – Soprano vocalist Dr. Kirsten Kunkle (Mvskoke) and composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (Chickasaw) are working together once again on a project and performance known as Ko’koomfena, Our Grandmother, held at the Suzanne and Paul Westlake Performing Arts Center in Cleveland from Oct. 16-19. 

Kunkle and Tate recently sat down with Live Wire, to discuss the performance which was sponsored by CityMusic Cleveland. 

Ko’koomfena is sung in the Shawnee language- a first for Kunkle.

Kunkle, who has sung in Chickasaw and once performed in 6 different languages for the American Indian Symphony (Apache, Cheyenne, Chickasaw, Modoc, Potawatomi, Wichita), pointed out how important this performance is to her and how groundbreaking it is. 

“This may be the first time that anyone’s sung classically in Shawnee,” Kunkle said. “I don’t say that lightly. I think that the things that we’re doing, especially the work I’m doing with Jerod, is exceptionally groundbreaking.”

Tate praised Kunkle for the work she has done, especially given how there is no set translation for Indigenous languages via the International Phonetic Alphabet.

“It’s really cool, because she’s kind of leading the way on all of this, and so now, hopefully, people will be calling her for her insights about how she’s doing languages and everything,” Tate said. 

When asked about how the performances went in Cleveland, Kunkle stated that all four performances were very well received by audiences, and that she was very grateful for the opportunity.

“The joy of bringing the Shawnee language to audiences in the original homeland of the Shawnee tribe, singing this incredible score by the leading Native symphonic composer Jerod Tate, and having my debut with the amazing CityMusic Cleveland, in my home state, was such a pleasure and true highlight,” Kunkle said.

The learning process for Kunkle was, as always, a collaboration with Indigenous knowledge bearers. “Joel Barnes of the Shawnee Nation was able to give me a very detailed audio file to help me in navigating the language, for which I am very grateful.” 

When asked why they create performances like this, Kunkle stated that this has been another chance for her to not only expand her knowledge on Indigenous languages, but also to keep showing off the languages and cultures of various tribes to a wider audience. For Kunkle and Tate, performances like this also give Tribes more attention and work to keep their stories alive.

“Jerod and I both are extremely driven to retain and advance Native culture, and bridging the gap between language and classical music is one of the most important parts of our legacy as musicians,” Kunkle said. 

“Hopefully, the story of Ko’koom’feena will extend far beyond these performances, and Jerod’s music will continue to reach new audiences while expanding upon the cultural heritage of the Shawnee people. I am honored to be a part of this important musical and cultural storytelling.”

For more information on Tate and Kunkle’s performance, visit https://www.clevelandart.org/events/citymusic-cleveland-chamber-orchestra

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland police are investigating 37 vehicles damaged in a coordinated series of break-ins between midnight and 5 a.m. Sunday morning in the Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway neighborhoods.

Surveillance video shows suspects bending into cars looking for items to steal. Glass now litters the ground behind Forest City Shuffleboard, where five cars were smashed.

Residents frustrated by repeat incidents

Susanne Sheil owns one of the five cars smashed behind Forest City Shuffleboard. She has lived in the neighborhood for 35 years and has had cars broken into before.

“I’ve had cars stolen so I don’t leave anything of value in my car,” Sheil said.

She expressed frustration at having to deal with the problem after leaving work. She had a message for the people who are committing these crimes.

“Just don’t do it. You know what I mean? Respect other people’s property. And if you need something, just go to work and earn your own money and get it,” Sheil said.

Police believe suspects targeting valuables and weapons

Cleveland police believe the suspects are targeting vehicles for valuables and weapons and may be using one or more vehicles or traveling on foot to commit the crimes.

Some people are now nervous about their cars after coworkers had theirs smashed.

“It sucks because like in three and a half years, I’ve never really worried about that. And now five cars in one night just feels like very extreme,” said Kayla Carman, whose coworkers had cars smashed.

Carman will now park her car on the street, hoping that will deter thieves.

“I just, I can’t risk it. I know like a lot of other people out there could probably relate to like financially right now. I cannot afford really something like that or people stealing my car even. So it’s just really stressful,” Carman said.

Police want residents and workers in the Detroit-Shoreway and Ohio City neighborhoods to check surveillance footage for anything suspicious. Anyone with video information about the break-ins should contact Cleveland Police Second District Detective Unit at (216) 623-5218.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A total of 10 vehicles were damaged in an illegal street racing crash on the city’s East side Saturday morning.

Cleveland police said two drivers were racing in the area of East 93rd Street and Crane Avenue around midnight, when one driver swerved to avoid another car and struck a parked vehicle.

According to police, the driver was going so fast, the impact sent his car into multiple other parked vehicles.

Beside the 10 vehicles damaged in the crash, flying debris also struck several other nearby vehicles.

The 20-year-old man driving the car and his 24-year-old male passenger were both seriously injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Police said the driver is charged with aggravated vehicular assault, having weapons under disability, and receiving stolen property.

Police added two guns were found in his car.

The driver of the second vehicle was cited for illegal street racing and willful and wanton disregard for safety.

The Cleveland Police Street Takeover Detail, along with the Accident Investigation Unit, continues to investigate

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