NEW YORK – As hundreds of music fans peered into the glass-enclosed Broadway Studios in New York City’s Times Square Feb. 23, some of the biggest names on the American Indian music scene performed at the first official Grammy? Fest party celebrating the musical contributions of Native Americans.

The event, hosted by the Oneida Indian Nation and its entertainment production company Four Directions Entertainment, and produced by veteran music promoter/producer Ken Rose, brought together close to 500 music industry insiders, who were delighted by the diversity and artistry of the assembled Native American performers.

Accepting a plaque bestowed by the Oneida Nation commemorating a lifelong commitment to Native American music, Tom Bee, recipient of the first-ever GRAMMY award bestowed on a Native American and president of Sound of America Records (SOAR), said “This is just the beginning. They haven’t seen anything yet. The ‘next big thing’ on the American music scene is Native music. That’s why a party like this, sanctioned by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, is so very important to the continuing development of indigenous music.”

Performing at the party were:

Vince Redhouse ? “Faith in the House” is Vince Redhouse’s first solo effort. The CD was nominated for a GRAMMY Award this year. Produced by Tom Bee of Sound of American Records (SOAR), is a collection of some of today’s most popular inspirational songs done in a unique Southwest flute style.

Redheart – Vince Redhouse along with Abraham Marcor was up for a GRAMMY on their collaborative album, “Sacred Season.” Sacred Season delivers a solid package of some of the most beautiful and memorable Christmas selections of all time, allowing Redheart’s musical talents to rise to the occasion.

Jimmy Wolf – A two-time nominee at the Native American Music Awards, Wolf has released three albums since 1999 and has shared the stage with some of the world’s best blues and R&B artists, including Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Koko Taylor, Albert King, Millie Jackson and Little Johnny Taylor

Star Nayea – Star is described as “The little lady with a big voice.” She recently released her latest EP, “Somewhere In A Dream.” This album received rave reviews across Indian country and Canada.

Charlie Karp and the Name Droppers – This collection of artists, including David Hull, Bill Holliman, Joe Bonadio, Joe Doctorman, and Tim Dehuff, have performed with scores of top musical acts throughout their careers, including Aerosmith, Buddy Miles, Harry Connick Jr. and GRAMMY-nominee, Avril Lavigne.

Pamyua – Pamyua, a group of singers from Alaska, derive their unique sound from a blend of Native, R&B, jazz, funk and world music.

Joined on stage by New York State Speaker of the House Sheldon Silver and New York Congresswoman Carolyn Malone, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and CEO Ray Halbritter acknowledged the efforts of the Grammy Committee by saying “It’s an honor to be recognized as hosts of an official Grammy Fest event. I want to personally thank the Recording Academy for recognizing the important contributions made by Native Americans to the American music scene and for including us in their Grammy festivities in such an elevated capacity.”

This is the third year that the recording industry honored achievements by Native Americans among its awards. Best Native album was won by Mary Youngblood for her “Beneath the Raven Moon” CD.

The party marked another milestone for Native Americans since it represented the first time a 100 percent Native owned and operated business entity had been invited to host an official Grammy party.

The party was also broadcast on the Times Square jumbotron monitor that circles the building. Directing the visuals and the video was Four Directions Entertainment principal Dan Jones, an award-winning American Indian television and events producer/director.

Corporate sponsors included Vibe/Spin Ventures, Billboard Magazine, Indian Country Today, Soaring Eagle Casino, Brilliant Vodka and Obie’s Cookies.

In a special ceremony, the Oneida Indian Nation and Four Directions Entertainment presented the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund with a generous monetary donation, accepted by actor/producer Stephen Baldwin and his sister Elizabeth Baldwin, who serves as executive director of the organization.

Another highlight was a fashion show featuring Native American models wearing creations by designer Brenda Wahnee McKosato from her Com-N-Acha line.