We've been behind the scenes and on the scene with Elisa Harkins the past few weeks while filming her first ever music video and performing at the Five Moons Dance Festival. Elisa Harkins is an artist, singer, electronic music composer, and curator. She incorporates the Cherokee and Muscogee languages into her music and is the first person to use the Cherokee language in a pop song!
Our new editor/writer Jennifer (shout-out to me!) is also a hairstylist and makeup artist and was invited to partner with Weomepe Designs to glam up their favorite models for Elisa's music video "Deadly". For her empowering Auntie anthem, not only did Elisa come up with the concept for her debut music video, she also directed it. The synth-pop song with 80's visuals is on YouTube for your viewing pleasure. "Deadly" was a commissioned video that premiered at the Broken Boxes: A Decade of Art, Action, and Dialogue exhibition at the Albuquerque Museum, New Mexico. It's on view from September 7th, 2024 - March 2, 2025.
Elisa was also asked to perform during the Five Moons Dance Festival at the Reynolds Performing Arts Center in Norman. The Five Moons represent the five Native American ballerinas who broke racial boundaries and opened doors for women of color in the ballet world. A student of ballet herself, Elisa performed two original songs during the dance festival. A consummate professional, Elisa choreographed the performances for her and her dancers, Maura Garcia and Maggie Boyett. Being in the same room with Elisa Harkins when she's in the zone is definitely a cool feeling!
You can listen to Elisa's music on all streaming platforms. Make sure to follow her on social media for the latest updates, including currently in the studio recording a song for an all-Cherokee album to be released on Horton Records. The song will be performed live at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago in February. You heard it here first!
