Indigenous brings Native American touch to Stanhope

STANHOPE — The band Indigenous will bring a bit of Native American touch to the Stanhope House on Saturday May 19.
Indigenous front man, Mato Nanji (Ma-TOE NON-gee), was the inspiration behind the band, which his brother, sister and cousin formed while in their late teens.
They were born and raised on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Mato'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 and his siblings began their musical journey as Indigenous.
Other bands scheduled to perform on May 19 include New York-based Phil Varca & the SlamJammers and regional favorites Joe Stuby and Rocking Horse.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with opening bands starting at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$35. For tickets and other information about this show and others at The Stanhope House, go to <URL destination="http://www.stanhopehousenj.com. ">www.stanhopehousenj.com.