Myron Pyawasit is the lead singer of the drum group Smokey Town. He is also a highly respected cultural leader of the Menominee Nation.
He has been singing since he was six years old. His uncles were the first to recognize him because they saw a gift in him. Pyawasit first spoke with TMJ4’s Steph Brown about everything from his drumming and singing journey to moments of reflection on his mother and uncles and their time on the reservation.
This first conversation lasted over an hour, but there was so much more to learn.
Watch: Steph Connects: Connecting with a Menominee Nation Cultural Leader
Steph Connects: Connecting with a Menominee Nation Cultural Leader
A few weeks later, Brown was invited to a powwow where Pyawasit and his drum band performed cultural songs. The connection continued with Brown being invited to participate and Pyawasit singing and drumming his heart out.
Pyawasit traveled from his reservation, three hours from the Milwaukee area, to help launch a Native voter turnout campaign. Brown met him there and took advantage of the unique opportunity to connect with and learn more about this highly revered and respected elder.
This was a quick connection. Pyawasit kindly gave Brown five minutes before he was due to open the ceremony.
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