Today, Lowry, a Lumbee tribe member, sings lead vocals and plays acoustic guitar with the band Dark Water Rising. The group will perform during the 14th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh on Saturday, Nov. 21. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Dark Water Rising will appear on stage from 11 to 11:40 a.m. Admission and parking are free.

The name Dark Water Rising originates from the home county of its six members. It refers to dark swamplands and waters of the Lumber River in Robeson County, which is known for its rich Lumbee culture.

Lowry and Aaron Locklear (a college friend and producer) formed Dark Water Rising to express a sound and free spirit that embraces several genres of music, including soul, blues, country, hip-hop, gospel and rock. In 2006, prior to creating the band, they developed the small independent label GreenSky Records, and Lowry gained local and regional success with the release of the single “BrownSkin.” After touring, she realized she needed the full expression of a live band.

“Our music has never fit into any one category alone,” says Lowry. “We don’t quite fit the mold of most other bands along the East Coast.”

Reminiscent of 1970s and 1980s bands, such as Fleetwood Mac and Heart, Dark Water Rising features a talented female lead singer. Lyrically, the band explores all themes of life, while expressing its sentiment on the recognition of the Lumbee people.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dark Water Rising on Nov. 21. Stay and enjoy all the activities at the American Indian Heritage Celebration. This lively festival features musicians, dancers, artists and storytellers from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes.* The event is the perfect way to celebrate American Indian Heritage Month. For a complete schedule or more information, go to ncmuseumofhistory.org or call 919-807-7900.

The American Indian Heritage Celebration is supported by the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs; Museum of History Associates; and United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, with funds from the United Arts campaign, the N.C. Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art. Additional funding is provided by Food Lion and IBM.

* The eight state-recognized tribes are Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw-Siouan. For more information about the tribes, go to http://www.doa.state.nc.us/CIA/.

The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The department’s Web site is www.ncculture.com.

The best of soul is coming to the Durham PAC March 28th, 2009 at 8 p.m.

All your soul favorites from the 70’s are back and more dynamic than ever! Outstanding soul artists The Stylistics, Delfonics, Manhattans, J.J. Walker and The Main Ingredient with Cuba Gooding Sr. share the DPAC stage!