Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
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On December 18, 1999, The Indian Territory Gallery located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, will feature Cherokee flutist Tommy Wildcat. The event begins at 1:00 p.m. running till 6 p.m. at the gallery on 114 S. Main St. Wildcat will perform on with his flute, as well as, telling stories.

Indian Territory Arts and Humanities Council President Betsy Swimmer said of Wildcat, "He's just the best."

Tommy Wildcat has played the flute for six years and has already recorded three albums, "A Warrior's Spirit," "Flames of Fire" and "The Fire People", featuring his traditional Cherokee flute. For many years, he has taken the artistic aspects of the Cherokee culture, to people nation wide. Wildcat is a full-blooded Cherokee and native of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

"It is important for people to know our heritage and to know about the Indians who have lived in this nation for thousands of years," he said. "It broadens their horizons, gives them more information about the land they live on and makes for a smarter world," said Wildcat. "The farther I get away from Indian Territory, the less people know about Indian culture."

Wildcat also pointed out that there are only 2 million Indians registered in the United States. "That puts us at the bottom of the ethnic minorities."

Wildcat is a self-taught flutist, which he learned because he believes the flute is a crucial part of Cherokee music. Wildcat also writs his own songs.

Tommy Wildcat performs at schools, universities and Pow Wows, and has performed music for the Discovery Channel's Native American series, "How the West Was Lost"; "The Cherokee People", a New York production; "The Trail of Tears" a Los Angeles production; "Tecumsah, the Last Warrior", a TNT world premier; "The Trail of Tears" produced by Lee Johnson; TNN's "The Great Outdoors" and has performed with the World Symphony Orchestra.

"That really helps my career as I continue to promote my music and my work," Wildcat said of his tour in Europe. The 32 year old Wildcat said he knows only of seven other Indian flutists.

"The structure of family and people is ever-changing," he said. "The more popular things will survive. My music helps generations of young Native Americans know more about their own heritage and traditions. Today, most Native Americans live in mainstream society and we're forever losing our traditions. I'm using a modern-day medium to reach people."

Wildcat plays a traditional Cherokee flute which is made from cedar. Indians from the plains typically played river cane flutes, he said.

According to Wildcat, the flute was used for numerous situations, including greeting strangers. Wildcat said that when the Spanish conquistadors reached Cherokee territory, they were greeted by 300 flute players.

Wildcat self-describes his style as "very, very soothing", adding that, "many people have referred to it as being 'mellow', something that will put you in a trance."

"I think the Indian Territory Gallery is a great outlet for Native American artists," he said. "I was very honored to be a part of it. They have done a lot of great things," adding that he is also very grateful for what the Indian Territory Gallery is doing.

Wildcat said that he hopes his music reaches a new generation of Native Americans. "I would like to see other young Native Americans take an interest in the flute, stomp dancing and Cherokee singing."

Tommy Wildcat's album is available at the gallery and at the Indian store in the Woodland Hills Mall in Tulsa, Oklahoma

For more information, call the gallery, phone: (918)259-1772.