Native American comedians deliver at Pow Wow Comedy show

By Tim Wohlers



They say laughter is the best medicine.  If so, then the entertainers at this year’s Pow Wow Comedy show certainly filled the prescription.  The performers included female comedian Dinah Leffert, freestyle rapper MC Red Cloud, veteran JR Redwater, and his son Titan Redwater. 
“This is really good to bring Natives together,” the younger Redwater said.  “And that’s what everybody needs to be doing, is coming together.” 
The free event took place at HCG-Black River Falls, on the eve of Labor Day.  Tribal member John Thundercloud served as master of ceremonies for the night. 
“Tris Harris got ahold of me about two weeks ago,” Thundercloud said.  “They were talking about who could possibly host tonight.  And my name came up.  Apparently, they think I’m funny.” 
Thundercloud broke the ice by welcoming the audience, and sharing stories from his childhood.  The crowd burst out in laughter, as everyone could relate to receiving well-deserved discipline from his or her elders. 
“We always want to make fun of the people that are kind of holding us back,” said JR Redwater.  “And that’s a win for us, when we got somebody on stage – like me – making fun of it, where we can all laugh and not have ill feelings or anything.” 
Leffert then got the show under way with her opening act.  Acting as a spokesperson for the Jewish community, she expressed the views shared by many members of an oppressed minority.  Leffert got big laughs from the crowd with lines like “The Jews and the Sioux’s should tribe up.”  The subject matter helped the female comedian connect to the mainly Native American audience. 
“You’re going to get laughs based on relatability and references,” Leffert said.  “If you can anchor yourself with three to five things that really anchor you with the people that are here, then all of the other stuff that you talk about will land even better.”
Next to the stage was 19-year-old Titan Redwater, who had never performed at the event before.  The “Native Kid” indulged the audience with a unique style of ethnic humor that addressed the inner urge to bow to Asian men. 
“We have a very different brand of humor,” master speaker Andi Thundercloud said, in regard to the Native American community.  “If the majority of people listened to some of the things we think are funny, they wouldn’t think so.” 
MC Red Cloud took the stage next, showcasing his natural talent for freestyle rap.  To prove that the performance was truly extemporaneous, and not rehearsed, the artist walked around the audience before the start of the show and asked people for random words they wanted to hear incorporated into his freestyle.  Once on stage, Red Cloud then worked these words into his rap.  The rapper’s seamless integration of words such as “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” into the freestyle left spectators highly impressed. 
“Red Cloud’s a legend,” said Titan.  “He’s a great artist.” 
Last but not least, the “Reservation Sensation” JR Redwater hit the stage.  Jesting with the crowd, he brought down the house with some self-deprecating humor about Native Americans. 
After years of experience, the veteran of comedy has perfected his routine with a polished act and a seemingly offhanded delivery.  At one point in the act, JR even turned the spotlight on an unfortunate passerby with a “flat backside.”  But as the MC pointed out, it was all in good fun. 
“It’s in us to enjoy humor,” said Thundercloud.  “Back when people first documented meeting Native Americans, that’s what they talked about.  They were celebrating and laughing.” 
And on this night, they were laughing again.  The audience definitely seemed to enjoy the acts.  In fact, everyone at the show felt pleased with the night’s performances. 
“I would say it’s a success,” JR said.  “I’m very happy with this turnout tonight.” 
Most people came to see the renowned JR Redwater.  However, the other entertainers played an important supporting role.  
“I had no idea that I was going to perform tonight,” Leffert said.  “But I’m so glad that I did.” 
For one of the comedians, the evening represented a rebirth into the world of stand-up comedy.  Prior to this night, Titan Redwater had not taken the stage for years. 
“This was my first show in a while,” Titan said.  “So it was a pretty big-time deal for me.” 
Fortunately, Titan rocked the mic and earned his stripes among stand-up comedians.  Like the other performers, he hopes to return in the future.  The same could probably be said of everyone in the audience who experienced some heartfelt laughter, thanks to the great entertainment at this year’s Pow Wow Comedy show.   


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