A big powwow revisits Lenox with music on everyone's mind

LENOX - A three-day music and cultural fest envelops Western Massachusetts this weekend as the 3d annual Rock, Rattle & Drum Pow Wow combines with the 1st Spirit on the Mountain Music Festival.

Headlining the powwow is Bill Miller, a Stockbridge Mohican singer-songwriter (and Grammy winner) and Indigenous, a Lakota family band (and Nammy winner at the Native American Music Awards) known for its fast-paced blues and having been the opening act for the likes of Carlos Santana, B.B. King, and Dave Matthews. Additionally, more than 22 other musical groups from the region will perform.

A tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of a sustainable and peaceful world, will close the Rock, Rattle & Drum Pow Wow on Sunday. The next day, Jefferson Starship will open the Spirit on the Mountain Music Festival. Starship's special appearance kicks off the band's "Tree of Liberty" tour celebrating the release of their new CD by that name.

As music fills the stages, the festival will also include interactive booths and workshops on numerous environmental and health topics, Native American vendors and exhibitors, a special children's peace village complete with tepees, a traditional healing circle, and roaming buffalo.

Rock, Rattle & Drum Pow Wow, Spirit on the Mountain Music Festival, Eastover Resort and Conference Center, 430 East St., Lenox. Aug. 29-Sept. 1. healingwinds.net. 413-997-4444 (box office), 413-637-0625, 800-822-2386, eastover.com (campsite or room reservation). Tickets $15-$40 depending on number of days attending and which shows.

KIMBERLY SHERMAN