Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nataanii Means is unable to attend the Cheyenne River Youth Project’s upcoming Mother’s Day performance in the Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park. The nonprofit youth organization has just announced that it will welcome comedian Tito Ybarra to perform, as well as comedian Mylo Smith Jr.
Who:
Comedian Mylo Smith Jr.
Comedian Tito Ybarra
What:
Ina’s Day Show
Waniyetu Wowapi Performing Art Series, made possible by a grant from NEA ArtWorks.
**Open free to all ages / No outside food or drinks / Feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets!
When:
Sunday, May 13
12-4 p.m.
Where:
Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park
CRYP campus
702 4th Street (south of the powwow grounds)
Eagle Butte, SD
Mylo Smith Jr. has been a comedian since 2006, when he made his debut to a crowd of 14 in Rosebud, South Dakota. Over the years, he had the opportunity to learn from his mentor, native comedian JR Redwater; travel throughout the country; and place third out of 60 in a Hollywood comedy competition.
Considered one of the top native comedians performing today, and known for his witty crowd interaction and physical style of performing, Smith also works as a motivational speaker. His wellness curriculum covers drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and suicide prevention, and he draws on his own life experience to connect with his audiences.
Peter Ybarra—better known to family, friends and fans as “Tito”—has traveled all over the country as both a powwow singer and a comedian. He is co-creator of the Powwow Friends YouTube channel, and he has created quite a following in both the United States and Canada. He says he seeks to use humor as a way to promote healing; he is currently working on a new YouTube channel titled “TitoComedy.”
“It’s an honor to do the work that I’m doing now,” Ybarra says. “I’ve really found my place doing comedy. It’s an amazing gift to bring laughter not only to Indian country, but to people from different walks of life.”
To stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook (/LakotaYouth), Twitter (@LakotaYouth) and Instagram (@waniyetuwowapi).
The Cheyenne River Youth Project, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities.