Tongva Music and Instruments

Join us for a musical performance by Tongva elder Robert Dorame. Dorame will perform his original songs inspired by his Tongva heritage, the land, animals, and oceans, including elements of Tongva language, as well as wax cylinder recordings of Tongva songs held by the Smithsonian. Dorame will also share the history of traditional instruments such as clapper sticks and can rattles, which he has made over the years and incorporates in his music alongside contemporary instruments.

Dorame’s performance is for all ages, with opportunities to participate if interested.

Robert Dorame is a Tongva elder, musician and culture bearer. He acts as a consultant to the California Native Heritage Commission and has monitored numerous land development projects throughout the Gabrielino/Tongva territories for the past four decades. Robert has performed his music extensively and has led cultural presentations across the region, including performances at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Sherman Indian School, UCLA, the Getty Center, and CSU Dominguez Hills.

This program is part of Endless Wellspring, a series of free public programs co-presented by Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND) and the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation at Kuruvungna Village Springs.

Meaning “a place where we are in the sun,” Kuruvungna is the site of a natural spring and an ancestral Tongva village in Tovaangar, present-day Los Angeles. Stewarded by the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation, the two-acres of land features ponds, gardens, and a cultural center dedicated to the life and history of the Tongva people.

In recent years, the Springs has undergone immense ecological restoration through a collective community effort to care for and maintain the sacred site. Reflecting that work, Endless Wellspring is centered around the theme of regeneration, bringing together Native artists and educators to engage with the natural elements and ongoing life and history of Kuruvungna. From hands-on art making workshops to performances, and garden tours, we look forward to seeing you at the Springs this summer.

Endless Wellspring is organized by Mercedes Dorame, artist and Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation board member, and Christopher Mangum-James, LAND deputy director, with support from artist and scholar Lili Flores Aguilar.

This series is made possible in part by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan. Generous support provided by Art of Recovery, an initiative of the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs, and the West Los Angeles Sawtelle Neighborhood Council through a Neighborhood Purpose Grant. Special thanks to Walton Chiu.

Graphic by Jimena Gamio.