The Raices Group is a Native American performance group that aims to educate people about the meaning of humanity and respecting all living beings.

Listen to the audio clip above for the full interview that we conducted with the group.

“Music is energy,” we were told by the Raices Group front man, “we are energy.” Rather than using the space in Union Square to perform for their own benefit, the Raices Group uses the public space to spread this simple message of love. Their music certainly was uplifting as the sounds of the flutes traveled throughout the station.

Although they agreed that making money is a benefit of playing their music (because, “well, everyone has a mortgage to pay”), that is not the sole purpose of their performing. They do it because they genuinely love to and for the sake of forming human connection. Due to the delicate history and strained relationship between Indian groups and Americans, it is clear why this connection is so significant. They wish to spread their message of love, understanding, selflessness, and generosity with anyone who would be willing to listen. In the end, what is most important to them is coming to a mutual understanding about the importance of respecting all of nature – from the people that you meet to the sun and moon that allow for us to be able to do so.

Personally, I was very moved by what they had to say about this relationship between people and the world around them, as well as their reasoning behind performing in public spaces. At the end of the day, music is a key tool for forming connections with other people and it allows for us to have a deeper understanding and respect for each other. Music is energy, yes, but it is also a means of sharing this message.  It was humbling to have this conversation with the group, to be able to learn this from them, and to have the opportunity to view performance in public space from this perspective.

Please see the video below for a short clip from their performance!

 

– Jillian Panagakos