Mali Obomsawin Quartet

Arrow Street Arts
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Mali Obomsawin, from Odanak First Nation, is a multifaceted artist known for her prowess as a bassist, singer-songwriter, and composer. Recognized as one of GRAMMY.com’s top ten emerging jazz artists to watch in 2023, Obomsawin stands out among the vibrant community of up-and-coming Indigenous jazz artists. Reflecting on her journey, they say, “my people have had to innovate endlessly to get our stories heard… but sometimes words fail us, and we must use sound.” 

A multi-disciplinary musician blending jazz, folk, and more, offstage Obomsawin is also a writer and educator with Sunlight Media Collective, a Wabanaki-driven media team, to promote stories at the intersection of environmental justice and tribal sovereignty. They are also an advocate and community organizer for Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and the landback movement. She is the founder of Bomazeen Land Trust, an organization dedicated to rematriating Wabanaki ancestral lands, and preserving cultural, medicinal, and agricultural traditions. 

“Obomsawin reminds listeners constantly that folk music shouldn’t be about pliant, pretty subservience, and that Abenaki culture is loudly, proudly living and expanding. ”

The Guardian

Featured Artists

Videos

Mali Obomsawin Sextet – “Fractions” and “Blood Quantum” 

Mali Obomsawin Sextet – “Fractions” and “Blood Quantum” 

Arrow Street Arts Venue Information

The 9:00 PM performance of Mali Obomsawin Quartet is generously supported by
Margaret & Michael Simon.

Additional support is provided by the Amy Lam Fund for Creative Performance.


This performance is made possible in part by support from Celebrity Series' LIVE PERFORMANCE! Arts for All Innovation Funds.