Local Musician Udayvladv Tawoda Talks to Mama B at New Art Shop

Udayvladv Tawoda- local musician from Clarion, PA

So, I was looking for something interesting in the local music scene, and thought I'd check out what was happening in Clarion, the closest college town. At the opening of a groovy little art shop called, "Art Funkels", I was drawn in by the amazing sound of a Native American flute and knew I had found the music I was looking for. This flute player was like no one I've seen locally...you could tell he'd been places, lived experiences bigger than those of most folks around here. His name was Tawoda and here's what I found out...

Mama B: "So, Tawoda,...what an interesting name. Can you tell me about your name? It's quite unique, is it a Native American name? I don't want to offend you, but I was wondering if you were indeed, Native?"

Tawoda: "Yes, it is. It is Cherokee. It means shadow hawk. My grandmother explained it to me in this way. I am to be a shadow to other people's beliefs, to honor and not offend and hawk meaning to keep the aggressive vision of the dreams and goals in your life. So, I try hard in my life to live up to that."

Mama B: "Wow, that is so interesting...I love to hear about people who have meaningful names."

Mama B: "So, you're opening for Art Funkels...how are you acquainted with this cool little shop?"

Tawoda: "I am on the board of directors for the shop. The vision of the shop is to showcase local artists and to provide arts programming to local children in Clarion."

Mama B: "Are you playing anywhere else at the moment?"

Tawoda:"Actually, I am working with a musician from Erie named Greg Ross. We are doing some recording with my flute and his guitar." "I also take my music into prisons and schools as outreach for a non-profit called Integrated World Arts Inc." "Other than that, I'm always up for a jam session with friends in Meadville and New York, or anywhere!"

Mama B: "Can you tell me about your musical background? You know, like your training, any bands you've been in...tell me about your journey through music."