Native American and Grammy Winner
Performs in Pueblo
By: Michele Ross
Bill Miller... Singer, Songwriter...
Grammy winner Bill Miller, recently gave an amazing performance in the student center of Pueblo Joe's at Pueblo Community College, in Pueblo CO. This talented man personifies ART. He is a singer, composer, flutist, painter, storyteller and one kick-ass guitarist.
He speaks openly of his life with an abusive alcoholic father and growing up on a reservation. He talked from personal experiences about his journey from victim to victory. He had the audience mesmerized as he told stories of finding forgiveness. He spoke passionately about how everyone needs to tell his or her own story and while speaking to a group of college students he produced a book, his book. A beat up old brown book that carries his stories, his music, his drawings, his vision.
So as I think about this show... about Bill's show, I realized how inspired I am. With that being said, I will take my cue from him....so this my friends is my story of Bill Miller and his brief visit to Pueblo.
Simply stated, Bill Miller ROCKED Pueblo Joe's. From blues to rock to native American, no matter the genre, this man managed to capture our attention and never let it go. I wonder if being a world-class accomplished flute player had anything to do with it. He played them so hauntingly beautiful. His heritage is his strength and it reflects in his craft. I think his spirituality touched all of us in some way. His sense of humor had us laughing. His music had us either holding our breath or cheering him on. I think what I enjoyed the most was his story of learning how to play the blues on his guitar while still a teenager on the streets of Chicago. After that story he let loose and his fingers started to dance and WOW, his acoustic guitar took on a life of its own. Words escape me. It was incredible! He must of been one helluva student! I can't say enough about the show. The performance was wonderful. The man was inspiring. The music was fabulous.
I left this show feeling a whole slew of emotions not normally associated with a show. Crazy but true. Peace, love and understanding. Wow! I learned a lot listening to him. His stories tugged at my heartstrings as I found myself able to relate. It was a privilege to shake his hand after the show and I was so happy to have the opportunity to thank him for sharing his life with us. Telling him how amazing he was, was pretty cool too! I have to admit the journey this multi-talented artist took us (the audience) on was a journey I will not soon forget.