The annual singing and blessing ceremony on New Year’s Eve has become an annual tradition over the years. Although the coronavirus pandemic shut it down, along with many other events throughout the community in 2020, it was good to hear the songs of healing and blessings in the Multi-Purpose Facility on Dec. 31. Alex Cloud continued the annual event, as Elwood Kent who first started the New Year’s Eve singing and blessing passed away in 2021; Cloud is the nephew of Elwood Kent.
Songs filled the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility, as singers brought in the New Year as traditionally done in prior years – aside from the 2020 shutdown due to the coronavirus.
A potluck-style meal was served to those who attended the New Year’s Eve Singing and Blessing event at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility.
Alex Cloud, nephew of the late Elwood Kent, carries on the traditional New Year’s Eve ceremony, with help from Neida Chakee and family and community members.
Tim Ryder and son, Bird Red sing as part of the drum circle, filling the Multi-Purpose Building with songs and drumming.
Hunter Frost, Dewayne Richards and Southern Ute Council Member Dr. Stacey Oberly (background) sing in the new year.
Neida Chakee, Daisy Blue Star, Chispas Root and Southern Ute Council Member Lorelei Cloud sing backup to the drummers.
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
