Kevin Locke, world-renowned Native American performer and educator, and member of the Baha’i Faith, has been recognized once again for his newest album, Earth Gift.

In October 2009, the album won Record of the Year at the 11th Annual Native American Music Awards (the Nammys). Now, Earth Gift has been nominated by the 9th annual Independent Music Awards (IMA) for Best World Traditional Album.

The IMA’s Vox Pop (Voice of the People) vote determines who will be the public’s choice for Best World Traditional Album. Visit www.kevinlocke.com/indyaward.html before June 8th to cast your vote.

Three years in the making, Earth Gift, a breakthrough recording, produced by two-time Grammy winner Tom Wasinger, features traditional Lakota songs played on flute by Kevin and arranged in a vibrant contemporary world music setting.

Kevin’s life work is sharing an understanding of the oneness of humanity through his music, dance, and storytelling and Kevin hopes this recognition will allow him a greater opportunity to share the universal message of the oneness of humanity.

As Kevin says, Earth Gift has “sounds that don’t tie things to a specific culture, tribe, or ethnicity. It takes people into an area that transcends cultural specificity; a place of universal appeal.”

Kevin regularly performs for schools, museums, and arts centers. In December 2009 he performed at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, Australia.

To learn more about Kevin’s recent recordings and awards, visit his web site, www.kevinlocke.com.