Native American flutist ready to entertain viewers

This week the National Music Museum will be offering a guest who has been featured in a movie and has also won an award for his music.

Michael Murphy, of Omaha, Neb., is a folk singer and songwriter, guitarist and player of the Native American flute. He will sing songs of social awareness, peace, and of those who have influenced his life. His music was featured in the 2008 movie, “The Battle for Whiteclay,” and his CD, “Black Elk Sings,” was named “Traditional Native American CD of the Year” in 2009 by the Rural Roots Music Commission.

Murphy will be performing at the National Music Museum for the second time, playing Native American flute, guitar and piano, Friday Feb. 10 at noon.

Deborah Reeves, Curator of Education at the National Music Museum, said Murphy brings a kind of electric style to his songs, along with a Native American style.

“Michael had a very good turnout the first time and his audience enjoyed the performance. Murphy has currently done 10 to 12 CDs, adding his own originality to each piece.”

Michael Murphy said he wants his viewers to be entertained.

“Sometimes I just sit there and play music. Before I play a piece, I may tell a story that might bring up curiosity,” Murphy said.

Reeves says his music is “more slow and reflective” with some “upbeat music.”

A couple of Murphy’s influences are his parents. After Murphy’s father passed away he became more devoted to his music because his father was big into folk music and piano. A year later, his mother passed, and that is where the Native American flute playing came in.

His most popular CD, “Black Elk Sings,” is an instrumental CD that contains piano, percussion, guitar and the Native American flute. His music covers a variety of different types including classic and folk.

“Once you see me perform, you may or may not like it. I am not one that is big on faking it and putting on a show that some artists may do,” Murphy said.

Because he does play a range of music, it may draw an audience from different backgrounds.

“It would be interesting to see his heritage come out in the music and see all the different aspects to his music,” freshman Maranda Oleson said.

Reach reporter Dylan Geuther at

[email protected].