This weekend the Hot Blizzard Folk Festival's taking place in Portage la Prairie. One of the performers is Long Plain First Nation chief Dennis Meeches, otherwise known as Yoza.

"I was actually invited last year, but of course there was a blizzard that time," Meeches says. "So, I didn't make it. My stage name is Yoza. I'm working on my fifth album, and I'm not sure when I'll release that. I'm going to use my real name on the last album."

Dennis Meeches (right)

Meeches says he's a singer/songwriter with a backup band that's been by his side for a number of years. His performance see him play guitar at times, but his guitarist usually takes that task. He started out playing traditional drumming, and then around 1999 a friend wanted to start a band and he joined. Meeches says he was writing songs at a rapid pace and his albums gave him limited success. Five of his albums were in the national top 30, with four songs in the top 5. One of his songs also made it to number 1.

Creedence Clearwater Revival and Bob Dylan inspired his talent, as well as Neil Young. He notes his music's a little different than what most people are familiar with. Meeches explains there's traditional chanting in many of the songs.

His first album was entitled Good To Go, followed by The Family Tree, Spirit Horse, and then Dream Songs. He doesn't altogether know how his fifth one will turn out, but a couple of songs have been written for it so far. You can get his music online. Meeches adds it's a little more spiritual for him than calling it a hobby, but it's a sideline as far as a career is concerned. His work in politics, having been a chief for 16 years as well as having traveled doing powwows, and owning a horse ranch takes a lot of his time. Meeches says he hopes his music is his lasting legacy due to its spiritual aspect.

The show takes place tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street South. Doors open at 12:30.