I have had the pleasure to know, listen, and love Brulé for over 25 years. The group is a family affair led by Paul LaRoche on keyboard, his wonderful wife Kathy Summers manages the group, son Shane on a wicked guitar, and daughter Nicole - one of the most accomplished flute players in the world, and Vlasis on the Mother drum.
When Brulé performs, the air is electric! No other group in all of Indian Country puts on a show like Brulé does! If you ever have an opportunity to watch and listen to Brulé live, you will never forget it!
Paul LaRoche, founder and producer of the acclaimed Native American music group Brulé, has built a legacy by blending cultural rock with theatrical instrumentation. Renowned for captivating performances, Brulé delivers the same electrifying energy as acts like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Celtic Thunder, and Riverdance, while deeply rooted in the emotional power of American Indian culture.
Now in their 20th season, Brulé has become one of the top-selling Native American adult rock music groups, achieving over 1 million worldwide CD sales. With 21 releases in 20 years, the group has earned numerous accolades, including being named “Group of the Year” five times by the Native American Music Awards (NAMMYs), accumulating seven NAMMYs since 2002. Their extensive U.S. tours span casinos, performing arts theaters, arenas, corporate events, and festivals.
Brulé’s groundbreaking fusion of contemporary Native American rhythms and classic rock creates a genre-defying sound. Their dynamic performances feature a five-piece rock ensemble enriched with traditional Native American instruments, accompanied by one of the top Native American dance troupes. This cultural rock opera delivers a multi-dimensional art experience, with the personal journey of Paul LaRoche adding a poignant layer to their story. His life has been immortalized in the best-selling biography Hidden Heritage.
Brulé’s national prominence extends to television, with regular appearances on PBS affiliates. Their historic concert special, Brulé: Live at Mount Rushmore—Concert for Reconciliation of the Cultures, is the longest-running Native American concert aired on national TV.
The group also produced over 70 episodes of the TV series Hidden Heritage for RFD-TV, a network reaching over 40 million U.S. homes and international markets. The program highlights uplifting stories from across Native America, further showcasing Brulé’s commitment to cultural representation.
As trailblazers in the music industry, Brulé has introduced a new genre—epic Native American Rock Theatre—bringing a powerful and authentic voice to the world stage.
Join Paul LaRoche as he recounts his emotional reunion with his Lakota heritage. Adopted at birth, Paul journeys from a small farming community to embracing his tribal roots on the Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation. After discovering his adoption papers, he finds joy and connection with his newfound family, building bridges between his past and present.
This episode explores the unique experience of celebrating Christmas on an Indian reservation, highlighting cultural similarities and differences. Paul blends Native American sounds with classic Christmas melodies, creating a distinctive musical fusion that honors both traditions. Discover the story behind Brulé's popular holiday concerts and the making of their Christmas albums.