Gabriel Ayala

Excited to introduce to our Arizona Native Experience and Arizona American Indian Festival followers and friends that Gabriel Ayala is confirmed as part of the performing artists line up at the Arizona Native Experience.

A member of the Yaqui people of Southern Arizona, guitarist Gabriel Ayala is an accomplished classical musician. He is positioned at the forefront of a new generation of Native American musicians, breaking all native and non-native stereotypes with his trailblazing assortment of music genres and accolades.

Ayala performs regularly throughout the United States and Internationally. Locally, he has appeared at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Museum of the American Indian, Musical Instrument Museum and the Oscar Meyer Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. Recently, he was a featured artist at President Barack Obamaʼs Inaugural Ball. He has been recognized by the former State of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, now Director of Homeland Security, for his musical achievements. In addition, he has also been highly honored with the University of Arizonaʼs Tanner Award that recognizes significant professional career success and contributions and leadership benefiting American Indian communities. Not only is Gabriel recognized locally and in
the United States but he has also had the opportunity to play for Pope Benedict XVI at the canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in Rome, Italy. He was also the featured performer at the “Festival Internacional de la Guitarra Academica” in Venezuela with performances in Caracas, Guarenas, Guatire and on National Public Television throughout Venezuela.

As Ayala continues to travel throughout the United States and other countries, he serves as an advocate for education for all youth. He does this through guitar workshops, motivational speaking, presentations in various minority communities. He sets an example for native communities by instilling his values of living a traditional lifestyle while abstaining from Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco.

Gabriel believes in leading our children in the right direction through his philosophy, “Love your children, Honor your elders, and Respect your women”. Gabriel wants to share the gift of music with as many people as possible. And he serves as an example and delivers a message to children, letting them know that they can become whatever they dream. Gabriel currently resides in Tucson, Arizona.
Tarra Lazos Creative Arizona Native Experience Arizona American Indian Festival Experience Scottsdale The Saguaro Scottsdale


More information and music can be found at:


http://www.ayalaguitarist.com/