At the Fourth Annual Native American Music Awards, 2001 Held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Star Nayea brightly shone. As Star's highly acclaimed five song EP ‘Somewhere in a Dream,’ took home the award for “Best Independent Recording.”

‘Somewhere’ has been receiving raves reviews across Indian country and in Canada since its release. In an experiment, ‘Somewhere,’ was placed into rotation on a variety of triple A radio stations in the Southwest. Three of the five singles, Down to Love, Fly, & If I want to... topped the charts at #1 and remained there for three consecutive weeks. While the other two songs, Baby Blue, & Somewhere in a Dream, stayed in the top five circulation and top ten rotation request of the local audiences.

While Star Nayea's music kept "Knocking" other mainstream artists off the charts in the Southwest area, such as Brittany Spears, Christina Aguilara, Pink, and even Melissa Etheridge.

It soon became all too clear, this was a sign of what is yet to come, from this contemporary, award winning First American powerhouse vocalist/songwriter.

Star Nayea's newest labor of Love, (new music) is yet more evidence of the undeniable mainstream marketability this First American Artist possesses.

Star's newest music is not even recorded or for resale at this time, however at live shows people flock to the merchandise tables, in search of the Star's newest music they have just heard, and wish to purchase.
Yet another fantastic sign of what's to come.

From the very beginning, life would pose a challenge for this strong Native woman and artist.

As an infant of two months, Star Nayea was taken away from her Native American family, as part of the 1950’s-70’s baby sweep perpetrated by the United States and Canada.

Star was then placed into an extremely abusive nonnative family, and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan.

Survival would play a huge part in Star's life from the very beginning.

To this day, Star Nayea still searches, and Prays to one day be reunited with her Native American birth family. As Star grew into a young woman she was surrounded by the Motor City Rock ‘n’ Roll scene. With that famed MO-Town sound!

This would inevitably hand Star Nayea her unique and undeniable soulful style.
Star Nayea began to tear up the stages in Detroit. Moving on to Austin, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Phoenix, New Orleans, and Toronto just to name a few.

Star Nayea has had the pleasure of working with many highly accomplished Native American Artists. Robbie Robertson, Rita Coolidge & Walela, Buffy St. Marie, Ulali, Bill Miller, Indigenous, Joanne Shenandoah Chuck Billy (Testament), Gary Farmer, And of course Star's long time friends Keith Secola, and Robert Mirabal. And Non Native artists. Being on the same bill as Mr. Willie Nelson, while Serving as an opener for Tommy Shaw & Super 80's rock group Styx. While Living In New York, Star had the pleasure of a few jams sessions with Todd Wolf, (former Guitarist for Sheryl Crow).

In 1995, early on in Stars career, thanks to a surprising twist of fate.
Star Nayea had the great pleasure of working with famed, National West Coast heavy metal band "Testament." Whose front man ‘Chuck Billy,’ is from the Pomo Indian Nation. Star's voice appears on their CD, “LIVE AT THE FILMORE,” on two tracks.

The album was recorded live, at the Filmore in San Francisco, in front of thousands of Testaments screaming fans. Star refers to that experience as, “a rush I will never forget.”

Broadway style stage experience:
In 1997 Star Nayea received rave reviews, as one of the lead vocalist in an all Native, Broadway style production entitled "TRIBE." Which made its debut for three weeks, at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Also in 97, Star was invited by the infamous Canadian Playwright, Thompson Highway.
To perform in his highly acclaimed, Broadway fashioned play, "ROSE." Along side Jani Lazon & other widely known Canadian aboriginal artists.

In that same year... Star Nayea was a featured as a guest vocalist on "Robbie Robertson's" Grammy Nominated and Juno award winning album, "Contact from the Underworld of Redboy,” on Capital Records.

The two tracks Star's voice can be heard on are, ‘Making a noise in this world,’ and ‘Unity song.’ A memorable moment that year for Star, was when she accompanied the legendary musician, "Robbie Robertson," on stage at the 1st Annual Native American Music Awards, held at the Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut.

An opportunity of a life time, as Star Nayea performed, ‘Making a noise in this world,’ along side Robbie Robertson & Rita Coolidge. Star Nayea was instructed by Robertson that evening to let lose on her vocals...
Only the way Star Nayea can!

As Star Nayea belted out her featured vocals that evening, along side Robertson, she quickly won over the audiences approval, as a Powerhouse Native vocalist to watch out for!

At the Opening Ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, held in Salt Lake City Utah, featured Star Nayea's voice! Unsuspecting audiences around the world, could here Star Nayea vocals featured on the original tracks, from Robertson's 97 release. As Robertson used these original tracks to perform to. "Making a noise in this world" & "Unity song" recorded for the album "Contact from the underworld of Red Boy," On capital records.

In 1998, Star join forces with Native America's own Keith Secola. Quickly becoming an honorary member of the Wild Band of Indians. Touring around our great Nation & Canada, with Keith & the Wild band for about two years.

The 1999 Sundance Film Festival was a wonderful experience as well, for Star Nayea, as she performed with her long time friends, Keith Secola & Derek Miller, as the "Wild band of Indians," giving the Sundance film festival, a performance to remember them by.

In certain circles today, it is said.. That evenings performance, four years ago.. Is still receiving raves reviews. Even comments from Robert Redford himself, remembers it as, a Sundance affair not to soon forgotten.

In 1999, Star Nayea quickly caught the eye of Native America's magnetic, and highly accomplished artist, Robert Mirabal. Star began to tour with Mirabal’ performing along side Mirabal for over a year.

Then, in the spring of 2000 , Robert invited Star & Rare Tribal Mob, to perform on one of the mainstages at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, for a high energy performance that enlightened the festival crowd.

December 2000, Star appeared as a featured guest artist/backing vocalist on Mirabal's highly acclaimed PBS special “Songs from a Painted Cave.” Recorded live at the FoxWoods Casino. Mashentucket, Pequot Tribe of Connecticut.

In the spring of 2001, Star Nayea gained thousands of new fans of her own, based on her powerful appearance & performance in 'Caves.' Which would prove to be great timing for Star's solo efforts. As 'Painted Caves' was released Nation Wide, on PBS stations around the country. Also available on Video & DVD.

Star as well as the full performance can also be heard on the highly acclaimed release of, Songs from a Painted Cave CD, available on Silverware Records.

In 2000, Star launched her own freshman solo effort, "Somewhere in a Dream.'

In 2001, At the Sandia Casino, located on Rainbow Road, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Star Nayea found her pot of gold. By taking home the award & honor for "Best Independent Recording," At the 4th Annual Native American Music Awards. For her freshman effort.

Throughout the years, Star Nayea and her band have had the pleasure of touring Nation wide, along with Star's many appearances in Toronto, Canada throughout the years.

Star has had the honor of playing a highly respected musical event thats called tradition up there! This widely recognized event has since blown up into a huge nationally recognized event. Elaine Bomberry's... REZ BLUES.

Star has performed at' Rez Blues' three times now. Appearing at the Silver Dollar in downtown Toronto.

More recently appearing at HEALEY'S. Jeff Healey, is a Canadian super star, and highly recognized as a National Recording blues artist, Healey, owns his very own blues club in Toronto, which hosted Rez Blues last year.

Star's three year run of appearing at Indian Casino's nation wide, & Native Music festivals, such as, Indian Summer Fest, in Milwaukee, WI, she very honored by being invited back for two consecutive years.

In October of 2002, Star Nayea, having quite the fan base in Canada, was invited by long time friend, and Renown Native Actor of stage & film, Gary Farmer. Star taped a live performance & interview for Gary's Canadian based late night variety show... "Buffalo Tracks", which can be viewed on Star's website, in the video section. Star's appearance on Buffalo Tracks was aired all over Canada in December, 2003.
Accompanying Star Nayea on guitar for that appearance was Juno award winner & long time acquaintance, Derek Miller.

In February 2002, Star Nayea and her La based band, played a show at the legendary comedian Dan Akroyds House of Blues. Needless to say..Star Nayea & the guys blew the roof off that house, packed with LA SKINS! Rocking the house with three of her Native American Music Award winning songs.

On July, 23rd 2002 Star Nayea, coming to yet another ground staking point in her career, served as the opener for the legendary 80's super group, Tommy Shaw & STYX. At Casino Viejas in Alpine, California. Leaving even Mr. Tommy Shaw himself, with an awesome impression of what this Native woman artist is capable of doing. As Star & her band, performed a 30 minute set, to a STYX audience! Who had never heard of Star Nayea..And she undoubtedly & completely won them over. Star received high praise from Mr. Tommy Shaw, & the super group.

Star Nayea Started off 2003, by performing at the 64th annual American Indian Film Festival, held in San Francisco, California. It was a huge honor for Star to appear at such an established Native American Institution.

February 2003 , Star Nayea along with her LA based band, performed at the VIP party for 2003, First Americans In The Arts.. awards ceremony.

In April 2003, Star was invited to appear, for two knock out performances at the New Orleans Jazz/Heritage festival. It was stated to be one of the biggest crowds for Star's appearance at Indian Village to date. Also, Star appeared on one of the Main Stages shortly after.

Star Nayea CD's flew off the shelf at the VIRGIN MEGA STORE.. where Star signed autographs after each performance.

Finally, ending a year of many highly appraised appearances.

Oct 1st, 2003 Star Nayea held the high honor as serving as the only talent for 2003's Prestigious Celebration of Diversity Awards, held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire. In conjunction with The Producers Guild of America. Star Nayea wowed that Industry crowd, while proving once again, without doubt, the path that this First American powerhouse female entertainer is on.

Star Nayea carries herself with an abundance of undeniable power, wisdom, and emotion that delivers....... Every time!

These days you can find this singer/songwriter/nationally touring/recording artist, working side by side with other highly accomplished Native actors, directors, producers & musicians.

As a music instructor for The Owens Valley Film & Music Academy. www.ovcdc.com

Star Nayea has taken time out of her busy thriving career, to give back to our Indian Youth with in the Southern California Tribes. Star Nayea describes it as "Her Honor." To give back, some of which she has been fortunate enough to receive. At the same time mentoring our youth. As the call for mentors, to combat the drug & alcohol abuse with in our tribes, among our youth is hugely apparent.

Soon Star hopes to step back into the studio once more to create an answer to ‘Somewhere in a Dream,’ her award winning EP.

For Star truly believes that music is the continuing saga of life, and all of its journeys, challenges, and heartbreaks. In essence ... These lessons make for great music.

A brand new year has arrived, accompanied by brand new beginnings for this unique & highly accomplished artist. Who never seems to tire, of giving herself, & creating new music in hopes of sharing it with her fans, new & old, nationwide, as well as in Canada..