Indigenous Rocks into Jergel’s (Wed., 7/23/25)

The story of blues-rock outfit Indigenous is really the story of frontman Mato Nanji (Ma-TOE NON-gee), who was born and raised on the Yankton Sioux Reservation of South Dakota. A second-generation rocker, Nanji formed Indigenous in his teens with his brother, sister, and cousin—a lineup that led to an award-winning debut in 1998 and an invite to join B.B. King’s Blues Tour in 1999. The family would stick together through four more releases before splitting in 2006. Nanji found even more success on his own as songs from his solo album Chasing the Sun, released under the Indigenous name, wound up on the soundtracks of “Deadliest Catch” and “Sons of Anarchy.” It was also the No. 2 Billboard Blues Album of 2006. Nanji has been a member of the Experience Hendrix Tour since 2002. He plays a mean version of Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).” Indigenous’s latest release is 2017’s Gray Skies, an album of bootlegs and rarities. Catch Indigenous at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, with special guest Adrian Niles. Doors at 6 p.m., music at 8 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale. (R.H.)

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