Witnessing a loved one's descent into addiction was a sobering experience for Paul Pike. That friend's eventual suicide was life-altering for the 33-year-old founder of the eight-piece Medicine Dream.

"Medicine Dream got started in 1995 when a good friend passed away due to alcoholism and drug abuse," said the singer, guitarist, composer, Native American flutist and member of the Mi'kmaq Nation. "It really woke us up that this is something that affects every community. We only play no-alcohol venues out of respect to our culture. It's been very destructive to our community. We want a good, clean environment for all ages."

American Indians have the highest rate proportionally of all ethnic groups when it comes to alcohol-related problems, according to Wayne Mitchell and Kenneth Patch, in the Journal of American Indian Education. Medicine Dream showcases musicians from the Apache, Choctaw, and Aleut nations. One members hails from the Athabascan Nation, and another has both Navajo and Mexican heritage.

"We like to think the music is powerful, but the people that come to the show bring their own spirit," Pike said. "You can feel a huge vibration. I don't know of anyone who doesn't go away [from a show] with a huge perma-grin."

The three-time Native American Music Award nominated group's goal is a simple one: promoting clean and sober living via its unique mix of modern music with Native American roots. Vocalist Cea Anderson also has created multicultural program that share languages, stories and songs in public schools.

"We wanted to do our part at schools and troubled teen centers, to inspire Native youth - all youth in fact," Pike said."We perform contemporary Aboriginal or Native American music, or rock with powwow chants interwoven. We want our kids to grow up knowing where they come from."

Pike's dream continues at 8 p.m. Saturday at Crowder Hall on the University of Arizona campus.

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