The Native American Music Association has released its short list of nominees for the third annual Native American Music Awards. Anchorage's Medicine Dream, a traditional/pop fusion band, is nominated in three categories: best debut artist or group, best pop/rock recording and best song. The band has been invited to perform at the awards ceremony Nov. 11 in Albuquerque, N.M., and is hoping to drum up contributions to cover air fare. The donations are needed because proceeds from the band's national debut on Canyon Records, "Mawio'mi," have gone to programs involved with preventing suicide, domestic violence and alcohol and drug abuse. In addition, the group usually performs at charity events and benefits. This nonprofit mentality is kind of backward in the music business, but that's the way the band members see their musical mission.

Also on the awards list, for best radio station, is Anchorage public station KNBA. Among other artists on the nominee list are several who have performed in Anchorage, including Robert Mirabal, nominated for five awards, and R. Carlos Nakai, nominated in four categories. More familiar names can also be found: Jackson Browne, Bruce Cockburn and Coolio. Coolio? Yes, in a collaboration with Native hip-hop honchos Litefoot on "Mystical Shaman MC's," released on the Red Vinyl label.