Songs From the Stone Hoop

Supported by the Artists Bridging Social Distance in the Public Realm initiative, Songs From the Stone Hoop is a CD of original ceremonial music composed by artist, musician, and spiritual leader Miguel Sagué Jr. of the Taíno Nation. These musical compositions serve as the foundation for sacred Indigenous ceremonies of the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle, a community founded by Sagué to support people Indigenous to the Caribbean in reclaiming their Indigenous spirituality.

Sagué’s original compositions have been used in sacred Indigenous ceremonies worldwide for over 40 years. His seminal scores are recorded and documented for the first time in Songs From the Stone Hoop, preserving the oral traditions, history, and culture of the Taíno Nation into the future.

Songs From the Stone Hoop features Sagué singing his original compositions with Carlos Peña (guitar), Tony DePaolis (bass), his son Miguel Sagué III (mayowakan, voice), and a choir directed by Kris Rust with fellow Taíno leaders and members of the community on vocals: Lenia Sagué, Dayvanna Caraballo, and Jeffry Mucaro Blake Johnson. Phat Man Dee provided background vocals and acted as executive producer with Sagué at Mr. Smalls Recording and Mastering Studios in Pittsburgh’s North Side community. All songs were recorded, mixed, and mastered by Larry Luther.

Songs From the Stone Hoop was released during National Native American Heritage Month at a CD Release Concert at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls in Millvale, PA, on November 28, 2021. The CD was released on Creative Life Support Records, a non-profit record label directed by Liz Berlin.

Purchase the CD of Songs From the Stone Hoop.

Download the first and second singles from the album, “Atabey (Taíno Ti)” and “Vasija de Barro.”

Learn more about the Artist and his work.

Learn more about Taíno culture and heritage.

Learn more about the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center.

Watch the Artist’s videos on his YouTube Channel.

Miguel Sagué Jr. is an artist, musician, and spiritual guide for the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle. He was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, in a region associated with the historic Indigenous town of El Caney, one of the most important centers of Indigenous tradition in the country. He grew up immersed in the culture, art and music for which his native region is famous. When he was 15, Miguel immigrated to the United States with his family, first living in Erie, PA and later moving to Pittsburgh. There, he built his life as a schoolteacher, father, and working musician.

In 1981, Miguel founded the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle, a community to support people Indigenous to the Caribbean in reclaiming their Indigenous spirituality. He serves as a behike, or spiritual leader, and is responsible for composing the sacred music used in ceremonial traditions worldwide. In 1988, Miguel founded Sagué Presents Entertainment Agency, featuring his flagship ensemble, Guaracha Latin Dance Band.

Miguel sits on the board of directors of the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center and is active in the arts and Indigenous culture scene both in the Pittsburgh region and globally.