When one thinks of Mardi Gras Indian culture, certain images immediately come to mind. Colorful costumes, aggressive chants, lively parades, pounding percussion and Super Sunday all symbolize aspects of Indian culture.

If Japanese guitarists were included on that list, some diehard locals would undoubtedly object, but June Yamagishi's presence as the otherworldly guitar god of the Wild Magnolias could change this perception.

For five years now, June has been one of the stars of the most...