Kayenta blues fest showcases local talent

The vacant lot behind the Kayenta Township hall was the place to be Sept. 17 as the 4th Annual Monument Valley Film Festival opened with an evening of blues music.

The blues fest showcased bands including the Triple Shot Mustangs, who performed the evening's opening set on acoustic guitars. The band consisted of William "The Beast" Benally (drums), Lee Benally (bass) and Greg White (vocals and guitars).

Next was Chucki Begay and the Mother Earth Blues Band, who performed a riveting set with original numbers that included a tribute to Geronimo called "Heroes" and "Rez Dogs," which is reminiscent of Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog."

The band also performed cover tunes like "Little Wing" and "Voodoo Child" by Jimi Hendrix, "In This River" by Black Label Society, and "Pride and Joy" by Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Lead guitarist Richie Anderson ripped solos and his nephew Cisco Anderson complimented him on rhythm. When it came to a jam session, Cisco carried his own weight in a solo instrumental performance with the band backing him up.

Merlin Yazzie was on bass and Travis Mose on drums. Together this quintet of musicians got the audience of about 150 people of all ages hooting and hollering.

"It's always awesome to perform whether if we are donating our time or to perform as a band," Begay said following the performance. "I always enjoy singing. I've always loved to sing. I've been singing since I was a little girl."

At the end of the band's performance, Begay was mobbed by young female fans seeking autographs and free CDs.

"I'm surprised that she didn't do it for this show but usually when there are little girls at our shows, she would get them all on stage and sing with her," Richie Anderson said.

"I like being a role model for our young women," Begay said. "I don't drink or do drugs because of that. I want the young people to know that if they want to be doctors, to be a doctor. If they want to sing, then go be a singer. Dreams do come true. You got to make it happen for you and I'm glad to be that kind of role model for our children."

The Tuba City-based quartet Coalition took the stage next. The band is comprised of Tony Rosales (vocals and guitar), Alex Begay (drums), Elton Sloan (bass) and Dewayne Begay (guitars). Their strong suit is performing original compositions with precision.

The band's music was a mellow follow-up to Chucki Begay and company, but the audience expressed its appreciation.

And last but not least, the Plateros took the stage, drawing the largest audience of the evening with about 200 people on hand.

This was a rare treat for Kayenta as guitar virtuoso Levi Platero captivated the audience with his impeccable guitar playing.

The trio consists of Levi (guitars and vocals), Bronson Begay (bass and vocals) and Douglas Platero (drums). Murphy Platero, Levi's father, scaled back from bass and vocal duties to focus on managing the band.

Without any hesitation the band ripped into its opening number "I'm Leaving You," followed by "Changes" and "Red House," before hitting a new tune called "Scratch."

Levi then tore into Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious," then a Plateros original, "I Found You," and ZZ Top's "Just Got Paid" before finishing the night with a hair-raising performance of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child," where it seemed as if Levi lost himself in the solo.

The the performance wasn't enough for fans as they cheered for an encore. The Plateros obliged by performing a jam with solo routines by Begay and Douglas Platero that made the audience cheer with frenzy.

Bottom line: The Blues Fest was an inspired way to kick off the Monument Valley Film Fest.

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