Featuring special guest Kirk James
The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College presents Levi Platero with special guest Kirk James on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 pm. Levi Platero, a talented guitarist from the Navajo Nation, is joined by Durango bluesman Kirk James.
Levi Platero, a Diné blues artist from To’hajilee, N.M., is celebrated for his soulful guitar playing that reflects his life experiences. His musical journey began at age nine with a fifty-dollar pawn shop guitar. By fourteen, he performed with his family band, The Plateros, alongside his father, Murphy Platero, and cousin Douglas Platero.
Platero’s talent quickly gained recognition in the Native music scene. Hip-hop artist Nataanii Means recalls admiring Platero during their teenage years, a sentiment shared by many Native musicians of his generation.
As a teenager, Platero toured with some of the biggest names in Native music, including Micki Free and Keith Secola. Reflecting on his early success, Platero humbly admits he didn’t grasp its significance then, saying, “I didn’t even know it was such a big deal. I was doing it because I loved it, and it was fun.” In 2013, The Plateros teamed up with Indigenous, a blues-rock band led by Mato Nanji, allowing Platero to perform alongside one of his musical idols. A few years later, feeling the need to create his music, Platero released his debut EP, Take Me Back. His 2022 sophomore album, Dying Breed, showcases his growth as an artist, capturing his journey and deep commitment to blues music.
Kirk James is deeply rooted in the Texas blues tradition, delivering a blend of Texas Shuffles, Ragtime, and funky rhythms. His signature phrasing and bottleneck slide guitar evoke the sounds of blues legends like T-Bone Walker, Elmore James, and Lightnin’ Hopkins. With over 30 years of experience as a blues performer, Kirk is known for his powerful guitar work and unique vocals. His repertoire spans both original songs and timeless classics from the Blues Masters. Kirk has shared the stage with iconic artists such as Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown, John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite, Tab Benoit, Los Lonely Boys, Eric Johnson, Coco Montoya, Edgar Winter, Arlo Guthrie, Anson Funderburgh with Sam Myers, and Richie Havens. Notably, he performed as the Tweener Act on the main stage of the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and has appeared multiple times on the Durango Blues Train.
Tickets are $30, $20, and $15. They are available online, Thursday, Oct. 3, at noon at www.durangoconcerts.com or by phone at 970-247-7657. Posted ticket prices include applicable service charges. All sales are final.
The Community Concert Hall is a not-for-profit, multi-use performance venue located on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Its ability to bring a diverse spectrum of shows to Southwest Colorado is made possible through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, and financial and in-kind contributions from generous community members.