Levi Platero drops INTO Gallup for a show

Local Dineh Blues musician, Levi Platero, made a concert stop to promote his latest blues album “Take Me Back,” at the Gallup Downtown Events Center July 22.

A local favorite, Platero plays lead guitar and his niche is the Blues.

Platero got bit by the blues bug at an early age, noting his father as a big influence.

Since then, Platero along with his siblings formed a band, and later Platero ventured out on his own making a name for himself. The Gallup Sun caught up with Platero before he headed out on stage.

Walking into the conference center, Platero, along with his band were busy conducting sound checks. I spotted him, and let him know that I was here for an interview.

Being this was my first time meeting him I was excited, having caught some of his performances on YouTube.  I was eager to find out why he chose the Blues and all that it entailed. We stepped outside the venue for little less distraction.

Sun: You’ve performed here at the Gallup Downtown Conference Center, right?

Platero: Yeah, I’ve been here about three or four times now. I’m here on a small tour with a CD release party for my new album called, “Take Me Back.” It has about five songs on it and it’s a EP. We’re kind of on a little tour headed out to California.

Sun: Where did you guys start out at?

Platero: We started out in Oklahoma and then we headed out to St. Louis, from there to Columbus, Ohio, and then New Jersey, New York, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and then came back (laughing) out here to the west. We have tonight here and then California. It’s kind of a busy run.

Sun: Wow that’s crazy, what’s your tour called?

Platero: I don’t have a tour name (laughing) cuz then I’ll have a lot of names and I wouldn’t know what to call them (laughing). I would run out of names by tour three (laughing).

At this point people start to show up for the concert and are watching me do the interview and taking pictures of us. Platero seemed nonchalant. I on the other hand was getting nervous, but continued with the interview.

Sun: When did you start on this tour?

Platero: I started out on July 10, so it’s been recent. So, I’ve been kind of keeping it going, and oh yeah … I’ll end it out on July 27^th.

Sun: So, you like touring Gallup?

Platero: Oh yeah, it’s like family here?

Sun: You’re Native right…what kind? I mean tribe (laughing).

Platero: (Laughing) What kind … I’m the red kind (both laughing), I’m a Navajo, Dineh. I’m from Tohajiilee, about 35 miles west of Albuquerque.

Sun: How many albums have you guys put out so far?

Platero: We got out two right now, I’ve got “Hang On” and this EP that’s coming out. I’m working on a whole new album that’s ready to go, just trying to pick a release date.

Sun: Now going back you were touring with your family, first, right?

Platero: Oh yeah, I took a little break to just finish the album and kind of do my own thing for a while you know. Get a little more established, and I’m going back on tour with them in September with Indigenous. That should be really cool. I’m excited about that.

Sun: Any other top musicians you played with?

Platero: I played with Los Lonely Boys, there’s quite a couple … ahh Los Lobos … War; I got the opportunity to open for Johnny Lang. I shared the stage with a lot of them the names are up there (laughing).

Sun: That’s all cool, so who are your influences?

Platero: My main influence is probably Stevie Ray Vaughn. Stevie is a big part of my influence. The raw motion on how he played the guitar, that’s what I take from him. I like his style, he’s cool. I would have love to play with him or Hendrix, Hendrix is a cool inspiration too.

Sun: How’d you get into it?

Platero: My dad really brought home a cheap pawn shop guitar for me one summer, and I learned how to play a Stevie Ray Vaughn song. That’s all I did the whole summer.

Sun: How old were you then?

Platero: I was about 9-years-old, and I didn’t have a lot of friends … like I lived on the reservation, but I went to public schools in Albuquerque. I had friends in Albuquerque, but none on the rez … just my guitar. Every time I came home that’s all I practiced on. I really never bothered with homework (laughs).

Sun: So, this does pretty well for you then?

Platero: This is my full-time job; it’s taking care of me. I’ve been doing this since I was 12 … touring and doing shows, and now I’m 25.

Sun: How many guys you have in your band?

Platero: Well, tonight it’s a trio, I want to keep it small.

Sun: You write most of your stuff?

Platero: Yeah, I try to write most of my stuff, but sometimes I throw in covers. But the release is all of mine.

Sun: You hoping to get on a major label?

Platero: I would love to get on a major label, still working on it. Other than that (I) just keep playing. I have Knifewing Segura who books some of my shows, and sometimes I go out and do it.

Sun: Well, cool is there anything else you want to add or maybe something that we don’t know about you, like what you do in your spare time?

Platero: I love to skate, I love to read my bible,  and I like to play video games …y eah video games. I usually like to when I’m not on the road …. write music and reading the bible. It keeps me sane (laughing). God has been a major part of my life. He’s the reason why I’m living today. There was time in my life where things weren’t rays of sunshine. God is a big reason why I’m doing what I’m doing. My songs are based of some of my experiences like, drugs, relationships, … pure life you know. A lot of it can go either way like secular to gospel, I like talking about the real anything that can relate to life’s experiences. I’m just telling a story and just hoping people will listen.

Sun: Cool, well I really appreciate you taking the time out for this, how can people get a hold of you?

Platero: Oh, you’re welcome. People, they can find me on facebook, or my website www.leviplatero.com, and find me on Instagram, Snapchat.

By Dee Velasco
For the Sun

An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison for second degree murder in a domestic violence case.

Roderrell Boyd Charley, 33, of Chinle, Ariz was sentenced to 222 months of imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes on Oct. 13. Charley previously pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder.

It was Charley’s mother who called police, who then found the victim lying in the road.

According to the FBI statement, Charley beat the victim to death with his fists and feet between Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, 2019. Family members heard him screaming and arguing with the victim on the night of Oct. 7. The next morning, Charley told his sister that the victim was no longer breathing and left the scene.

The victim was pronounced dead on arrival at the emergency room.

Blunt trauma was the cause of death, along with serious internal injuries, and multiple fractures. Extensive bruising on her face and body were also reported.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. LaGrange and Sharon K. Sexton, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.

Talent comes in all ages

A new edition to this year’s 96^th Annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial was the ‘Tiny Tot Pageant and Best Dressed Grandma and Grandpa” Competition. The event was held at the El Morro Theatre Aug. 7, to an almost packed house of eager onlookers.

The Tiny Tot Pageant featured total of eight contestants from the surrounding area: Kelana Nizhoni Charley/Crownpoint - 5 years old; Preaura A. Harrison/Houck, Ariz. - 5 years old; Markell Boy Mariano/Gallup - 5 years old; Kyla Taylor Bitsie/Tohatchi - 6 years old; Starlaya S. Harrison/Houck, Ariz. - 5 years old; Adalyn Lily Yonnie/Ganado, Ariz. - 6 years old; Nevaeh Angel Tsipai/Newcomb - 5 years old; Bryson James Benallie/Ft. Defiance, Ariz. - 6 years old.

Each tot introduced themselves, modeled their traditional attire, and performed a talent.

Little Brave 1st place winner received a huge Teddy Bear, Pendleton blanket, and sash belt. Little Princess received a teddy bear, silver turquoise crown, and sash belt. As for the other contestants, there were no losers. Each one would receive a $10 Gift Card from McDonalds and a water bottle filled with candy.

Tot Charley introduced herself in Navajo/Dineh, and attempted to say a prayer as well in Navajo, with a stern look on her little face. The audience melted with joy at her attempt. Her talent was counting from 1 to 10, reading a story, and singing in Navajo. At the end of her talent performance she told the audience:

“I would show you how to butcher a sheep, but I forgot my sheep,” Charley said. “Don’t drink and drive and text.”

Contestant Mariano immediately received a huge applause as he came out to introduce himself in his Apache Crown Spirit regalia. He even drew a louder response as he danced in full regalia to an Apache Crown Dance song.

Benallie sang a traditional song in his Navajo language and kept stopping and beginning all the while saying: “Ah...I keep forgetting,” but drew sheer support from the audience.

In the Best Dressed Grandma and Grandpa competition, contestants were: Geralene Billie/Brimhall; Dorothy Bitsilly/Tohatchi;  David L. Martinez aka “Bronco Martinez”/Smith Lake; and Rita Becenti Martinez/Crownpoint. Each contestant recieved a $25 gift card from Earl’s Restaurant.

Each introduced themselves while modeling their attire as the emcee told the audience how it plays an important part in their culture.

Contestant Billie said her sash belt represented her three kids and the achievements  they have made.

Grandma Bitsilly spoke of all her kids including her 23 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Contestant Martinez received a big applause as he came on stage dressed in his traditional cowboy attire. Several elderly women could be heard giggling like school girls as they shouted out his name.

Someone in the audience shouted, “That’s not Martinez ... that’s Bronco Martinez!”

Martinez tipped his hat to the ladies as he left the stage, which elicited more giggles.

Midway through the competition a performance by Ashe:kwe Dance group from the Pueblo of Zuni performed for the crowd with their group of five girls, and two boys. This was a well-received performance from the crowd for their singing and dancing.

With a short intermission and time for the judges to tally up the scores, conversations could be heard about how well the competition was going. One particular person who was flabbergasted at the audience turnout was Ceremonial Director Dudley Byerley, who just couldn’t believe the support of the event and excitement of it all.

“I think that those of you who missed it, don’t realize what you just missed. This thing is killing it, it is probably one of the greatest things I’ve seen in a long time,” Byerley said. “It’s unreal … I’m just blown away. What can I say this is our second new event. We did the run/walk on Saturday. I blew me away with over 250 runners, now with this thing … we don’t know what we was getting into. But this thing is three-quarters filled up…so like I said for those of you who missed it … are really missing something … it’s crazy good!”

The announcement came for the Best Dressed Grandma and Grandpa, each winner received a $25 gift card from Earl’s, a chance to be in the parade, and in the Grand Entry for the Pow Wow this Saturday.

Being the only grandpa at the competition, “Bronco Martinez,” from Smith Lake took Best Dressed Grandpa. Martinez was quite happy and shared his thoughts on when he first attended the Ceremonial at the age of seven and now being 76-years-old.

“I feel great…I feel young again (laughing)! I’ve been coming to the ceremonial ever since I was about 7 years old. Way back we didn’t come in a wagon but we’ve seen some wagons coming in. We came in an old pickup truck. Of course, we were all in the back and you know it was quite a fascinating trip for me because that was the first time I’ve ever been away from a sheep camp…(laughing).”

Winner of the Best Dressed Grandma was Dorothy Bitsilly who was surprised she was chosen.

“I’m so thankful and I’m so grateful, but at the same time. I’m surprised I never thought I would be the winner,” Bitsilly said. “I do participate a lot…I work with people and I was ‘Ms. Navajo Shima 2006-07’ and I did a lot of traveling in fairs, parade, I really enjoy doing this. I really do.”

Rita Becenti Martinez, who is Bronco’s wife, didn’t win but was overall glad to just be in the competition for fun.

“I was nervous … I didn’t know what to do, this is my very first time, and I’ve only been to the Ceremonial three times … third time now because I’ve always been working,” she said. “It’s all I do…but it was fun, like Bronco says, ‘it’s the name of the game.’”

Now came the moment everyone was waiting for, the announcement of the 2017 Inter-tribal Ceremonial “Little Princess” and “Little Brave!”

Taking the title of “Little Brave” was 5-year-old Markell Boy Mariano. A roar of applause went up as Mariano went to go pick up his enormous teddy bear, which was bigger than him. His mother, Monique Lynn Mariano, and family members were beyond thrilled.

“It was exciting … we were very nervous for him as we were sitting out here watching him. We knew he was going to do a good job,” Mariano said. “He’s been practicing all week, he’s really interested in his music and dancing. His uncles dance with him as well as his dad, he kind of learned from there.”

When asked how tiny tot Mariano felt, he smiled as he tried to hold onto his giant teddy bear.

“Good … yes, I’m 5 years old, thank you!”

Kyla Taylor Bitsie took the title of “Little Princess” and was awarded a giant teddy bear as well.

Ceremonial board member Cynthia Poblano was impressed with the turnout and participation of the community.

“I thought it was really wonderful especially jut seeing the kids as young as they are to carry on the tradition…I thought it was beautiful,” Poblano said. “I loved everybody that participated. It was great … it was a great show! I was surprised of how many people showed for this event. I really do believe next year this will be huge, especially more of the grandma’s and grandpa’s being aware of what’s going on to be participating.”

City Councilor Fran Palochak echoed Poblano’s sentiments.

“Overall, I thought it was wonderful and the people that made it the best were these little kids…their so talented and they’re not afraid of crowds,” Palochak said.

“I think they made me calm down (laughing), they knew what they were doing. I knew it was such a tough decision for those judges, but we just thank everybody for coming out and participating, and next year it’s going to even bigger and better. I was so happy it was almost a full house even though we had only eight participants. We wanted more, but that’s okay it was enough and I was happy.”

By Dee Velasco
For the Sun

A speeding violation led to a 42 pound drug haul for Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Salazar Oct. 13.

When he stopped a vehicle on I-40 at Mile Marker 20, he noticed the statements given by the driver and the passenger were inconsistent. That led him to ask for consent to search the vehicle, which he received.

Salazar found 42 pounds of methamphetamine and a gun.

Three men were arrested. They are: Martin Cabrera-Villa, 31, of Tijuana, Mexico; José Marquez, 20, of Indio, Calif.; and Joseph Barrera, 32, of Brawley, Calif.

All three face charges of trafficking a controlled substance by possession, with intent to distribute (methamphetamine) and unlawful carrying of a firearm.

Cabrera-Villa also faces charges out of Oregon for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin.

"It's incredible what's moving down our interstate at any given time. I'm glad this load of meth didn't make [it] into the hands of our community or any other community for that matter." Undersheriff James Maiorano III said.