Navajo entertainment in 2009

The year in entertainment

By Jan-Mikael PattersonThe year 2009 produced a lot of stories within the entertainment, arts & culture and people sections of the Navajo Times. It's only fitting that we reflect on some of the year's top stories.

Navajo blues band The Plateros shine

The blues band fronted by teenage guitar prodigy Levi Platero celebrated many memorable moments this year including some outstanding performances at the El Morro Theater in Gallup, Stage 49 during the Gathering of Nations Powwow, opening gigs for Indigenous and Blues Traveler and other show across the country.

Comedy and music at the heart of Navajoland

The first annual Comedy and Music Festival took place during the Central Navajo Fair at the Pinon High School auditorium in August.

It was a big night for local and national talent.

Young voice with a big heart

When Arianne Sheka, Navajo/Zuni/Cheyenne/Arapaho/Kiowa, stands behind a drum group with other female backup singers at a powwow, you know you are witnessing one of the best.

Former American Idol Contestant Performs

Rising country music star Bucky Covington performed during the Navajo Nation Fair in September.

Covington performed for an audience of more than 7,000 people at the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena on Sept. 11.

New funny man on the verge

Up and coming funny man Pax Harvey Jr. is gearing up to make the Navajo language "sexy."

"Imagine using the slang today," Harvey said. "If you were to say, 'Damn, that girl is hot.' How would it sound in Navajo? 'Doolá doo sido da.'"Comment:  For more on Native entertainers in 2009, see Native Music Rocks! Tour and Native Musicians at the Inaugural.

Below:  "Teen-age guitar prodigy Levi Platero performs in 2009." (Special to the Times--Donovan Quintero)