Red Hot & Red, featuring Levi Platero

About this event

Experience an extraordinary evening of jazz, blues, and inspired musicianship as Red Hot & Red featuring Levi Platero takes the stage at Unit B! Bringing together some of New Mexico's most accomplished Indigenous musicians, this special performance celebrates musical heritage, creativity, and the exciting possibilities of blending genres.

Founded in 2009 by pianist Steve Figueroa, Red Hot & Red is a Native American jazz trio born from his longtime dream of bringing Indigenous musicians together to perform jazz, one of America's most influential musical art forms. Rooted in traditional jazz while embracing Afro-Cuban rhythms and contemporary influences, the group delivers a dynamic sound built on musical exploration, improvisation, and deep grooves.

A New Mexico native of Laguna Pueblo heritage, Figueroa has been an integral part of Albuquerque's music scene for more than 30 years. He is joined by Milo Jaramillo, an accomplished acoustic and electric bassist from Isleta Pueblo who has been a sought-after musician throughout New Mexico for over three decades. Completing the trio is David Flores, a drummer originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and a member of the Yaqui Tribe of southern Arizona.

For this special performance, the trio welcomes Levi Platero, a celebrated Navajo blues guitarist whose electrifying playing blends Texas blues, vintage rock, and contemporary guitar influences. Originally from the Navajo Nation, Platero began playing guitar at age nine, drawing inspiration from legends such as B.B. King, Albert King, Freddie King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

He first gained recognition with his family band, The Plateros, a blues-rock power trio that emerged in 2004 and drew comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Los Lonely Boys, and ZZ Top. After touring nationally with the group and performing with the band Indigenous, Platero launched his solo career. His single "Take Me Back" earned the 2016 Native American Music Award for Best Blues, further establishing his reputation as an exceptional guitarist and songwriter. Known for his expressive playing, technical brilliance, and captivating stage presence, Platero brings a powerful blues dimension to this special collaboration.

Collectively, the members of Red Hot & Red have performed with an impressive range of artists, including Clark Terry, Donna Summer, Doug Lawrence, Frank Morgan, Paquito D'Rivera, Steve Turre, Tito Puente Jr., and Larry Harlow, among many others.

From swinging jazz and Afro-Cuban grooves to soulful blues guitar and spontaneous improvisation, this collaboration promises an evening of remarkable musical chemistry, cultural expression, and unforgettable performances.

Featuring:

Steve Figueroa – Piano

Milo Jaramillo – Acoustic & Electric Bass

David Flores – Drums

Levi Platero – Guitar

Join us at Unit B for a special night where jazz and blues come together in the hands of four outstanding musicians.