Red Earth (band) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Red Earth
Red Earth Performing in Albuquerque, New Mexico's El Rey Theater
Background information
Origin	Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
Genres	Native American Music, Rock, Funk, World fusion
Years active	1997–present
Members	Ira Wilson - lead vocals, rhythm guitar Jeff Duneman - drum set, percussion Carlo Bluehouse Johnson - lead guitar John Simms - trumpet, keyboards Captain Raab - bass, vocals Blake Minnerly - saxophone, vocals
Past members	Charley Baca - lead & rhythm guitar Kenneth Beaupre - trombone Monica Delgado - trumpet Ernesto Encinas - saxophone John Horse - guitar Hideki Imai - trombone Adrian Wall - bass, hand drum Christian Orellana - percussion, vocals Jason Botten - trumpet

Red Earth is an American rock band. They are from Albuquerque, New Mexico. This band has released three albums on their own.

Band History

Red Earth started with musicians from many different backgrounds. They came from various tribal nations. These included Dineh, Jemez Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, and Laguna Pueblo. There were also Chicanas/os, Lakotas, and people from mixed nations. Some members were also biiliigaanaa (white).

The band began with jam sessions in 1995. These took place in a basement in downtown Albuquerque. Red Earth quickly became a popular local band. They started playing in many cities, towns, and pueblos. They also performed across the Southwest. This included many Indian Reservations and music festivals.

Their Unique Sound

Red Earth combines Indigenous experiences and ideas. They mix these with energetic styles. Their music includes funk, rock, heavy metal, reggae, ska, Latin, and jazz. They called their special sound "Tribal Stew."

In 1999, their first album was released. It was called "When Worlds Collide." This album won a Native American Music Award (NAMMY). For this album, they worked with Casper Lomayesva. He was from Third Mesa Music in Phoenix, Arizona.

In August 2001, the band traveled to Brittany, France. They were invited to play at the 'Chants du Monde' festival. This was a world music festival. They also played in Mexico several times.

Later Albums and Performances

In 2000, Red Earth released a 5-song album called Live!. It was recorded at the Electric 49 event. The band spent much of 2002 and 2003 recording their next album. It was called "Zia Soul." For this album, they worked with Ozomatli's Wil-Dog Abers. Musicians from the Navajo Nation to Brazil also helped.

"Zia Soul" won "World Music Album of the Year." This was at the 6th annual Native American Music Awards in 2003. The album was praised across the Southwest. It was also popular in Native American music groups. However, it is still the band's last studio album. Over the years, Red Earth's members have changed often.

In 2004, the band was asked to play. This was for the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. It is located on the Mall in Washington, DC. The next summer, they played in New York City. This was at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors event.

Electric 49 Festival

Red Earth also created a special event. It was called the Electric 49. This was an annual concert. It happened during the Gathering of Nations Pow-wow in Albuquerque. The festival featured Native American rock, hip-hop, and reggae artists. The festival ran from 1998 to 2005.

In 2006, the band announced there would be no Electric 49 that year. But they said the band had not broken up. Many members lived outside New Mexico. Because of this, the band played only sometimes after 2006.

In April 2010, the band played two reunion shows. These were in Albuquerque during the Gathering of Nations week. Later, they played two more shows in Santa Fe. This was during Indian Market week in August. Even though members live in different states, they hope to keep playing when they can.

Music Albums

• When Worlds Collide (1999)
• Red Earth Live (2001)
• Zia Soul (2003)