Navajo musicians to have release party for two new CDs

By Sararesa Begay
Diné Bureau

TSE BONITO — When Navajo performer Radmilla Cody was recording her newest album titled, "Precious Friends," songs for children, she said it "brought the kid out in her."

Navajo-language music fans may meet Cody, a Leupp resident, and the Todi Neesh Zhee Singers who are also unveiling their new Christmas album at 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at The Russell Foutz Indian Room, 550 Pawn, located at 4189 Hwy. Kirtland, N.M.

The CD release party will celebrate the youth of the Navajo Nation and the spirit of Christmas. There will be a live performance at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. highlighting the Navajo youth, who will have VIP seating while attending the performance at the Performance Arts Building at Kirtland High School. Free CDs and autographed posters will be given to the first 50 youth who are younger than 16 years old and walk the red carpet, according to the event organizer Rita Cook.

Albert Nelson Jr., of the Todi Neesh Zhee Singers, said he and fellow group members travel on and off the Navajo Nation reservation to reach out to the Navajo children through music.

Nelson said the singing group members talk about the importance of Navajo traditions, songs, dances and culture.

The inspiration to cut a Christmas album began last summer among him, his brothers and friends, Nelson said, adding that eventually they created songs in the Navajo and English languages for the new Christmas album.

"When the time came to record, other artists were invited," Cook said, speaking on behalf of Nelson. "It became a meaningful event."

Guest recording artists include Cody, Socie Saltwater, Consuela Jacobson and Roger Begay.

"The Christmas album by the Todi Neesh Zhee Singers is a wonderful way to celebrate and feel the spirit of Christmas," Cook added.

Admission tickets will be given at the 550 Pawn shop for an exchange of a donation of needed clothing, shoes or toys. All donations will be given to the Navajo Nation Domestic Violence Shelters.

There will also be a "Literacy is Empowering Project" giveaway.

Information: 505-598-5615.