Jir Anderson grew up on the Cochiti Pueblo. His father was originally from Cochiti, and his mother was from the San Felipe Pueblo. Music has always played a significant role in Anderson’s life. “I’m a musician at heart. I started at the age of 13. My parents bought me my first guitar,” says Anderson. As a Native American, he believes “music is just another extension of our traditions.”
Anderson is the executive director and founder of the Native Guitars Tour. Surprisingly, his tour showcases modern music rather than traditional Native music. Anderson says, “I leave that to the traditional musicians.” His group honors and promotes Indigenous musicians, fashion designers, and artists. You might not hear Native drumming at their concerts, but you will listen to everything from eclectic blues to folk music and rock n’ roll to Americana. Anderson says, “I stay away from traditional music because I am Pueblo. I keep that within me.”
Anderson’s experience as a touring musician allowed him to build a global network of resources, while his background in biopharmacy taught him valuable management skills. Combining expertise from both fields, he began his career as a producer. Anderson knew he had stories to tell through his music. Driven by his talents and passion for community, he founded the Native Guitars Tour, a collective of Native musicians and artists.
Anderson’s Pueblo roots taught him to give back to his community. He says, “I knew this was my vision. It’s really great working with all the artists, creators, and the community.” Some of the musicians have been involved with the group since the Native Guitars Tour began in 2007. Anderson says the show carries its own spirit that audiences can’t find anywhere else. The concerts are not just about entertainment. “It’s about uplifting Indigenous talent, forging new opportunities, and ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear. When we gather, we create something bigger than ourselves: a legacy of inspiration, empowerment, and unity,” says Anderson.
Each year, around 200 musicians submit their music to the Native Guitars Tour, hoping to be selected. For the past seven years, the Native Guitars Tour has performed in Las Vegas. The first Vegas venue they performed at was the House of Blues. This year was the fourth year the group played the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas. “It’s amazing to have a footprint on the strip,” says Anderson. The show is constantly evolving and features a variety of genres of music. Anderson welcomes the organic way each show he performs in and produces evolves.
The last concert in March featured modern dance group Electric Turquoise, hip hop, rock, and eclectic blues music. Levi Platero, an original group member, performed along with Scotti Clifford, Raye Zaragoza, Stella Standingbear, and Anderson’s band, Jir Project.
Native Guitar Tours has ignited stages across the U.S. featuring leading Native American artists performing at venues such as The House of Blues and major festivals including SXSW and Americanafest.
Native Guitars Tour features contemporary music, dance, and fashion from Native artists. Indigenous fashion designers often provide clothing for musicians. Anderson says, “At the end, we give the designer an opportunity to talk about where they come from and what they do.” Vendors often have the opportunity to sell merchandise like jewelry, printed shirts, and artwork.
Last year, Anderson’s collective brought 175 opportunities for Native musicians, 125 opportunities for fashion designers, and 100 opportunities for Native artists and vendors. Anderson says, “It’s definitely a collaborative effort.” Audiences enjoy the shows because they feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed. He says, “We advocate for paying the artists. Artistry is a profession, and they deserve to be on an equal compensation level as any profession. Anderson plans on expanding the Native Guitars Tour and is excited about the career path he chose. He says, “Being a Native, we always give back, and this is my way of giving back.”
Visit www.nativeguitarstour.com to learn more.
"Music is just another extension of our traditions.”