From the Chronicles of Live Shows: Native Pride, Stayin Alive

The Goat Head Saloon.  A chilly February night, a seemingly typical live music filled venue erupts in Mesa.  Heavy, guitar riddled metal permeates the minds of the patrons at the bar, at the tables and on the floor.  Local creativity hitting yet again from Arizonans… this time, however, the creativity is accredited to a specific group of musicians who celebrate tonight the life of one who was recently taken from them.  An individual immersed in not only the local music scene, but an individual proud of his heritage and culture. 

People like Sam Sneed, as he is known to his friends, are hard to come by in this day and age.  With ever persisting cultural mixing and diluting (not to be confused with the simplicity of those coming together from all walks of life for one purpose) cultural identity is swiftly losing footing among its own kind.  As a mother of children who did not have the chance to get connected with their own cultural back ground I sincerely appreciate those who identify and personify their own ancestral heritage to keep it practiced. 

With bands with names such as Rocking Horse, Sheepheads and Ethnic Degeneration, there is a slight native and cultural feel to the theme of bands.  Of course other bands such as Enemy Machine and Existence AD were on the bill as well, however this show was rich in indigenous personality and individuality.  Speaking with some of the patrons it was very clear they all were very proud of who Sam was and what he did for their bands.  Sonic Cocaine, my favorite of the night, took the stage with a fury and purpose.  Sam’s name was never neglected to be mentioned nor honored, and in truth… if you missed this show, you missed one hellava opportunity. 

I was able to get in contact with Bronson of Rocking Horse, who agreed to tell me a bit more about Sam and who he was.  I hope you all enjoy his sharing his friend with you… I enjoyed hearing about it. Not only interesting, but should be somewhat of a wake up call for those who have forgotten why local music is what it is.  Creativity and enjoyment of playing for a purpose, not just for fame and fortune but for the elation of sharing what is in your soul.  And Sam’s dedication to knowing and believing in these bands' pure talent.

Samuel “Sam Sneed” Begay Jr… who was he to you?

Sam was a music promoter and that's how most of us in bands met him. I knew him for a long time as just a promoter until two or three years after we met. We started talking and we realized our families were related. His mother and my mother were cousins. I think that's where Sam and I really hit it off.

What were his best qualities?

He was a very funny person. Loved to joke around laugh. That's the way we knew him when he was hanging out at shows. He was a proud person; proud of being native and indigenous. He seemed to always put that first and foremost. He was also a good guy - he always call to say what's up, and sometimes at all hours of the night. He'd leave a voice mail wanting to put together a show, or he'd just be wanting to know how everything was. He was just that kind of person. Caring. Fun loving. But always real and genuine.

How did he get involved in music?

They way I know Sam, is that he always loved music.

What instruments did he play, if any?

I'm not sure if he played any instruments. but if he ever did, i would think that's what he'd be doing...he loved music.

What bands was he involved with?

The ones he always seemed to call on were Enemy Machine, Ethnic Degeneration, Rez Of War, Rocking Horse, Bloodline, Downplay, Coalition to name a few. All these bands have played numerous shows in the valley over the years. He liked to provide music from native musicians for the native people living in the city, and for anyone else that was wanting to listen to music from outside of the Phoenix-valley.

I understand he was a promoter.  Was he independent or with a company?

He was an independent promoter. The name he liked to operate under was 'Native Outlaws Entertainment'.

Did he specifically work with the Native bands?  Or others?

He did work with native bands primarily, and that seemed to be his focus much of the time when he did put together shows. He also did work with native DJ's and MC, as well. From time to time, he would put together shows with other promoters and team up on putting together shows. Most of his shows were under the Native Outlaw Entertainment name.

How important was he to your group of bands? What did he contribute to the scene? What was his most integral contribution?

Overall, though I do believe that his belief in his own native people and his desire to give them, their the bands and their music a chance in larger setting and scene was his biggest contribution to the scene, because Rocking Horse and Sonic Cocaine continue to get booked in the valley, through connections, promoters - working and connecting with other musicians from all walks of life. Which is the way music should be to begin with. Shared.

I know its been a while since something was shared, and I am honored to have such a fantastic individuals purpose shared after a breach of space and time.  My friends in Phoenix, there will always be music... the purpose of music will stay static.  The execution of music and how it is shared is the variable.  Lets keep music available to everyone, and stay true to yourselves.  Sam is a great example of this... let rise above the bullshit and not let Sam's work fall on the wayside.  Share your musical soul!

Most of the bands that were at the show, flier below, are on Reverb.  This show is already passed, however the flier is included in this post for easy reference to the bands.  Check them out and support not only local music but a culturally rich set of bands that have awesome talent to share.  Sonic Cocaine is an absolute must.