Platts returns for Holiday Dance

For those who enjoy Honky-Tonk music, they are in for a treat on Saturday. Recording artist Sam Platts is returning to Saratoga for a performance at 7 p.m., Saturday at the Platte Valley Community Center Great Hall.

Platts' aunt, Sue Jones, who is the music series coordinator for the Platte Valley Community Center, said that she has been working on having Sam Platts and The Kootenai Three, come to Saratoga for a family dance for two years.

Last year, the band was so booked that they could not come for a community dance, but did perform for New Year's Eve at Saratoga Resort & Spa.

Jones, who is also with the Valley Service Organization, said the group sponsored a band a couple of years ago, but they did not have a huge turnout. "We had lots of food and not a lot of people showed up," Jones said. "But the ones who did show up had a good time and asked us to do it again."

Jones is hoping that bringing home a local talent will increase the attendance.

Platts grew up in Saratoga and graduated in 2009. Platts performed with his band during high school and competed with Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow in 2008, and went on to be the regional winner.

His deep baritone voice fills the room as he plays traditional country music. "We play honky tonk, PG," Platts said. PG stands for "pre-Garth (Brooks)".

Platts said the band's name came from the county in Idaho Platts now lives in, and is an offshoot of The Tennessee Three.

His father, Scott Platts, was a guitar player in RimRock for more than 20 years in around the Saratoga area.

Thursday, Sam Platts and his band just released their first album, "Sundown at Noon", which will be for sale at the concert Saturday. It is also available on iTunes, Platts said.

Platts has been traveling the country with The Kootenai Three, most recently in Missoula, Mont., Sheridan, Wyo., and Livingston, Mont.

Platts and the bass player in his band also play in Wylie and the Wild West Band, which has taken him coast-to-coast in the United States and to Russia, France, Mongolia and most recently China.

He has been with both bands for two years, Platts said.

Jones said there will be lots of great food, adding that the VSO members are great cooks. "It's not chips and dip, but all kinds of good stuff." Jones described the food as heavy hors d'oeuvres.

The Great Hall has been decorated for Winter Wonderland by the VSO, Jones said, and will complement the Holiday Dance.

"You don't have to dance," Jones said. "You can come and enjoy the music." A cash bar will be provided by The Bear Trap Cafe and Bar in Encampment.

The tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 to 16 years old. Children under 5, get in free.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at pvcenter.org. The band is sponsored by the Platte Valley Community Center Music Series, which brings in three music acts per year.