Sam Platts and
the Plainsmen

Southwest Montana’s Sam Platts and the Plainsmen play traditional country and western swing. The group is composed of Sam Platts on guitar and vocals, J Kane on bass and vocals, Lilly Platts on fiddle, and Bill Dwyer on electric guitar. Songs range from originals to standards. They have played around the world for a wide range of audiences, including festivals in France and China. The group originally formed in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho, but now call southwest Montana home. 

 

Sam grew up in southern Wyoming, listening to music while driving around his grandfather’s ranch and cultivating a passion for traditional country music that few young people have today. His father is a luthier and skilled guitar player himself, and Sam has played music professionally for his entire adult life.

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J is a standout bass player and singer, and has been playing professionally for over a decade now. Lilly has been playing fiddle since she was four, starting out playing Texas style music, and playing in competitions. She has won the Montana state contest, and been a reserve champion at the famous National Oldtime Fiddler’s Contest. Bill has played guitar for a number of nationally-known acts, and has a successful career as a musician.

 

While the group does play “old” music, it is not a throwback act. We play traditional country and western swing because we love the music and believe it has a real place with modern audiences. Our music fits venues ranging from outdoor concerts and festivals to intimate listening rooms.