Grammy-nominated Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai performs Saturday, July 11 in the Tara Mandala Temple near Pagosa Springs. Nakai, of Ute and Navajo heritage, is the premier performer of the traditional Native American flute, with more than 1 million copies sold of his platinum album, Canyon Trilogy. His footing in traditional music is complemented with the seamless integration of new age, jazz, and classical musical elements, producing a sound that, according to one critic, "single-handedly raised the music world's consciousness.."

His cross-cultural collaborations have included a few productions with Tibetan flutist and singer Nawang Khechog. His connection with Tibetan culture makes this event in the Tara Mandala Temple even more special, as a continued acknowledgement of the Native American roots of our sacred land. The event is a fundraiser for the Tara Mandala Center.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m., with the gates opening at 7 p.m.. The gates will be closed until that time due to a retreat in process, so there will be no early admittance.

Tickets are $30 each and must be purchased in advance. They are available online at www.taramandala.org, as well as at Southwest Sound in Durango and Pagosa Bakery in Pagosa Springs.

All online tickets are non-transferrable.