Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Juneau Jazz & Classics and Áak’w Rock Music Festival has announced their first partnership, a series of performances by the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band. This groundbreaking collaboration is dedicated to lifting up Indigenous musicians from around the country and promoting cultural diversity in the arts.

The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band is a trailblazing ensemble that showcases the Indigenous roots of jazz through the creative expression of Indigenous artists. It is a rarity to see a solo Indigenous jazz musician perform, let alone sixteen on stage at once. The big band’s music fuses traditional jazz with Indigenous storytelling and culture, creating a unique sound that has captivated audiences around the world. This project is the bridge for all peoples to see themselves on the bandstand regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Led by Alaska Native singer and songwriter Julia Keefe, the band is a collective of all-Indigenous world-class musicians who come from disparate regions from Canada to South America. Together, they create an innovative sound that reflects the past and the future of jazz and celebrates Indigenous musical traditions.

The performances will honor Indigenous creative expression and uplift artistic practice. The schedule is as follows:

Friday, May 5
7:00 pm: Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band concert at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. All ages with a cash bar for 21+

Saturday, May 6
2:00 pm: Free concert at UAS Noyes Pavilion. Register in advance for your free spot. 18+ or with a guardian
7:00 pm: A Jazz Affair with Julia Keefe at the Crystal Saloon. An intimate night with a 6-piece jazz combo. 21+

Monday, May 8
8-10 pm: Free jazz jam at the Crystal Saloon

The band will also play an educational concert for middle schoolers from both Juneau middle schools, travel to Hoonah for a community concert, and attend a Juneau Big Band rehearsal.

“We are thrilled to partner with Áak’w Rock Music Festival to bring the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band to Juneau,” said Zuill Bailey, Artistic Director of Juneau Jazz & Classics. “At Juneau Jazz & Classics, we believe in building community through adventurous musical experiences, purposeful arts education, and comprehensive community involvement with professional musicians. This partnership is an exciting opportunity to do just that with the exceptional talents of 16(!) Indigenous musicians.”

“Áak’w Rock Music Festival is committed to changing the narrative for our future by amplifying Indigenous excellence and voices to be heard for generations to come,” said Qacung Blanchett, Artistic Director of Áak’w Rock Music Festival. “We look for opportunities to overcome the historical under-representation of Indigenous performers, and this partnership with Juneau Jazz & Classics will help bring us closer to that goal.”

The residency with the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band is made possible through the generous support of Sealaska, Inc, Goldbelt, Inc, Sealaska Heritage Institute, the University of Alaska Southeast, The Alaska Community Foundation, and an Adaptation and Innovation grant through the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For tickets and more information about the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, you can visit www.jazzandclassics.org.