"The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band brought fierce musicianship and a fascinating repertoire."
SAN FRANCISCO CLASSICAL VOICE
Swinging, grooving, captivating. Led by acclaimed vocalist Julia Keefe, the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band brings together Native and Indigenous jazz musicians from across Indian Country celebrating the rich and often overlooked legacy of Indigenous artists in jazz. Featuring music by trailblazers like Mildred Bailey, Oscar Pettiford, Hoagy Carmichael, and Jim Pepper alongside contemporary Indigenous composers, the ensemble delivers performances filled with radiant resilience with Keefe gracefully moving between conductor and vocalist. Since premiering in 2022, JKIBB has quickly emerged as a powerful force in jazz, deepening and challenging our understanding of this uniquely American art form while headlining major festival stages and acclaimed jazz venues across the country.