KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2025 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

'I'm allowed to be here:' How the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band spotlights Native history in jazz

Julia Keefe
Chris Wooley
Julia Keefe

When Julia Keefe isn’t performing her own original jazz compositions, she directs the Indigenous Big Band, a group dedicated to spotlighting the rich history of Native American artists in jazz. The band performs this weekend at ASU Gammage.

Keefe joined The Show to talk about her long journey toward blending her identities as a jazz artist and Native American artist.

KJZZ's The Show transcripts are created on deadline. This text is edited for length and clarity, and may not be in its final form. The authoritative record of KJZZ's programming is the audio record.

Sam Dingman is a reporter and host for KJZZ’s The Show. Prior to KJZZ, Dingman was the creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Family Ghosts.
Related Content