ABOUT
Khu.éex’ is an Indigenous band full of creative members, including storytellers, activists and artists, that bring this collective energy to the stage as one powerful unit. Our focus is raising awareness of social issues, stemming from the Native American struggle, that branch out to serious issues that effect all people. We are bringing a much-needed Indigenous perspective while keeping our tribal culture and endangered ancient languages alive through music, storytelling and art.
We are members of the Tlingit, Haida and Blackfoot tribes. Some of us were raised in traditional villages with cultural knowledge and understanding of the protocols of the culture, while some of us were raised among the urban Indigenous community of the Pacific Northwest. No matter where we settle, we are keepers of cultural knowledge and language.
BAND ASSETS
PRESTON SINGELTARY
Bass
(Tlingit) Khu.éex’ co-founder Preston Singletary is also a glass artist who has become synonymous with the relationship between European glass blowing traditions and Northwest Native art.
BERNIE WORRAL
Keyboards
(Cherokee) Khu.éex’ co-founder the late Bernie Worrell was a respected elder who had African American and Cherokee ancestry. He had played with countless musicians over the years, but most notably was the founding member of the legendary Parliament-Funkadelic. He has previously played with the Talking Heads and released many solo records over the years.
SONDRA SEGUNDO CUNNINGHAM
Vocals
Segundo is a visual artist, storyteller, published author, educator, Haida language speaker, community advocate and a traditional dance group leader.
GENE TAGABAN
Vocals
(Tlingit) Tagaban performs spoken word, traditional singing and storytelling, as well as playing flute. He is also an influential storyteller, trainer, speaker, mentor and performer within the community.
SKERIK
Saxophone
An avant-garde sax player who plays in notable projects including Critters Buggin, Garage a Trois and NW supergroup Mad Season.
CAPTAIN RAAB
Guitar
Raab has played in the band Red Earth, out of Albuquerque, which is a Native Funk rock band.
STANTON MOORE
Drums
An accomplished drummer based out of New Orleans, and has played with a wide variety of musicians. Moore is also noted as the founding member of Galactic.
ARIAS HOYLE
Vocals
Arias Hoyle, who also goes by the name Airjazz, is a Tlingit language speaker, and rhymes in Tlingit and English. His Tlingit name is, “Yaw di néh”.
RANDALL DUNN
Producer & Audio Engineer
A highly respected producer who has worked with legendary jazz musicians such as John Zorn and Eyvind Kang.
CLARISSAL RIZAL
Vocals
(Tlingit) The late Clarissa Rizal was a multi media artist and weaver who performed spoken word and sang traditional Native songs. She was essential in providing guidance in explaining the songs from a traditional context.
Additional & Past Members:
Tim Kennedy: Keyboards
Nahaan: Vocals/hand drum
Steve Moore: Trombone, Keyboards
Davee C. Carpenter: Drums, Percussion
Indrayani Barker: Vocals
Ed Littlefield : Drums
Denny Stern: Percussion
Hans Teuber: Sax & Keyboard
Jason Cressey: Trombone
