The Tlingit & Haida Tribes, in collaboration with the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, are set to present the second biennial Aak’w Rock Music Festival. This vibrant celebration of Indigenous music and culture will take place September 21st to 23rd, in Juneau, Alaska.
Anchored on the ancestral lands of the Lingít people, also known as the People of the Tides, this festival stands as a unique testament to the power of music in bridging cultures. It features a lineup of 25 musical acts, representing 35 Indigenous cultures from around the world. As Alaska’s exclusive global Indigenous music festival and the sole one in the entire United States, it’s a showcase of music and traditions that transcend borders.
Áakʼw Rock Festival includes a diverse lineup spanning singer-songwriters, jazz, funk, country, soul, EDM, hip-hop artists, and more. This festival isn’t just about music; it’s a celebration of cultural existence, offering a vital platform for artists to connect with new audiences and inspire the next generation of Indigenous musicians. Festival Creative Director Qacung Blanchett, a co-founder of Pamyua, passionately expresses that Áakʼw Rock is a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder that music possesses the transformative power to heal and unite our world. Moreover, the festival is committed to addressing the historical under-representation of Indigenous performances, striving to amplify Indigenous voices and excellence to resonate for generations to come.
Rob Ruha – Maori from Aotearoa aka New Zealand, Indigenous Reggae Pop.
Rob Ruha is Aotearoa’s (New Zealand) most decorated Māori artist. Rob is a boundary breaking artist, is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter, and with his soulful voice and profound lyrics, has captivated audiences worldwide. He is known for his distinct mix of contemporary Māori music, incorporating elements of R&B, reggae, and traditional Māori sounds. Rob’s powerful performances and commitment to promoting Indigenous culture have earned him numerous awards and recognition.
Halluci Nation – First Nations (Canada) DJ Electric Halluci Nation, formerly known as A Tribe Called Red, is a groundbreaking music collective that emerged in Canada. Formed in 2008, the group consists of DJ NDN, Bear Witness, and 2oolman. Their music blends traditional Indigenous sounds with contemporary electronic beats, creating a unique fusion known as “powwow-step.”
Ya Tseen – Tlingit (Sitka, Alaska) Fusion/Pop, Sitka Alaska Nicholas Galanin was born in Sheet’ka (Sitka, Alaska).
Pamyua – Inuit (Mamterilleq, Alaska) Tribal Funk/Inuit Soul
Pamyua is a musical group hailing from Alaska, known for their combination of Inuit Soul and Tribal Funk. Drawing inspiration from their Inuit heritage, Pamyua infuses traditional rhythms and melodies with modern beats and elements. With powerful vocals and dynamic performances, Pamyua presents the rich cultural traditions of the Inuit people while embracing contemporary musical influences.
Khueex – Tlingit (Tlingit, Haida, and Blackfoot) Funk/Soul, Seattle, WA
Khu.eex, led by Tlingit Artist, Preston Singletary, 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. Their focus is raising awareness of social issues, stemming from the Native American struggle, that branch out to serious issues that affect all people.
Pura Fe – Tuscarora (USA) Folk/Soul feat. Cary Morin – Crow (Colorado) Blues/Rock
Pura Fé was born with Tuscarora and Taino heritage. She captivated audiences with her powerful voice, soulful songwriting, and guitar skills. Pura Fé’s music intertwines Native American influences with blues, folk, and roots music. She uses her music to share stories of resilience, cultural pride, and social justice, becoming an advocate for indigenous rights and environmental sustainability.
Cary Morin is described as one of the best acoustic pickers on the scene today, Morin plays a style often characterized as acoustic Native Americana with qualities of blues, bluegrass, jazz, jam, reggae, and dance.
Samantha Crain – Choctaw (Shawnee, Oklahoma) Indie Pop
Her music weaves together folk, indie rock, and Americana influences, highlighting her soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling.
Raye Zaragoza Mexican-Indigenous, Japanese-American (USA) Folk
Raye Zaragoza interweaves Mexican Indigenous and Japanese American influences.
Ashley Young – Tlingit (Anchorage, AK) Singer/Songwriter
Alaska’s prodigal songwriter, Ashley Young has recently returned from a fruitful musical life in Boise, Idaho. Ashley weaves together melodies, rhythms, and words to craft a tapestry of emotions and storytelling, paying homage to her Tlingit culture.
Chantil The Dukes of Art – Tlingit (Colorado) Jazz/Soul/R&B
Chantil Dukart is known for her vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in a musically inclined family, Chantil’s passion for music blossomed at an early age. She amalgamates genres such as pop, R&B, and jazz.
Black Belt Eagle Scout – Swinomish/Kewa/Inupiaq (Pacific Northwest) Indie Rock
Black Belt Eagle Scout is the musical project of Katherine Paul, a Native American (Swinomish/Kewa) multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Paul’s music explores themes of identity, queerness, and indigenous experiences. Through her lyrics and ufusion of indie rock and folk influences. Her discography “Mother of My Children” and “At the Party With My Brown Friends.”
Mark Brown & The Blues Crew Athabascan (Huslia, Alaska) Rock Marc Brown & The Blues Crew is an Athabascan musical group known for their assortment of blues, rock, and soul.
Quinn Christopherson – Athabascan (Anchorage, Alaska) Folk Quinn Christopherson, an Athabascan performing artist from Alaska, blends folk, indie, and singer-songwriter styles. Born and raised in Anchorage, Quinn’s music echoes the raw beauty of his surroundings, drawing inspiration from his Alaskan heritage…
H3 – Hawaiian (Anchorage, AK) Reggae
H3 is an Anchorage, Alaska based Hawaiian Reggae group that mixes traditional Hawaiian music and reggae rhythms,
Charly Lowry – Lumbee and Tuscarora (Pembroke, North Carolina) Country/Folk
After a strong presence on American Idol, this performer of Lumbee/Tuscarora descent continues to create genre-defying music. Charly Lowry seamlessly melds country, folk, rock, and soul genres.
Witty Youngman – King Island Inupiaq and Fort Peck Dakota (Anchorage, AK) Soul/R&B
Witty Youngman has King Island Inupiaq and Fort Peck Dakota heritage. Drawing inspiration from her Indigenous roots, Witty’s music explores themes of identity, humor, and the power of storytelling.
Daniel Firman – Gwich’in Athabascan (Juneau, AK) Indie Folk
Daniel Firman is a Gwich’in Athabascan indie folk singer-songwriter. Born in the heart of the Gwich’in Nation and living amongst the Aak’w Kwaan, Daniel’s music reflects a deep connection to roots and the natural beauty of his homeland. At times soft spoken then quickly reverting to powerful soulful vocals and philosophical lyrics, he entwines storytelling and contemporary melodies.
Damase – Metís (Alberta, Canada) Singer/Songwriter
Damase Elis is a Calgary-born singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Damase’s music aims to blend past and present sounds.
Howie Echo-Hawk – Pawnee (Seattle, WA) EDM DJ
Howie Echo-Hawk is a DJ, comedian, and activist hailing from Seattle, WA. With a passion for music that knows no bounds, Howie has become a prominent figure in the Seattle queer music scene.
The festival also includes various hip hop artists: Def-i – Diné (Albuquerque, NM); Aku-Matu aka Allison Warden – Inupiaq (Utqiagvik, Alaska); Byron Nicholai Yup’ik (Tooksook Bay, Alaska); AirJazz Arias Hoyle Tlingit (Juneau, Alaska); and Snotty Nose Rez Kids Haisla (Kitimat BC, Canada).
Visit https://aakwrockfest.com for tickets, the full lineup, and additional information.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central