Julia Keefe, (Nez Perce) was born in 1989 in Seattle, WA. She has lived on both coasts of the U.S. Several of her formative years were spent in Kamiah, Idaho on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Recently, she graduated with honors from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music in Coral Gables, FL, studying jazz vocal performance.
Julia began singing jazz while in the seventh grade at St. George’s School in Spokane. She was a participant at the annual Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival in Moscow, ID for five years as a soloist and in award winning choir and ensemble groups. In 2007, Julia won an outstanding vocal soloist award at the Lionel Hampton Festival.
Julia’s wide range of jazz influences include classic performers such Billie Holiday, Mildred Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, as well as contemporary voices like Norah Jones, Madeline Eastman and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Julia has a special affection for local Spokane jazz legend Mildred Bailey, and typically dedicates a song to her during each performance.
When Julia was in Kamiah recently for a performance at a the annual Chocolate Fantasy fundraiser for Kamiah Community Partners Coalition (KCPC), we were able to interview her for “Calling All Warriors.” Among other things, Julia shared how she chose Jazz as an art form, the way she navigates the crossroads of being Native and part of the “Millennial” generation and what role of faith plays in her life.
We welcome your feedback. Does Julia’s story inspire and encourage you? Visit her website juliakeefe.com to listen to some of her music and video’s.
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