Note that while this information was accurate when it was published, subsequent events have rendered it obsolete. Khu.éex’ will not be performing at Cascadence 2025.
From the beginning, Khu.éex’ has operated as a musical collective with flexible membership, depending on who is available at any given time. Of course, leader, founder, and bass player Preston Singletary will be on hand, as will long-time vocalist and flute player Gene Tagaban and guitarist Captain Raab.
Singletary is well known in the art world for his work with glass, bringing elements of his Tlingit heritage into stunning works that have been shown around the world. His pieces appear in the collections of dozens of museums around the country.
Through teaching and collaborating with Native American, Māori, Hawaiian, and Australian Aboriginal artists, I have come to appreciate how glass expands the possibilities of Indigenous art. Indigenous artistic perspectives are deeply tied to ancestral codes, land, and cultural symbolism, and working in glass adds another dimension to these traditions. This exchange of ideas continues to inform and inspire my work.
Tagaban is a respected storyteller, having appeared at many gatherings around the country, and has been featured in the films Shadow of the Salmon and The Business of Fancydancing. He is also a board member and trainer for the Native Wellness Institute.
Also on vocals, they’ll have Sondra Segundo, a Haida singer, artist, author, and educator. She has written and illustrated several books, and founded Haida Roots, an organization dedicated to preserving and teaching the Haida language.
Captain Raab has been providing guitar for Khu.éex’ from their first album, and he’s also released music on his own and with New Mexico band Red Earth.
After the passing of founding member Bernie Worrell, the primary keyboardist for the group has been Tim Kennedy, who is quite active on the Seattle jazz scene and teaches at The Seattle Jazz Academy. He also appeared at Seaprog 2014 with Zubatto Syndicate. Rounding out the rhythm section we’ll have Larry Mahlis (drums) and Denny Stern (percussion). Mahlis is a feature on the Seattle music circuit and teaches at Seattle Drum School.
The horn section will consist of Kate Olson (baritone sax), Gordon Brown (saxophone), and Jason Cressey (trombone). Brown and Cressey also work together in local R&B band The True Loves.
Kate Olson is a well-known solo artist and group leader as well as working with a number of bands in the area. She also recently won NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year in the annual Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Awards. Long-time festival attendees may also remember her as a member of Northern Cantrips at Seaprog 2015.
This outstanding group of musicians will be just one part of our Cascadence 2025 show, June 14 at Rainier Arts Center. Get your tickets now if you don’t already have them!
