Welcome to Indigenous in Music with Larry K. This week from Juneau, Alaska, Qacung is in our Spotlight. Singer, dancer and composer of drum songs. He has just released his 1st solo album “Miu “A Place from Which,” a nice mix of Tribal Funk. Find out all about on him on his homepage at www.qacung.com.
Enjoy music from Qacung, Airjazz, Irv Lyons Jr. Indian City, Los Amigos Invisibles, Wolfsheart, Jose Feliciano, Willi Nab, Mike Bern, Aysanabee, Latin Vibe, Byron Nicholai, Morgan Toney, Emma Stevens, Laura Niquay, Wayne Lavallee, Bomba Estereo, Carsen Gray, Raye Zaragoza, Viv Parker, Nancy Sanchez, Loco Por Juana, Shawnee Kish, Crystal Shawanda, Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas, Samantha Crain, Julian Talor, Shawn Michael Perry, Nadjiwan, Blue Mountain Tribe, Xit, Tracy Lee Nelson, Akumatu and much much more.
Look around our site to find out all about us and our programs along with our archives of music and our SAY Magazine Library with all our featured guests.
OUR INTERVIEW IS 30 MINUTES INTO THE PROGRAM
QACUNG AND PAMYUA IN OUR SAY MAGAZINE FEATURE
BIOGRAPHY
Qacung
(he/him) | Yup’ik Inuit
I am a traditional Yup’ik dancer, songwriter, and composer of drum songs. I am a founding member of the contemporary musical group, Pamyua, and a solo performer under the name Qacung. I recently recorded my solo album entitled Miu “A Place from Which.”
I am a 2022 USA Artist Fellow, was named The Kennedy Centers’ Next 50, and a 2021 Shift Transformative Change and Indigenous Arts recipient through the Native Arts and Culture Foundation. I have produced many dance, music, and film productions. I consider myself a global citizen whose Yup’ik and African American roots guide my leadership and artistic vision. Originally from the small community of Bethel, Alaska, I now live in Juneau, Alaska, where I continue my work advocating for cultural practices, equity, and Indigenizing performance spaces. During the pandemic, Qacung launched Áak’w RockIndigenous Music Festival.
Earlier on in my nearly 30-year career in performance art, I realized I have a passion for teaching the beautiful songs and dances of my culture. I have served in leadership roles with the Alaska Native Heritage Center, First Alaskans Institute, Pamyua Inc., and other arts, culture, and community service entities. To sample some of Qacung’s music please visit www.qacung.com and www.pamyua.com.
