Jim Pepper was a Muskogee Creek and Kaw Native who became a world renowned saxophone player and musician, respected by his peers and loved by those who grew to know his songs. Peppers music combined contemporary jazz fused with rock and Native rhythms.
Each fall for the past several years – a Native Arts Festval, is held in Portland Oregon, in Jim Pepper’s old neighborhood. Sean Aaron Cruz organizes the event. Winona LaDuke was a guest at the 2017 festival and paid tribute to his legacy. Avotcja Jiltonilro performed at the 2016 Jim Pepper Native Arts Festival. Kenman Miller plays with the Jim Pepper Tribute Band “The Flying Eagles.” They each share their stories about how their paths intersected with Native Saxaphone great Jim Pepper, interwoven between beloved songs from the artist.
Adrian Manygoats (Navajo) was born and raised on the Navajo Nation, in Tuba City, Arizona. She is the Incubator Coordinator for the Native American Business Incubator Network (NABIN) at the Grand Canyon Trust. Prior to working with the Trust, Adrian co-founded the Navajo Women’s Energy Project and helped establish the non-profit organization Elephant Energy on the Navajo Nation. From 2013 to 2015, she operated with a team of organizers and community leaders in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah to make affordable solar technology available to people without grid access.
Wasinger – Editor, composer
