| Little Big Band The members of Little Big Band come from diverse backgrounds of music, theater, visual arts and traditional Native American cultures. The concept of Little Big Band brings it all together with an exciting blend of funk music, blending dance, soul, jazz, rock and blues with theatrical performance, poetry and spoken word. The members include Preston Singletary (bass), Keith Montgomery (guitar), Terry Maloney (drums), Star Nayea (vocals), Gene Tagaban (flute, singing, poetry, traditional storytelling), James Luna (spoken word, percussion, visuals). Also in the line up are notable jazz musicians James Rasmussen (horns), and features Maurice Caldwell Jr. (guitar, vocals). The project came together through previous collaborations between Singletary, Tagaban and Wayne Horvitz in the form of a soundtrack for a documentary produced for the Seattle Art Museum. Singletary (a Tlingit Alaskan Native) states, “There are many forms of contemporary Native music, but few examples of that blend the syncopations of Funk and dance music. I decided to use the SAM session as a jump off point for developing this project. “ Preston continues, “In a true collaborative sense I started to discuss this concept with various performers from my travels and connections from the Seattle music scene. I feel that there is a lot that Native cultures can learn from the African American community in terms if it’s understanding of it’s self and way of dealing with history through music. Just look at Rap music and how it speaks about the conditions of society. From the roots of folk, jazz to blues and contemporary urban styles, African American music has led the way in shaping new musical standards throughout history.” Star Nayea, a Grammy Award-winning vocalist, brings a powerful pop style to the band, while Gene Tagaban performs with traditional Tlingit masks and clothing, plays flute and recites poetic verse and chants. James Luna is an accomplished visual and performance artist who was featured at the Venice Biennale by the Smithsonian. James’ work challenges the viewer’s perception of Native people while declaring , “they say that Indian music hasn’t gone far enough…………HEY LISTEN UP!” Group Bio's Maurice Caldwell Jr. (guitar)
Guitar player has played in various Seattle local bands, such as Ironing Pants Definitely, Pluto Boy. Has guest appeared on Critters Buggin and Skerik’s solo albums. He is a visual artist and MC to cabarets over the years. James Luna (Luisano-visual/performance artist)
James is one of the premier Native American artists working today. His work has challenged viewers to contemplate the notions of how people perceive Natives and how Natives perceive themselves. In the realm of performance art, his work is engaging and poignant, and has a profound impact. His recent forays into music add a new dimension to his work. Terry Maloney (drums)
Drummer and Seattle resident Maloney has played in many rock and jazz bands over the years including Hungry Crocodiles and Mustard. Terry was one of the members of Ironing Pants Definitely and has played in various jazz trios in Seattle.
Keith Montgomery (Cherokee-guitar)
Grew up in the Northwest in the middle of the Seattle sound. His original bands include Heard of Turtles and One Against Five, where he was songwriter, lead vocals and arranger. Keith is a multi instrumentalist including bass, drums and guitar. Star Nayea (Native American-vocalist)
Star’s connection to music has developed through her will to persevere and has led her to many facets of performance and theater. She is a Grammy award winner and has shared the stage with many prominent musicians such as Robbie Robertson, John Trudell and Ulali. She has released a solo album called Somewhere In a Dream. Star’s work also includes mentoring of Native youth. James Rasmussen (Duwamish-trumpet)
James, a “real” Seattle Native is an accomplished musician, composer and teacher. He is director and arranger of the Seattle big band, the Jazz Police. The Jazz Police have won numerous local and national awards such as, Best acoustic jazz band and best jazz concert from Earshot Jazz Magazine. Preston Singletary (Tlingit-bass)
Preston raised in Seattle, has balanced his two major interests, which have become synonymous with the Northwest, music and hot glass. Working with glass during the day to support his music habit, Preston played in Seattle bands, the Beat Pagodas, Rumors of the Big Wave, and co-founder of Ironing Pants Definitely. Preston’s interaction with the Native community around the country prompted enlisting these various musicians and artists to collaborate with the project, Little Big Band. Gene Tagaban (Tlingit/Cherokee-flute, beat poetry, and theatrics)
Gene’s training began in a traditional way as a storyteller and traditional dancer. His path has taken him to traveling the country and teaching/healing in Native communities through motivational talks and storytelling. He is a poet, and actor in film and theatre. | 
