Big Band Playing on Stage. Photo provided by Portland Ovations

Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band

Swinging, groovingcaptivatingLed by acclaimed vocalist Julia Keefe, the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band brings together Native and Indigenous jazz musicians from across Indian Country celebrating the rich and often overlooked legacy of Indigenous artists in jazz

Events > Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band
The State Theater
609 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101 United States
About the Event
Presented by
Portland Ovations
(207) 773-3150
October 15, 2026

7:00 PM

Featuring music by trailblazers like Mildred Bailey, Oscar Pettiford, Hoagy Carmichael, and Jim Pepper alongside contemporary Indigenous composers, the ensemble delivers performances filled with radiant resilience with Keefe gracefully moving between conductor and vocalist. Since premiering in 2022, JKIBB has quickly emerged as a powerful force in jazz, deepening and challenging our understanding of this uniquely American art form while headlining major festival stages and acclaimed jazz venues across the country. 

Ovations Member pre-sale running now! Public sales begin June 26.

TICKETS: $35 • $45 • $55
STUDENT DEAL: $20
DISCOUNTS: $5 off for Ovations Members, Seniors (65+), and Veterans/Active Duty; $20 tickets for arts professionals; and 10% off groups 10+.

Ovations Membership – Save $5 off full-priced tickets and reduced ticket fees. Learn More.

Package and Save – Pick 3 Package, $5 off per ticket when purchasing three or more.

Ticket Exchanges are available to Portland Ovations’ Members only and must be processed before PortTIX closes on the business day prior to the performance.

PortTIX is the trusted box office for purchasing Portland Ovations tickets. 207.842.0800.

...