2025
Keynote & Presenters

Markal Harris was born in the 1960’s in East Palo Alto, CA near San Francisco.  His parents enjoyed a rich heritage of music, with his Mom having both African American and Blackfoot Native American Heritage and his Dad African American and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.  At a young age Markal would sit in the front yard of his home playing drums and other instruments entertaining passerby’s. His brother was equally immersed in music. While Markal favored the Congas, his Dad played the piano and his Mom wrote songs, some of which she provided to the Cuban musician and TV star Desi Arnez. Saxophone player Charlie Parker is a distant relative. Markal loved singing and dance, and was asked to join a group with his Bongas. During high school, he played at school and community events, and began soloing. His family moved to Tacoma in 1975 where he attended Lakes High School. Of his family and music Markal says, “Music has always been something I can count on to lift me up and remind me that we all have gifts to share.”