The Center of Southwest Studies is excited to host an immersive workshop exploring connections between sound, music, and the land with Diné musician, Kino Benally (@djbeeso). Participants will have a behind-the-scenes experience learning how Kino creates music using software like Ableton, then step outside to discover sounds in the environment—anything from rustling leaves to striking stones. Each participant will contribute a unique sound, which Kino will record and mix into a collaborative song created during the workshop.

Attendees are encouraged to bring an instrument, or any objects that create sound!

Kino Benally is a Diné musician, producer, sound engineer and artist from Shiprock, New Mexico. His work prioritizes collaborating with indigenous peoples and strengthening contemporary indigenous voices. Kino's music has been featured on KEXP's song of the day and has been featured on CBC radio based in Canada.

Kino frequently teaches workshops on sound and creativity to indigenous youth, with past collaborations with Native American Community Academy, Dzi? Dit?'ooí School of; Empowerment Action and Perseverance, Paper Rocket Productions, Survival of the First Voices, and many others. He has also worked as a composer/performer with Dancing Earth (a First Nations Dance Company), PBS mini-series "Class of '27," "Moroni for President", "Mr. Navajo," & “America Reframed” to challenge his artistry and teaching methods, between workshops and community organizing.