Totem Star’s “The Jam” Band
@totemstar
🕒 June 24th, 1pm - 3pm
💲 Free Entry
📍 The Living Room of SLU (9th & Thomas Lobby)
How Totem Star Began
In July 2010, a mobile recording studio based in South Seattle released a compilation created by an unlikely group of new artists: youth just released from juvenile detention. The album was the result of a six-week work training program during which the youth were encouraged to make sense of what was happening to them on the streets. Former Mayor Michael McGinn was so moved by the stories of the youth that he invited them to visit his office at Seattle City Hall, calling his entire staff into the conference room for a listening party.
What was intended to be a one-off project slowly grew into a nonprofit organization through partnerships with organizations like the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, the Office of Arts & Culture, and the Jubilation Foundation. Totem Star is now a diverse community of young recording artists building life skills in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking through their creative pursuits in music production and performance.
Where We Are Now
And now, fourteen years and over 5,000 young recording artists later, Totem Star has now achieved the biggest milestone to date: Building a state-of-the-art recording studio and new home at historic landmark King Street Station, which opened in October 2023.
How We Got The Name
“People still ask to this day what Totem Star means. I remember the morning at Thadd’s house when he and founding board member Brian Myers talked at the dining table while I cooked us breakfast. Thadd loved the word “totem”—the symbolic representation of one’s ancestry, culture, and roots. Where you come from. Brian loved the word “star,” and would soon after name his firstborn son Polaris after the North Star. To us, the meaning of “totem star” is simply to know where you come from, and to strive to be the best version of yourself.” - Daniel Pak, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Totem Star
Totem Star. Keeping kids off the streets, in the studio, and on the stage since 2010.
#TotemStar
Your support helps Totem Star continue creating space for aspiring young artists to build confidence, community, and careers in music. Every gift makes a difference and keeps our mission alive year-round!
Invest in music learning opportunities for young recording artists and amplify their self-discovery, self-expression, and transformation as individuals, empowering them to uplift their communities.
Whether you donate $5, $50, $500, or $5,000, you are championing youth voice, creating future cultural and community leaders, and preparing young people for healthier, more productive lives, building a loving community of young artists striving to change the world for the better through their songs.