Meet the Team

Jace ECAj is a veteran MC and proud community member of Seattle who uses the art of hip hop as his platform to share ideas, concerns, triumphs, and challenges. He is also a teaching artist that has worked in the creative writing community for over twenty years and has helped organize panel discussions that range in topic from the accountability and responsibility of artists, to why fostering culture and honoring legacy are crucial to the continuation of the art. Jace is half of the hip-hop soul duo, Black Stax. Black Stax prides itself as being the voice and soul for the voiceless, visiting schools, libraries, and juveniles to share and listen to stories and talk about elevating and honoring our youth and ancestors. Jace is The Residency’s Director of Community and Artist Development. He is honored to be a part of The Residency team that continues the work guiding and preparing youth for their futures, especially as they relate to the music business and hip hop culture.

Luis Lopez is a Mexican-American professional trumpeter who has cut his teeth in the Seattle music scene over the past 10+ years. Luis currently performs and tours as an Improvisational Soloist alongside his bands: TMB Brass (New Orleans Second Line), The Cumbieros (Latin Dance), and Soundwave (Sounders FC Band).  Luis is part of the modern era of working class musicians who aim to uplift their community through art and is excited to help foster the next generation of  hip-hop leaders, as part of The Residency Team. He is grateful to have shared the stage with international acts such as Celso Piña, Mariachi Flor de Toloache, Son Rompe Pera, Death Cab for Cutie, 24kgoldn, and local favorites like Marmalade, Joe Doria, Jimmy James, and Acid Tongue. We are happy to have Luis as The Residency’s Administrative and Program Coordinator.