Chris Keller is a Minneapolis-based artist, educator, and father dedicated to healing, creativity, and community. Known musically as Kristoff Krane and Kadoka, Chris is a lyricist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist (percussion, guitar, piano), known for his stream-of-consciousness style and improvisational approach. He began his music career as a founding member of Face Candy, an experimental hip-hop group led by the late Eyedea, blending free-form jazz and freestyle rap under Rhymesayers Entertainment.
Since 2005, Chris has released 15 albums, performed in over 500 shows worldwide, and built a devoted audience through his commitment. His artistic and personal practices are rooted in natural medicine, indigenous traditions, the occult, and time spent in nature. He is a devoted husband, father, uncle, brother, godparent, and lifelong student of sound, language, and creativity.
Chris has over 20 years of experience utilizing sound, language, and movement to empower the voices of youth with unique needs. With a B.A. in Psychology, he has facilitated creative writing and performance workshops in more than 40 schools and youth organizations. At Venture Academy in Minneapolis, he served as the Native American Student & Family Advocate and created and taught Holistic Arts—a credited high school course rooted in the interconnection of mind, body, emotion, and spirit. His teaching approach is holistic and experiential, blending creative writing, music, mindfulness, and intentional community-building. Participants can expect communal circles, storytelling and story-sharing, freestyle cyphers, and hands-on teachings in the foundational elements of music and self-expression. Through this process, students build confidence, deepen identity, and discover their unique voice—within and beyond the classroom.
Program Offerings
Amplify Your Voice
In this residency (multiple sessions) or one-time workshop, participants explore the process of combining creative writing and sound (poetry, rapping, singing, etc.) by experiencing various prompts that engage their thoughts and feelings. Chris facilitates with open eyes and an open mind, empowering each participant in the room, encouraging the amplification of their voice and story. His toolbox is made full from many years of experience with vocalization, improvisation, piano, loop pedal, guitar, and creative writing.
Residencies are customized in duration, sessions, participant types, and community interests.
“Christopher was very engaging and open to our youths’ ideas. His experience really resonated with our youth. He did a great job rapping and they enjoyed his curriculum and content.”
Mr. Brett, Edgewood Education Center
