Presented by Kris J Kraus & Skip Heller

The Exotica music genre has been dominated by the Big Five: Baxter, Denny, Lyman, Esquivel, and Pandit. But there are countless lesser known artists who still left their mark on the genre. This seminar led by Kris Kraus and Skip Heller will dive deep into artists such as Axel Stordahl, Phil Moore, Ted Auletta, Frank Hunter, Robert Drasnin, Gene Rains, and many others.

Kris J. Kraus is a label owner, collector, philanthropist, and attorney who has tried thirty federal felony jury trials. Kraus earned a BA in Theatre, an MA in American Studies, and a JD. Childhood thrifting excursions with his grandmother in Buffalo, NY sparked his interest in the esoteric and exotic, and he now has a second doctorate in “Swap Meet Studies”. He lives with his wife, Tali and their dogs in San Diego and Joshua Tree. Skip Heller is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Active in many different types of music as a performer, producer, and historian, Skip studied with Robert Drasnin and played with Yma Sumac, among many others. He is currently the leader of the Film Noir Orchestra and The Voodoo 5.