Announcing the 2024 Artistic Development Winners.
Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music
Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music
Posted September 4, 2022
Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 7:30 pm
315 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
John Stites Jazz Awards 2021 winner “Jazz in the Crawlspace” continues their series of concerts with guitarist Bobby Broom in a jazz-club style performance. Bobby Broom has been heralded as “one of the most musical guitarists of our time” by jazz historian and author Ted Gioia.
Playing Carnegie Hall with Sonny Rollins and Donald Byrd at age 16, Broom recorded his debut as a leader, “Clean Sweep,” for GRP Records at age 20. He has played and /or recorded with Kenny Burrell, Hugh Masakela, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Stanley Turrentine, Dave Grusin, Charles Earland, Miles Davis, Kenny Garrett, and Dr. John, among others. His new album, “Keyed Up,” will be available on September 23.
Broom will be joined by special guest Xavier Davis on the piano, Carlos DeRosa (bass), and Keith Hall (drums). Both Xavier and Keith started their professional careers recording with John when they were students in Western Michigan University’s acclaimed Jazz Studies program. John Stites Jazz Awards is pleased to support this community collaboration to make great jazz accessible to the Kalamazoo area. More information is available at kalamazooarts.org.
John recorded decades of live and studio performances with a master’s touch. His legacy is vast, and I am in awe of the man and his work.
Cara Lieurance
The John Stites Jazz Awards (JSJA) are funded by the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization.
The organization funds advanced studies for emerging and established professional jazz musicians, as well as personal development projects which enhance their career opportunities.