Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music

Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music

Cycle 1 Applications Closed - Cycle 2 Opens July 15
2022Winners Twin Cities Jazz Festival

2022 Cycle 2 Award Winner Twin Cities Jazz Festival

Posted March 14, 2023

JSJA funds will be used to support Christian McBride as a headliner for the 2023 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. We strongly feel McBride, along with increased media coverage, will attract a broader and more diverse audience including new jazz fans. The Twin Cities Jazz Festival and jazz in general needs to attract new and younger audiences to keep the art form alive into the future.  In addition to the performance, McBride will host a masterclass/clinic in a local Twin Cities school.  All Twin Cities Jazz Festival concerts and clinics are accessible and free for all to attend. The Twin Cities Jazz Festival is deeply honored to be a JSJA award winner. John Stites inspired many of us to keep the artform of jazz alive and to inspire new generations.

Submitted by TCJF

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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, honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music.

The organization funds:

  • Advanced studies for emerging and established professional jazz musicians
  • Concerts, competitions and projects that expand jazz audiences and the appreciation of jazz in or near communities in the Midwest