2024 – NEW YEAR - NEW AWARDS PROCESS!
See Awards Page for Details
See Awards Page for Details
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 14, 2022
“Edison Jazz Fest (EJF)” is a new annual festival centered in the Edison neighborhood of Kalamazoo. This festival is dedicated to uplifting the work of unsung jazz greats through free and accessible events including world-class performances, enriching educational lectures and workshops, and inclusive community-building events. This year the festival celebrates Herbie Nichols (1919–1963), a brilliant black composer-pianist whose work has been largely overlooked. All Edison residents are invited to join in the celebration, which will be broadcast globally as a blueprint for building a vibrant, inclusive arts scene in the community.
The Edison Jazz Fest is grateful to the John Stites Jazz Awards for their generous support of the festival. With these funds, the EJF has been able to book world-renowned artists, produce fantastic workshops, promote the festival within our community and far beyond it, and ensure that anybody with an internet connection can attend these performances live from anywhere in the world through high-quality audio and video streams. EJF thanks JSJA and John Stites!
Recording with John was always a treat ... his gentle demeanor was deeply appreciated.
Mark Sahlgren
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.