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

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

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Connie Han

JSJAO Sponsors Connie Han Trio on December 11

Posted November 28, 2022

JSJAO and The Gilmore will present the Connie Han Trio on December 11 at 4:00 pm in the Wellspring Theater located in the Kalamazoo Epic Center. The concert is part of the 2022 Rising Star Jazz Series.

Ms. Han, termed “The Jazz Warrior-Goddess” by DownBeat magazine, regards Art Tatum, Hank Jones, Erroll Garner, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Mulgrew Miller and Kenny Kirkland as major influences. The trio also features Ryan Berg on bass and Bill Wysaske on drums. Tickets are available here.

The Rising Star Jazz Concerts are presented by the JSJAO to honor John Stites, a Kalamazoo audio engineer who recorded many outstanding artists during his 30-year association with The Gilmore.

Photo by Michael R. Pool

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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