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 26, 2023
JSJAO and The Gilmore will present the Esteban Castro Trio on Sunday, October 8 at 4:00 pm at the Wellspring Theater located in the Kalamazoo Epic Center. The concert is part of the 2023 Rising Star Jazz Series. At the age of 13, Mr. Esteban was the youngest person to win first prize In the Montreux Jazz Piano Solo Competition. He has continued to win accolades while studying at Juilliard. He was a finalist at the 2023 American Pianist Association Competition and won the Grand Bohemian Prize at the 2022 American Jazz Pianist Competition. Mr. Castro has won three ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Awards and in 2018 he was commissioned by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to write a big band arrangement for the Thelonious Monk 100th birthday celebration.
Tickets are available at this link. 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. John particularly enjoyed recording the Rising Stars, because it was an opportunity for him to support the careers of young musicians who were changing the face of jazz and ensuring it remained relevant for future generations.
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.