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 5, 2022
The John Stites Jazz Artist Organization (JSJAO) is pleased to announce that the Herbie Hancock concert (originally scheduled to open the 2022 Gilmore Piano Festival) has been rescheduled for Friday, September 23, at 7:30 pm in Chenery Auditorium. In partnership with The Gilmore, the JSJAO is grateful to be able to fulfill John’s wishes and bring Herbie Hancock to Kalamazoo. John passed away in July 2019. The only memorial he wanted was to share his love for jazz with his friends and the musical community that he spent his life supporting.
Those who loved and admired John appreciate this opportunity to bring one of the greatest living jazz icons to Chenery, where John recorded so many great musicians. We hope you will join us to remember John and hear the incomparable Herbie Hancock, as well as band members Terence Blanchard (trumpet), James Genus (bass), Lionel Loueke (guitar), and Justin Tyson (drums).
Thank you for supporting the John Stites Jazz Awards and this Special Events Gilmore concert. Tickets are available at the Gilmore website, where you can also hear excerpts from recent recordings. The stars are aligning for one memorable night—Herbie Hancock, Chenery Auditorium, and all of John’s friends together for one extraordinary concert honoring an extraordinary man. John will be smiling.
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.