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

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

Announcing the 2024 Artistic Development Winners.

Lake Effect Jazz Big Band Invitation

Posted September 5, 2023

John Stites Jazz Awards would like to share this invitation to the South Haven Jazz Festival received from 2023 Cycle 1 award winner The Lake Effect Jazz Big Band.  

Hi JAZZ fans and fellow musicians – We are honored to have the great John Clayton, bassist with Diana Krahl and leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Big Band, perform with us at the South Haven Jazz Festival on Saturday, September 16th.  John is the headliner for the two-day festival, which is held at the Huron Street Pavilion in downtown South Haven.

John is also doing a FREE Masterclass at South Haven High School open to adult and student musicians at 1:00 p.m. that same day thanks to a generous grant from the John Stites Jazz Award Organization.  Clayton’s Open Rehearsal with the LEJBB prior to the Masterclass is also FREE.

Please share this information with anyone who might be interested in participating in these amazing events happening in Southwest Michigan!

 LEJBB with John Clayton

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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.

The organization funds advanced studies for emerging and established professional jazz musicians, as well as personal development projects which enhance their career opportunities.