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

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

Matthew Whitaker

Matthew Whitaker Gilmore Rising Star Concert

Posted September 20, 2021

The John Stites Jazz Artist Organization announces our first collaboration with the Gilmore International Piano Festival – Jazz Rising Star Matthew Whitaker, who lists Jimmy Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, and Thelonious Monk as influences – scheduled for October 10, 2021.

Concert page (thegilmore.org)

Learn more about Matthew Whitaker

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This world needs more of him, not less.

Ray Kamalay

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 Southwest Michigan