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

The Organization

The John Stites Jazz Artist Organization is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music.

Our Vision

Funds are allocated through a term endowment established for emerging and professional jazz musicians including:

Funding for established and emerging professional jazz musicians to attend advanced level workshops, master classes, and other training events
Funding to attend jazz artist competitions with monetary awards that will be applied to programs and experiences that further perfect performance skills
Personal development projects that enhance individual career opportunities

Our Values

The Organization honors the memory of John Stites and his commitment to:

Professional exceptionalism in jazz music
Expanded public awareness and appreciation of jazz music

Board of Directors

Scott Cowan
Doug Decker
Bill McCarty
Ken Morgan
Sandy Schaefer

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.