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 professional jazz musicians, jazz performances, and special events, including:

Concert performances with well-known soloists, jazz ensembles, and special guests
Scholarships for established and emerging professional jazz musicians to attend advanced level workshops, master classes, and other training events
Jazz artist competitions with monetary awards that will be applied to programs and experiences that further perfect performance skills
Projects that expand jazz audiences and enhance appreciation of jazz in or near communities in the Midwest

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
Performance events and projects that bring jazz experiences to communities in the Midwest

Board of Directors

Doug Decker
Tom Knific
Bill McCarty
Ken Morgan
Sandy Schaefer

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 the Midwest