drums
Jeff began his career as a jazz drummer building a reputation in Chicago by playing with such superb artists as Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Becker, Eddie Harris, Larry Coryell, "Groove" Holmes, Kathleen Battle, Zoot Sims, Patricia Barber, Von Freeman, Bobby Shew, the Grant Park Symphony, Sinfonieta, Fulcrumpoint and many others. Jeff won "Best Soloist" at the 9th International Jazz Competition of Belgium and has been awarded 2 National Endowment for the Arts grants. The Jeff Stitely Quartet recorded three CDs. "Chameleon Eyes" won the distinguished award of "Top 10 CD's of the year" by WBEZ and the Sun Times. They toured both the U.S. and Europe and were finalists in the Hennessey National Jazz Competition.
Jeff studied and performed African drumming and dance with Gideon Foli Alorwoyie for five years. This great musical tradition is about bringing spirit to the rituals of the community like weddings, harvests and births. In that same spirit, Jeff started Stitely Entertainment in 1994 to combine dance music with his desire to provide quality music for our traditions. In addition to playing music, Jeff is currently a Ravinia Jazz Mentor working with High School jazz musicians. He performed with the Chicago Symphony "Gershwin-Bernstein Ensemble for 5 years and has been on faculty at Northern Illinois and Northeastern Illinois Universities teaching percussion.