Ralph is a consummate advocate for his instrument of choice, the tuba.
—Christopher Knox
The winner of the John Stites Jazz Awards represents the epitome of artistic achievement in the world of jazz. Through their unparalleled talent, dedication, and creativity, past winners of the prestigious prize have earned their place among the genre’s leading performers, educators, and advocates.
After months of anticipation, the winners of the prestigious John Stites Jazz Awards have been revealed. This year, amidst stiff competition and extraordinary performances, tubaist and bandleader Ralph Hepola emerged as one of only three winners of the award, which honors his virtuosity, innovation, and sheer passion for the art form and comes with a sizeable grant to further the recipient’s creative development and artistic output.
Ralph is a consummate advocate for his instrument of choice, the tuba. As he puts it, “The tuba exists in traditional jazz and New Orleans street bands, but is rarely-heard in contemporary jazz, especially played by the leader of an ensemble.” His primary artistic focus remains “creating something new,” and to that end, the John Stites Award will provide him with the means to achieve two of his objectives: to continue forging a unique artistic path and to bring the music of jazz to a wider audience through extensive touring, especially in communities lacking in festivals and venues in which to experience live jazz.
For Ralph, this victory is the culmination of years of dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Through his virtuosity and creativity, Ralph has not only captivated audiences but also pushed the boundaries of the genre, redefining what it means to be a jazz musician, particularly a tubaist, in the 21st century. With each performance, he weaves a tapestry of sound that transcends boundaries, blending elements of tradition and innovation to create a truly unique musical experience.
For more information regarding John Stites Jazz Awards please visit johnstitesjazzawards.org.
By Christopher Knox
Photo (L to R): guitarist John Strickler, bassist Seth Darby, drummer Daniel Pasquale & tubaist Ralph Hepola on tour outside Gallery Art Bar in Urbana, Illinois.
After months of anticipation, the winners of the prestigious John Stites Jazz Awards have been revealed. This year, amidst stiff competition and extraordinary performances, tubaist and bandleader Ralph Hepola emerged as one of only three winners of the award, which honors his virtuosity, innovation, and sheer passion for the art form and comes with a sizeable grant to further the recipient’s creative development and artistic output.
The official JSJA announcement
Ralph Hepola and the HepTones are using the award to expand jazz audiences and enhance appreciation of jazz music through a Spring 2024 tour to six communities in Illinois and Michigan, which have limited exposure to live jazz and no jazz festivals. They plan to act as “jazz ambassadors” through their superlative music, emceeing and publicity; encouraging everyone to subsequently attend one of ten large jazz festivals in five target states during the summer of 2024. As a musician who plays the language of contemporary jazz on the tuba, Ralph is “totally focused on a new and innovative approach.”Ralph is a consummate advocate for his instrument of choice, the tuba. As he puts it, “The tuba exists in traditional jazz and New Orleans street bands, but is rarely-heard in contemporary jazz, especially played by the leader of an ensemble.” His primary artistic focus remains “creating something new,” and to that end, the John Stites Award will provide him with the means to achieve two of his objectives: to continue forging a unique artistic path and to bring the music of jazz to a wider audience through extensive touring, especially in communities lacking in festivals and venues in which to experience live jazz.
For Ralph, this victory is the culmination of years of dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Through his virtuosity and creativity, Ralph has not only captivated audiences but also pushed the boundaries of the genre, redefining what it means to be a jazz musician, particularly a tubaist, in the 21st century. With each performance, he weaves a tapestry of sound that transcends boundaries, blending elements of tradition and innovation to create a truly unique musical experience.
For more information regarding John Stites Jazz Awards please visit johnstitesjazzawards.org.
By Christopher Knox
Photo (L to R): guitarist John Strickler, bassist Seth Darby, drummer Daniel Pasquale & tubaist Ralph Hepola on tour outside Gallery Art Bar in Urbana, Illinois.
