Jay Stielstra
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"Jay Stielstra is our song laureate." - Matt Watroba, Sing Out! Radio Magazine
Jay Stielstra is "a Michigan treasure". - The Ark -- Ann Arbor
"I've often said that jay Stielstra should be the poet laureate of the state of Michigan. His songs can be compared with those of any songwriter in the country as far as I'm concerned." - David Siglin, former Ark Director
"Ann Arbor musical treasure...Stielstra has penned some of the most heartfelt songs about Michigan ever written." - Ann Arbor News
"The Jay Stielstra Trio's new CD, Don't Let Me Down Easy is pure...direct folk music...with no apologies. This album is an important contribution to Stielstra's considerable legacy." - Ann Arbor.com
Discography
Recent CD released:
Don't Let Me Down Easy
Times That We Had
Songs of the North Country Opera
Cuts available on our Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/jaystielstratrio
Videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/JayStielstraTrio
Photos
Bio
Genre: Acoustic folk-country originals
Origin: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Official Band Website: www.myspace.com/jaystielstratrio
2010 Folk Alliance Region Midwest Showcase Performer
Band Members:
Jay Stielstra: songwriter, vocals, guitar
Judy Banker: vocals, mandolin, guitar
Often described as "a Michigan treasure", Jay Stielstra has been writing and performing his original songs throughout the midwest for several decades. The author of a number of musical plays -- North Country Opera, Tittabawassee Jane, America America and The Prodigals -- Jay is an award-winning actor and gifted playwright.
Jay's songs have that indefinable quality that instantly makes a song an old friend. Jay Stielstra "classics" tell stories that cut to the heart of the human experience. With clarity, wry observation, humor and honesty Jay captures the universal elements of friendship, love, loss, war and the wonder of fly fishing in the still of the north woods.
Jay has performed solo and with many musician friends over his career. In 2008, Jay formed the Jay Stielstra Trio with long-time friends, husband and wife musicians Judy Banker and John Sayler and has toured with them since that time. Judy's pure vocals and John's versatile dobro playing are the perfect complement to Jay's weathered voice and solid guitar licks. Part folk, part country, part Irish pub song and part polka---Jay's music enriches the spirit and captures the essence of our lives.
We deeply mourn the loss of John Sayler.
4/20/37 - 4/20/12
Links