THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

In memory of Don Chisholm (March 28, 1934 – March 21, 2025)

From Artistic & Executive Director Monica Swartout-Bebow...

I was saddened to hear of "Ann Arbor Jazz Hero" Don Chisholm's recent passing and felt moved to honor him with this email tribute to share the remarkable impact he had upon the music scene in Ann Arbor and upon Kerrytown Concert House, one of many arts organizations he supported in his lifetime. 

Don was one of the first people to call me to introduce himself when I began my role as director in 2019. His love for jazz was palpable, and his connection and devotion to jazz artists was moving and inspiring. In fact, his example inspired the formation of the Don Chisholm Friends of Jazz at Kerrytown Concert House. 

The depth of his jazz knowledge, his attendance at notable jazz performances worldwide, and his friendships with musicians in the art form was legendary. It was so much so that drummer Pete Siers interviewed him for our pandemic streaming series Jazz Chats with Cool Cats! The link to that 2021 interview is included below.  

While I enjoyed getting to know Don, the person who could speak most first-hand about him is KCH Founder Deanna Relyea. I asked her to write a few paragraphs about Don, and she has done more than that with the following reflections that beautifully highlight his professional and cultural impact upon the Ann Arbor community, including Kerrytown Concert House and the artists and audiences we serve.

Thank you, Deanna.  And thank you, Don!

On Don Chisholm
Reflections by Kerrytown Concert House Founder
Deanna Relyea

As I personally am moved by Don Chisholm's passing, and am now seeing his smile and hearing his infectious and unique laugh, a few thoughts here might be good to share:

His work as a developer in the community and his passion for its musical and cultural life were always intersecting. Don Chisholm was a Renaissance man.

As he worked to expand development of housing and office buildings across Main into the State Street area, the design of his own office buildings and housing communities (Stonebridge) were lauded for their design and construction quality as notably his Briarwood area Atrium Building was indeed graced with an open atrium which featured a lovely grand piano. Many of us remember being there for performances and celebrations as he invited both visiting and area artists to his place of work. That atrium seems sacred now.

Also, after working tirelessly with the city to get approval for Sloan Plaza (at State and Huron), which ironically was considered a bit large at the time, he created a beautifully furnished one-bedroom apartment (including his mother Margaret Sloan’s grand piano, of course) on the third floor (Suite 307) next to his office. Regularly used for visiting artist accommodations and special gatherings, UMS, the Bird of Paradise, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Kerrytown Concert House and others were privileged to offer their visiting artists accommodations there. The only payment he required was that the guests sign the guest book. I remember NYC pianist Eric Comstock being shocked at the amazing “who’s who” of the classical and jazz world that guest book represented. Van Cliburn used the suite to prepare for his last concert in Hill Auditorium! I am wondering where that book is now…it tells quite a story.

Don had long-standing and deep friendships with many of the jazz artists he knew. Every time the great bassist Ray Brown came to town, Don and he could be found on the golf course (Don’s development at Stonebridge, of course) when not on stage. He was also very connected to the jazz musicians in our community - always ready to support their music.

He was one of the Founders of the Southeastern MI Jazz Association and lent his name to the Don Chisholm Friends of Jazz at Kerrytown Concert House group, all the while, raising funds for events and individual area artists’ projects.

Don was a long time board member of Kerrytown Concert House, brought on board by his development friend and collaborator Joe O’Neal (owner of Kerrytown Shops and the champion of my idea to create Kerrytown Concert House). Don was a real artistic advisor and would often be the person to call his jazz artist friends with an invitation to play at KCH.  I remember one summer afternoon, Don walked into the House with a young, not-yet-so-famous, Diana Krall. His wife Betts had brought Diana in to surprise him on his birthday, so Don wanted to introduce Diana to KCH for possible future collaboration. Don put KCH on the map in the jazz world. His support brought in the likes of Bill Charlap, Freddie Cole, Cedar Walton, Eric Comstock, Blossom Dearie, Dave Frishberg, Kenny Barron, and so many more.

Aside from helping to purchase the notable Hamburg Steinway for KCH, Don provided much needed support for its mission. Several years ago, his facilities person came to the office and said she was tasked with choosing more comfortable chairs for KCH, as Don said people needed more cushioned seating!  So, yes, Don lives in the House, and every time I stack a chair or see people take their seats, I think of Don and hear his laughter.  

A Renaissance man indeed!

Click Here to view Pete Siers' April 2021 interview with Don Chisholm.