For over 50 years, Jay Stielstra wrote songs, plays, prose and poetry about the beauty of Michigan’s rivers and north woods, of love and friendship, peace and war, and the passage of time.

All profits from sales of Jay's work are donated to charitable causes he supported.

NEWS

North Country Opera: Live at The Ark Returns –

A Fundraiser for Pilar’s Foundation

April 24: Reception at 6pm; Screening at 7pm

Do good and feel good at the same event.

North Country Opera: Live at The Ark returns to the big screen at the Stage Theater in Ann Arbor. All profits from the event will be donated to Pilar’s Foundation, to support organizations that serve vulnerable communities locally and around the world.

A reception precedes the screening, where attendees are treated to hors-d'oeuvres from local restaurants. Cash bar provided by State Theater.

And, in North Country Opera tradition, any attendee wearing plaid will be entered in a drawing to win a Stormy Kromer hat.

Tickets available through the State Theater

Screening: $25

Reception and screening: $50

AVAILABLE NOW

North Country Opera: Recorded Live at The Ark

2023, DVD or Streaming


North Country Opera, Jay’s most popular musical play, played to sold-out crowds in a a 2022 tour of northern Michigan, attracting a new generation of fans to this 40-year old classic.

The final performance of the tour was recorded at The Ark in Ann Arbor, and is now available on DVD or to stream for all that were unable to see it live.

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FEATURED WORKS

Meet Me at the River

2022, Paperback novel

Like North Country Opera and many of Jay’s other works, Meet Me at the River vividly describes the beauty of northern Michigan, along with time spent fly-fishing, nights in the tavern, and falling in love.


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Heaven for Me

2019, Hardcover songbook

This beautiful full-color book contains lyrics and musical scores to over 50 songs as well as a biography and profiles.


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Heaven For Me

2017, CD

A collection of original music featuring classic songs including the title track, Never Been to Dixie, Are You Comin’ or Are You Goin’, and more.


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