Fries and Hall, as well as De Rosa, are professors at Western Michigan University’s jazz studies department. They’ve played on low stages feet from jazz fans, and they’ve been the jazz fans mesmerized by the talents before them. And it all just makes sense, and it feels really great.”It was their intent to create the special energy of a New York jazz club. Photo: Mark WedelHelping to keep it affordable to get the big names at Crawlspace, Fries points out, is the John Stites Jazz Award. “To present these concerts in this little intimate room — it’s just such an incredible way to get to hear music,” Fries says.