Hundreds of friends, family and musicians packed the Salt Lake Community College Grand Theater in South Salt Lake on Nov. 10 to pay tribute to a man who transformed and uplifted communities through the power of music. The Celebration of Life concert honored Jeff Whiteley, who organized more than 1,400 free concerts in the state, featuring some of Utah’s finest musicians. 

Whiteley, the founder of Excellence in the Community, passed away in September, leaving artists and audiences heartbroken over the loss of the visionary man who used music to connect, encourage and unite. 

The Latin/pop group Senxao performed during the event, under the direction of Venezuelan singer/songwriter Nayi Escalona, who shared his appreciation for Whiteley for giving them the chance to perform in front of Utah audiences.

“Jeff was the one who saw something in us that we couldn’t even see in ourselves. He believed in our music, in our dream, and because of his vision, we’ve reached stages we never imagined,” Escalona said. “Jeff, your calm spirit, your kindness and your good energy touched every one of us. You were more than a friend. You were part of our band, part of our story. Tonight, every note, every song, every beat, is for you. We carry you in our hearts always.”

Whiteley and his wife, Lori Decker, spent decades together, creating music in France, Switzerland and Germany before bringing their work to the U.S. The duo would often perform free concerts throughout Utah with their acoustic-jazz ensemble Lark & Spur, including their popular Christmas concerts. 

“To be with Jeff Whiteley was an opportunity for surprises, often that lifted the heart and delighted the soul,” said Whiteley’s cousin Chris Taylor, a guitarist with Lark & Spur. “Jeff believed that vibrating strings or reeds or any other musical conveyance held power.”

Taylor shared memories of going with Whiteley to the homes of struggling families to perform personal concerts to help them feel supported. Whiteley’s friend Justin Hohl said the musician will be remembered for his powerful storytelling and the ability he had to draw listeners into the narrative.

“I remember listening to many stories he would tell about his past, his memories of his mission, or other stories, and being captivated by the way he would bring you into this memory from his past,” Hohl said. “I also loved how he connected everybody through music and his work with Excellence in the Community.”

Concert pianist Josh Wright also performed during the event. He said he loved working with Whiteley because he always made sure musicians had the best lighting and audio, the best pianos and the most optimal situation for a musician to thrive.

“He was a great musician,” Wright said. “So he understood that those things should be taken very seriously, which I always appreciated. He was also very giving. We thought that he took an interest in our family because we were musicians, but we’ve come to know that he treated everybody like that.”

Whiteley, who was a Sandy resident, is survived by his wife and his son, Austin. For those who would like to honor his memory by supporting Excellence in the Community, donations can be made at excellenceconcerts.org/donate.

“Jeff Whiteley's life was lyrical, like the poetry he loved. It was loving and it was full of laughter, although he would use the word ‘mirth,’ as a proper poet,” Taylor said. “He taught me that music held power and was transformative…[He] was a remarkable human being. Let us celebrate him as a person who can shine a light of love and compassion upon others.”