Steve Grismore has been playing the guitar since 1965 and is one of the most in-demand players in eastern Iowa and beyond. He is a versatile guitarist and plays traditional jazz, as well as improvised music with a more avant-garde sensibility.

Steve has performed with nationally-recognized jazz artists as well as local ensembles over the years, and he has a long history of jazz education throughout the state of Iowa, including serving as Director of Jazz Studies at The University of Iowa.

Steve co-founded the Iowa City Jazz Festival, which has received national acclaim, has been recorded four times by NPR for rebroadcast on "Jazz Set," and was named one of the Ten Best free festivals in the Midwest by Downbeat Magazine. Steve was honored to be inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame in 2025.

A trio of friends since the early 1990s, Steve Grismore, Mitch Towne and Tim Crumley make up Trio Grismore. This trio draws its inspiration from the music of jazz guitar legends Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Martino, as well as jazz organists such as John Patton, Jimmy Smith, Mel Rhyne, and Larry Young. Elements of saxophonists Lou Donaldson and Joe Henderson are also showcased, along with a few originals of their own. Expect this Iowa-born ensemble to recreate the sounds and magic of the great jazz guitar and organ trios of the 1950s and 60s for an unforgettable evening at the Trailside.

The ever-popular CIJS House Band under the leadership of Larry Harms kicks off the evening, featuring outstanding jazz musicians from the area. They present a variety of jazz standards and other popular arrangements. Always a delight!

Concert begins at 6pm.

Trailside Event Center
4416 N Prospect (above Trefzger’s)
Third Sunday of the month (unless otherwise noted)

Members $8
Non-Members $12
Students Free