Carson Parker Trio AND Kiersten Conway Quartet
August 8 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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Sponsored by West Music
6:30PM-7:15PM: Carson Parker Trio
7:30PM-9:00PM: Kiersten Conway Quartet
About:
Carson Parker, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, has emerged as one of the Midwest’s most captivating young jazz pianists, blending a mix of jazz, blues, and funk into his distinctive style. Carson’s talent has taken him to some of the region’s greatest venues, including Chicago’s Fulton Street Collective, Clara Chicago, Opus Concert Cafe, Des Moines’ Noce Jazz Club, and the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Carson is grateful to be influenced by many teachers and mentors including Nate Sparks, Nick Rueckert, and Dr. William Menefield. His versatility as both a solo artist and collaborator has allowed him to work with musicians including trumpeter Sean Jones, drummer Isaiah Spencer, trumpeter Benny Bennack III, vocalist Max Wellman, drummer Jerome Gillespie II, and singer-songwriter James Tutson. In 2023, Carson achieved the honor as the sole pianist of the National Jazz Band of America. Now an established professional, he continues to play for audiences across the Midwest, both with his ensemble and as a sought-after sideman.
Contact Information:
Web:Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
About:
Kiersten Conway is a dynamic songwriter, contemporary jazz vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, known for her innovative approach to both jazz standards and original compositions. A native of Iowa City, she has built an impressive performance resume, gracing renowned venues such as Noce Jazz Club and Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, as well as the Iowa City Jazz Festival. In 2024, she showcased her talents at the Rochester International Jazz Festival alongside Liala Biali and performed at the prestigious Jazz Education Network conference in New Orleans. A two-time winner of the Downbeat Student Music Awards in 2023 and 2024, Kiersten was awarded in the Vocal Jazz Soloist category and recognized for her original composition “Black-Eyed Susan” in the Original Composition category. Her work is a testament to her creativity, passion, and unique voice in the jazz world.
Contact Information:
Web: https://www.kierstenconway.com/Other links:
Summer of the Arts Festivals:
- 2025 Friday Night Concert Series
- 2024 Iowa City Jazz Festival
- 2024 Friday Night Concert Series
- 2023 Iowa City Jazz Festival
