Carson Parker Trio AND Kiersten Conway Quartet

August 8 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Free

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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.

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About:

Kiersten Conway is a dynamic songwriter, contemporary jazz vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist known for her inventive interpretations of jazz standards and compelling original compositions. A native of Iowa City, she has performed at top venues including Noce Jazz Club and Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, and has been featured at the Iowa City Jazz Festival.

In 2024, Kiersten brought her artistry to the Rochester International Jazz Festival, sharing the stage with Laila Biali, and also performed at the prestigious Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans. A three-time recipient of the DownBeat Student Music Awards (2023–2025), she was recognized as a Vocal Jazz Soloist, for her original composition “Black-Eyed Susan,” and as an Outstanding Soloist in a Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Kiersten’s music reflects a deep creativity, bold artistry, and a fresh voice in the jazz landscape. At this year’s Iowa City Jazz Festival, she’ll be joined by Wyatt Pepper (trumpet), Jacob Merrill (saxophone), and Austin Snavely (drums)—all from the Eastman School of Music—as well as Carson Parker (keys) and Spencer Paulson (bass).