Trout Fishing in America
First United Methodist Church is bringing the music duo Trout Fishing in America to Little Rock for a family Christmas Concert at 4:30 pm on December 17, 2023.
Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet formed Trout Fishing in America in 1979. Drawing inspiration from childhoods spent listening to top-40 AM radio, the two songwriters season their music with stylings from rock and roll, blues, folk, country, bluegrass, funk, Latin, and reggae - whatever sound would best bring out the flavor of the lyrics they wrote.
With Grimwood on upright and electric bass and Idlet playing a variety of guitars, the singer/songwriters built a nationwide fanbase by delivering a percussive, vibrant sound and a dynamic stage presence. TFIA earned critical recognition as an eclectic folk-rock band that writes songs for all ages. The band received four Grammy nominations in the Best Music Albums For Children category, as well as three National Indie Awards, multiple Parent’s Choice and NAPPA Gold awards, and The American Library Award. In the 1980s, TFIA was in the first wave of artist-owned labels (Trout Records) to successfully record and market their own music.
The band’s homegrown success exploded in the 1990s, leading to regular touring throughout the U.S. and Canada, and the 2000s brought additional acclaim in children’s music. It’s not unusual for three or four generations of family to show up at a Trout performance, a point of pride for Grimwood and Idlet. “For years, we would play shows in schools around the country. Those kids grew up and had kids. They played our music for them and brought them to our shows. It is amazing to see generations of a family.
The family Christmas Concert is open to the public and will be held in our historic Sanctuary located on the corner of 8th and Center in downtown Little Rock. Admission is free; however, donations of socks, underwear, and gloves for those experiencing homelessness are appreciated.
First United Methodist Church is in downtown Little Rock at 723 Center Street. If you have any questions, please call the church office at 501-372-2256.
