Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Trout Fishing in America plays blues, bluegrass and belly laughs for adults -- all cleverly disguised as music meant for children.

The Grammy-nominated duo of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet comes to Strings in the Mountains today. Their show is part of the festival's family concert series and the evening is certain to be packed with witty tunes that will entertain all ages.

While lyrics aimed at the younger set muse about a "big black bug sitting in a tub" and the "alien in my nose," Grimwood and Idlet keep their finger on the pulse of parents who have fond memories of folk festivals, string-pickin' bluegrass jams and rock 'n' roll riffs.

Trout Fishing in America received a 2001 Grammy nomination for best children's musical album with their 10th CD, "inFINity." The duo has received three INDIE album of the year awards and has been featured on such diverse shows as National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and "World Cafe."

The duo's most recent release, called "It's a Puzzle," was released last fall on its own label based in northwest Arkansas. In addition to foot-tapping music and ample giggles, "It's a Puzzle" offers some simple lessons about life.

In the snappy, finger-picking tune "I Get Ideas," for example, Grimwood and Idlet sing about perseverance:

"I'm not saying they're good ones/But at least I'm trying something/Even if I get it wrong/Once or twice or three times it's not nothing."

Tickets to see Trout Fishing in America are still available at the Strings in the Mountains box office, or by calling 879-5056.