Trout Fishing In America

Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet formed Trout Fishing in America in 1979 after their band St. Elmo’s Fire dissolved in California. Busking on the streets of Santa Cruz with guitar and upright bass, they learned to win over listeners instantly. Needing a name for a music contest, they chose Trout Fishing in America—Keith for his love of writer Richard Brautigan, Ezra for his love of fishing.

Returning to Texas, they built a following across the Southeast. With just two voices, guitar, and bass, they filled every room they played, developing a genre‑defying sound that spread through word of mouth. In the 1980s they launched their own Trout Records label, releasing early vinyl and cassettes and blending rock, folk, blues, country, bluegrass, funk, Latin, and reggae. Their songwriting partnership—Keith on lyrics, Ezra on music—thrived on collaboration without ego.

Their success surged in the 1990s as they toured the U.S. and Canada in their red truck, Robert RedFord, releasing nine more albums and earning four Grammy nominations. When touring halted in 2020, they reunited in the Trout House Studio, writing new songs and livestreaming for fans. The result became their 25th album, Safe House. Today, it’s common to see three or four generations at a Trout show—proof that while their music defies labels, their joy in sharing it is unmistakable.

Artist Website



The cabaret and through row D are reserved for Theater Members until one month before the show. If you are a Theater Member, select your tickets using the price code that matches your Membership level and enter your Member ID into the Membership box on the checkout page. To inquire about Membership, call our Box Office at 215-257-5808 or click here.