Concerts in the Courtyard

Blake Shaw is a composer/arranger, bandleader, double/electric bassist, vocalist, jazz professor, and private lessons teacher originally from Lisbon, Iowa. He has earned an Associate of Arts degree from Kirkwood Community College as well as a Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degree both from the University of Iowa. He now calls Iowa City home, where he provides insight on festival boards like Iowa City Jazz Festival and Iowa City Pride Fest.

Shaw is a frequent performer and band leader in many different groups across Iowa and the US. He can also be found teaching private lessons to young, dedicated classical and jazz double bass players. Shaw has had the pleasure of playing with jazz greats like Carmen Bradford, Wycliffe Gordon, Dave Pietro, O'Had Talmor, and Dick Oatts. He's also been in groups opening for bands like Lake Street Drive, Donny McCaslin, Margaret Glaspy, John Raymond and the Real Feels, Bridget Kearney, Caroline Smith, The Marcus King Band, and Euforquestra.