FREE Courtroom Concert: featuring Jim Bierma, bass and Nancy Bierma, piano

Nancy and Jim Bierma have been playing jazz together since 1976. Originally from Iowa, they performed in the Des Moines area until moving to the Twin Cities in 1994. They play songs written by their favorite jazz composers including Keith Jarrett, Wayne Shorter, and Pat Metheny as well as perform their own original compositions. They believe that a room filled with music uplifts the soul. Together they know hundreds of songs and love sharing the joy of playing music. Krishna Mishra, Crooner’s Booking Manager wrote: Jim and Nancy Bierma are not only phenomenal players, but they have a wide range and wonderful selection of songs. Their interpolation of jazz standards and nostalgic hits are pleasant, interesting, and incredibly accessible to new listeners coming from any genre. Their improvisations are seamless and always in sync.

Nancy Bierna is from Newton, Iowa and began playing piano at age 3. She graduated from Drake University with a degree in classical music but realized that jazz was her passion. Nancy and Jim have been playing music together since 1976. They have performed at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Iowa Jazz Festival, the Dakota, Berlin, and Jazz Central. Nancy and Jim have worked with many musicians in the Twin Cities including Geoff and Chreese Jones, Nathan Norman, and Debbie Duncan. They are inductees in the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame.

Jim Bierma began playing music professionally at age 15. He earned classical music scholarships at the University of Iowa and Drake University. He played in the Des Moines and Quad Cities Symphony. Irene Myles, an Iowa jazz legend, hired Jim at 18 years old and they performed together for 16 years. Nancy is Jim’s favorite jazz musician and he loves writing songs with her.