Quintessential Quintet

About:   The Quintessential Quintet is a jazz combo made up of students who all met in the Revolutionists jazz band at Cedar Rapids Washington High School. The quintet is organized and led by Griffin Shroyer, who is becoming a recognizable young figure amongst the jazz and blues scene of Eastern Iowa, especially following 2025’s Jazz Under The Stars, where he played keyboard with 10th Street Rapids. Fellow band members August Merschbrock and Aben Lynxwiler, playing drums and saxophone, respectively, are also core members of 10th Street Rapids and will be joining him at Iowa City Jazz Fest. Bassist Sonja Ostmo was a highly decorated musician during her high school career and is excited to perform outside of school events and honor orchestras. She will be attending Luther College in the fall. Alto saxophonist Caden Messenger was also highly decorated, receiving the Sousa Award for the class of 2026. He will be attending the University of Iowa in the fall. This will be the first time… View Source