Live and Let Slide is a professional ensemble of performers and educators who are dedicated to bringing both art music and popular music together in a variety of venues. We are committed to commissioning new works, as well as celebrating under-performed works, including those by BIPOC and female composers. We perform educational shows, recitals, weddings, and clubs. The group consists of the top-call trombonists in the Lincoln/Omaha area. Members of the group have performed or are members of the Omaha Symphony, Lincoln’s Symphony, Sioux City Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, Des Moines Symphony, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, Lincoln Municipal Band, Downtown Collective, the Diamond Empire Band, various local big bands, combos, Latin groups, and rock bands. We have full-time musicians, professors/teachers, students, and people who also work outside of the music industry. Our goal is to bring music to all kinds of people in a welcoming and exciting environment. 

Ian Rutherford is the founder and arranger of the ensemble and performs on alto and tenor trombone, Alex Hoffman arranges, conducts, and plays tenor trombone, Josh Blazek plays alto and tenor trombone, Luke Thallas, Aaron Pierce, Jared Bade, Angel Rodriguez-Villalobos all play tenor trombone, Ty Martin doubles on tenor and bass trombone, Liam Hughes, and Raymond Brown play the bass and contra-bass trombone.

The NMM Live! Series is made possible by the USD Student Government Association and the South Dakota Arts Council through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

This program is made possible by the Maud and Mary Adams Memorial Fund.