Steve “Toad” Stewart

Trombonist Steve Stewart was born to musical parents and attended Roosevelt High School before obtaining music degrees from both Drake University and North Texas State University. He taught instrumental music (including jazz band) at Carlisle Schools from 1969 to 1994.

During his musical career, Steve played with most of the better known musicians in the Des Moines area in styles ranging from Dixieland to swing and bebop to rhythm and blues. He is most noted for his 30 year career as lead trombonist for the Des Moines Big Band.

In 1960, Steve played and toured with the Buddy Morrow Orchestra and performed in England as part of the Friendship Force exchange programs in 1980. Though Steve had offers to join the Woody Herman Band (one of his favorites), he opted to remain in his hometown of Des Moines with his family. Steve passed away in early 2004.