LIVE PERFORMANCE • THE LITTLE CAFE

Side Step is a jazz quartet featuring tenor saxophonists Ryan Devlin and Jordan Lerner, bassist Ian Ashby, and drummer Ryan Barski. Formed in 2022 from Lerner and Barski’s longtime collaboration, the group blends jazz tradition with fresh, contemporary ideas.

Inspired by the interplay of Elvin Jones and Steve Grossman’s Live at the Lighthouse, Side Step emphasizes improvisation and conversation, developing a voice uniquely their own.

Their 2024 debut album, Blues Clues, followed an extensive Midwest and Northeast tour, with performances at venues inclusing Chris’s Jazz Cafe (Philadelphia), Pilars Jazz Loft (Winter Garden, FL), Timucua Arts Foundation (Orlando) and Rudy’s Jazz Room (Nashville). The fall tour expanded to Chicago, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Rochester and more.

Beyond the stage, Side Step has led master classes at Stetson University, the Eastman School of Music, and Lake Shore High School. Each member is also an active educator, and the group is available for festivals, venues, restaurants, and student workshops.