About
While dabbling in the folk-rock landscape, The Trollies are less about fitting neatly into a genre and more about sharing lived experience. Their songs and live shows span the emotional spectrum—from laugh-out-loud moments and audience interaction to quiet reflection. Their music is rooted in authenticity, deepening personal songwriting, and the gratifying comfort of making music together.
Since forming in Iowa City on the cusp of the 2001 new year, The Trollies have built a reputation for singable hooks, raw performances, and the unmistakable chemistry between co-founders Nikki Lunden Trotter and Natalie Brown. After becoming a fixture of the eastern Iowa music scene in the early 2000s, the band took an extended hiatus, but continued to make music independently on many other projects.
In 2023 The Trollies reconnected to play their first record, Fountain Pennies (+), live at Gabe's, honoring an unwavering member of the Iowa City music community. The show was recorded and released as a live album in January 2025. This show reignited the “Trollies magic” not only with their fans, but within each other, too.
The Trollies are actively adding dates to their schedule and bringing down the house everywhere they go. If you want to see the band in a venue near you, please check out the contact link above.
L-R: Adam "Dickens" Grosso, bass; Nikki Lunden Trotter, vocals, guitar, kazoo; Natalie Brown, violin, mandolin; Puma, drums. Photo taken at Gabe's after the Trevor Fest performance of Fountain Pennies live in 2023. Photo by Andrea Scott Photography
Feedback from Real People
“It was so exciting to see a big crowd feeling The Trollies the way I have for years! That kind of exposure is exactly what they deserve!”
— Heather C. - Iowa City, IA
Photo by Ja Bird, 2001
“The Trollies exceeded all of my expectations. Their energy on stage combined with a fun set list of original folk rock music kept me grooving in my seat and wanting an encore!”
— Zoe H. - Coralville, IA
“I have been a Long time fan of The Trollies, clear back to the early 2000's. Getting to see them together again and playing the Iowa City scene has been a highlight of mine the past few years. I've seen them play quite a few venues and they steal my heart every single time. That said, the [Friday Night Concert Series 7/31/26] last minute venue change from the Ped Mall stage to a parking garage because of rain is going down as one of my absolute favorites. How they were able to pick out the best spot on for acoustics is beyond me! I cannot think of a better testament to the soul that is behind their music than that. Except for catching a show and experiencing the energy yourself, of course! 😉”
— Elizabeth E. - Somewhere in Iowa, IA
“I really enjoyed listening to the Trollies last Friday evening at their outdoor show. Fun energy, great sound, and great connection with the audience. The guitar-violin combo is outstanding! Thanks Nikki and band for a terrific show!”
— Margaret C. - Iowa City, IA
