Jimmy began playing drums at an early age being introduced by his Father Joe Grillo, who is also a local Rochester drummer. Through adolescence and young adult hood, Jimmy was involved with the music programs available in the East Irondequoit school district which included Concert, Jazz and Marching Band. At 15 Jimmy began his journey in Drum Corps joining DCI, DCA and WGI with the Rochester Patriots, Empire Statesmen and Rhythm X Percussion performance ensemble. Through Rhythm X, Jimmy was able to travel throughout Europe to teach clinics focused on the American approach to indoor percussion, which was sponsored by Dynasty Drum Company.  Jimmy then studied Jazz with John Nyerges at Monroe Community College and earned his Associates, while minoring in music.  Jimmy than began to focus on his live performance career starting with the Rochester based live electronica group RootsCollider which has played national clubs and festivals such as Camp Bisco, Waterstreet Music Hall, the Westcott theater and Sullivan Hall.  After 7 years with Rootscollider Jimmy joined the regional touring Dave Matthews Tribute Big Eyed Phish and still a touring member of the band. Other current and former artists and projects are Mochester, The Blackened Blues, Aaron Lipp, Ryan Yarmel, Dean Keller, Ben Sheridan, Radiant Moon, A Certain Shade of Green, The Jimmy Grillo Big Band, Pancakes and The Viavattine Bro’s.