IW is a native Texan and long time resident of Palacios. He is known not only for his singing and playing abilities, but especially for his vast collection of hand decorated shirts. He has been with the RGVMF from the beginning and serves as the Festival Vice President. He is ably assisted by his wife Lurleen.
Fred(Poppy)Rasmussen City of Mercedes Stage Two
F. J. 'Poppy' Rasmussen, Stage manager for the Rio Grande Valley Music Festival, comes to Texas as a musician and recording artist. Originally from Wisconsin. He had an early morning radio show on WDUX for over seven years. He and friend played country music and became well known to the people of the area. After retiring as police chief in 1988 he bought a mobvile in Weslaco and became a Texas Resident. He played at several jams but vacationed in wisconsin each summer. He recorded cds and sold them at music festivals in Iowa and Nebraska, as well as Texas and Wisconsin. He was elected to the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. He presently plays in the Valley Tumbleweed Band in the valley. The band has anumber of shows booked for the fall and winter season. He and the band invite as many a possible to attend the festival and play on their stage.
Janet Dyer H-E-B Stage Three
Janet, and her husband Mike, will be running the expanded H-E-B tent, filling in for the Hendrons who can't be here this year for health reasons. With the same MC and Band, and the Dyers experience, we are confident that the popular Stage Three will be as great as ever. We all wish Linda Hendron a speedy recovery.
Stage Four
Bill Dumboski Takemine Bluegrass Stage Five
Bill grew up in Arkansas and is a lifelong country music fan. His stage is all acoustic and mostly Bluegrass, with just a few scheduled performers. With a unique and well organized rotation system, everyone has a equal chance to lead and everybody has a great time. This is the place to be for those who like their music "unplugged".
Dick Wynne WAL-MART Jamming Tent
Jamming tent managed by Nebraskans Dick and Wilma Wynne. They will provide an opportunity for groups that like to jam in a circle Bluegrass style. No mics, no amps, no retail sales. Just good acoustic music.
