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 Learline.
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 his friend played country music and became well known to the people of the area. After retiring as police chief in 1988 he bought a mobile 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 invites as many as possible to attend the festival and play on the stage.
The Valley Tumbleweeds H-E-B Stage Three
The Valley Tumbleweeds performs in the Rio Grande Valley from October until April each year. All four members are winter Texans from different parts of the United States. Members l-r are Lewis Jett, lead guitar and vocalist, Suzy Kreitz, rhythm guitar and vocalist, Bill Kreitz, bass guitar and vocalist, and Pat Jett, vocalist. they play a variety of music, from country and gospel, ballads and a bit of rock and roll. Their shows are very upbeat with plenty of laughter and fun. The Valley Tumbleweeds will be providing backup music for other entertainers scheduled to perform. www.valleytumbleweeds.com
Edward Jones Wal-Mart Stage Four
Edward R. Jones, Retired accountant from Iowa now a converted Texan. Hosted the jam at 1015 R.V. Park, Weslaco for five years.Has performed in shows in the valley and sings and plays at 5 to 6 jams a week. Will be looking forward to having a variety of performers and jammers on his stage at the 2011 Festival.
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 amplified Jamming Tent
Jamming tent managed by Nebraskans Dick and Wilma Wynne. They will provide an opportunity for groups that like to jam with amplified music
One On The Mountain WAL-MART acoustic Bluegrass Jamming Tent
One On The Mountain, Jim Hughes and Shirley McCord will manage the acoustic bluegrass tent for those who want to jam in a circle Bluegrass style. No mics, no amps, no retail sales. Just good acoustic bluegrass music.
