Jerry Rasmussen (Special Event)

JERRY RASSMUSSEN was born and raised in a small town in southern Wisconsin, and first started playing traditional folk music on guitar and banjo in the 50's. He moved to New York City in 1960, started writing songs and performed on theGreenwich Village coffee house circuit. In the years to follow, he moved to Connecticut and has performed extensively throught the East coast and Midwest.JERRY HAS RECORDED TWO ALBUMS for Folk-Legacy (Get Down Home and The Secret Life Of Jerry Rasmussen) and A Handful Of Songs for Jackrabbit records. He is currently working on an album of gospel quartet music with his group, The Gospel Messengers, who were FSGW's program this past June.JERRY'S SONGS are mostly about small town life, with a touch of humor. He plays finger-picked and claw-hammered banjo and some finger-picked country blues. His studies with Dave Van Ronk are reflected in his guitar playing, and most of histraditional material comes from the southern mountains.MANY OTHER MUSICIANS have performed and recorded Jerry's songs. Sally Rogers and Howie Bursen have recorded 'Milwaukee/St. Paul' and 'Old Blue Suit.' Bok, Trickett and Muir have recorded 'Living On The River' and 'Old Blue Suit.' The Short Sisters have recorded 'Ten Pound Radio' and 'Planter's Bar' and several performers have recorded 'Handful of Songs,' including Art Thieme and Dave Para and Cathy Barton.A songwriter of rare warmth and humor, a gentle realist with a fine and wileywit.

--Gordon BokThis album [Secret Life Of Jerry Rasmussen] is like a visit with an old friend, so pull up a chair.

--Tom PaxtonFor further information, including directions to the venue, please call Chance Shiver at 301-681-7451