Our Mission
To foster creativity, cultural enrichment, and community engagement through the arts and music across the Turkey River Watershed.
Our History
TRAM got its wings as part of the Music and Monarchs conservation festival held in Elkader from 2015-2018. The festival morphed into a grassroots music series along the Turkey River called Cabin Concerts. What started as neighbors and friends gathering to share original music along the river, has now grown into a watershed-wide network of partners, volunteers, and supporters dedicated to bringing inspirational and inclusive experiences to rural communities in Northeast Iowa. TRAM prioritizes supporting original artists as they build lasting careers, and we collaborate with venues throughout the watershed—to strengthen a sustainable, resilient rural economy and build a stronger community where all can thrive.
Lee Pohlman, Chair
Lee is a retired administrator with decades of government, non-profit and private sector experience. He enjoys playing harmonica, nature, music, and the seven lenses of ecology. He splits his time between his homes in Elkader and the Quad Cities area.
Daryl Bruxvoort, Vice Chair
Daryl is a founding member of TRAM, Music and Monarchs, and Cabin Concerts. He's a devoted Grateful Dead fan, served in the United States Army and held a leadership role as I.T. Director for Pearson Education. He resides in Elkader where he frequently hosts porch concerts up on the hill.
Kelci Davis, Secretary
Kelsi attended her first cabin concert in 2023 and has deepened her connections with the land, music, and the most wonderful community ever since. She serves at the County Conservation as the Energy District Coordinator advocating for local clean energy resources. She enjoys all things outdoors: hiking with her two poodles, fishing, kayaking, traveling, reading, and cooking.
Susie Pohlman, Treasurer
Susie grew up in Elkader and her love for music was developed at an early age through classical piano music. She worked as tax CPA before serving as an executive director for an international professional association of Chief Security Executives.
Stephanie Arensdorf
Stephanie is co-owner of Basecamp Financial Planners. She lives in Janesville, Iowa with her four children and has been coming up to Elkader for live music since 2022. Stephanie enjoys traveling, outdoor adventures, and many different types of music.
Jessie Otter
Jessie works as Kepros Physical Therapy and Performance in Cedar Rapids. In her free time she enjoys helping out our pollinator friends through landscaping in her yard. She is a firm believer in the power and energy exchanged between musicans and the audience during intimate live music and art events.
Tony Vorwald
Tony is a musican, and natural resources manager for Jackson County Conservation in eastern Iowa. He serves on the Iowa Prairie Network board and has a deep love for music that intersects the natural world and human culture.
Brian Gibbs, Director
Brian believes in creating vibrant communities through art and music experiences. Since 2015, he's been an integral leader in creating a thriving arts and music scene in the Turkey River Valley. He resides in Elkader with his family.