About the Band

Joe Carter

(fiddle/vocals)

A native of the Texas hill country, Joe Carter now calls the Southwest home, but the music of the Texas dance halls and Honky Tonks has stayed with him. While in his late 50’s he started playing music professionally after him and Byron Ripley put together a duo called the Tumbleweeds. They have worked together off and on for the last 15 years. He says he’s finally doing what he’s really wanted to all his life.  –Portrait by Charlie Aldrich

Byron Ripley

(guitar/vocals)

Raised in Arizona, he and Joe Carter formed the Tumbleweeds in 2003 when they played on the Grand Canyon Railway.

In 2011 The Tumbleweeds relocated to Albuquerque, NM where they performed for over 7 years as a trio and 6 piece band.  Since returning to Arizona, the Tumbleweeds are getting back to their roots as a duo.

Byron is married to Jordan Ripley and they have a beautiful young daughter named Iris and a charming son named Sam.

Byron was introduced to music in middle school through the school band, where he played the Tuba. He started playing the guitar while in High School.