The Rillito River Band, a vintage rock n' roll band, is a group of musicians who originally met and formed in a building on the banks of the Rillito River in Tucson, Arizona... from whence floweth their name. The band mates are all long-time Tucsonans whose musical roots are steeped in the heritage of The Old Pueblo, in mariachi music, in folk and folk rock music and primarily in vintage rock.
Influences range from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, from Creedence Clearwater Revival to Thin Lizzy, from Van Morrison to The Eagles , from The Beach Boys to The Kinks, from The Knack to Tommy James, all of whose songs you hear at their performances along with a smattering of originals.
Band mates include Oscar Chavez (lead singer, guitar and bass) who grew up in Tex-Mex bands and who has performed for President George W. Bush. Russell Long (songwriter, harmony vocals, finger-style guitar and bass) has been in rock, folk, bluegrass and rock bands including Rocky & His Friends since he was 14. John McCaleb (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals and guitar collector), is one of Tucson's finest improvisational lead and finger-style musicians and brings a bit of a country sound to the set list. Drums and percussion are provided by master drummer "Cowboy" Mike Joyal, formerly of the band "The Last Call Girls". Oscar and Russell have been inducted into the Tucson Musicians' Museum "Hall of Fame". Together they make a mellifluous blend of delicate three and four part harmonies, haunting love songs, raucous rock n' roll and enjoy engaging the audience in their music and humorous antics.
Nothing (with the exception of tightly crafted, fine music) is sacred when the boys are at the microphones. Watch out, a good time is to be had by all.
The Rillito River Band plays at local historic venues, for weddings, dances, private parties, has been featured at The Tucson Folk Festival, has played with the Tucson Pops Orchestra, opened for Jim Messina and has played a variety of benefit concerts, where their performances are typically sold out. One recent concert goer said "You jam a lot of entertainment into three hours". Well, that's their goal...to have people enjoy the show and leave in a much better mood than when they arrived!
***When purchasing tickets online the system will automatically sell you all the seats at the table. If you wish to purchase LESS THAN a whole table please call the Box Office at (520) 529-1000
*Season passes, consignment tickets, gift cards, and gift certificates cannot be used online. Please call (520) 529-1000 to make a reservation.
*All sales final. We do not issue refunds, but if you cancel with at least 24 hours notice, we can exchange your tickets, or issue you a gift certificate.
