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. Ages 16+
