International Blues Challenge Semi-Finalists, The Rafael Tranquilino Band, Three Shows

The Rafael Tranquilino Band is best experienced live! It is an instrumental power house of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals that fuse rock, blues and funk in an alternative invocation of crossroads; past, present, and future. The band members are vocalist Leah Tussing, drummer Ivan Gunderson, bassist Farko Dusomuvs, and guitarist Rafael Tranquilino, known for his searing riffs and old fashioned Delta slide. His music is hypnotic; it has wings — lifting listeners to where the tension purposefully lingers in the resistance before freeing itself in sweet relief.

The Rafael Tranquilino Band is a rocket ship ride going full speed through layers of atmosphere into outer space, but the ride delivers, lifting listeners to a place of transcendence.

The Rafael Tranquilino Band recently competed in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, where they reached the semi-finals. The band does not make it down to Oregon too often from their home-base in Seattle, and they’re definitely worthy of attention — and catching in performance.

You’ll have three chances to see the band in March as they will playing at Duff’s Garage(2530 NE 82nd) on Wednesday, March 18, for a 9:00 pm show. Admission is $8.00, and this is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event where members can receive a $1.00 discount at the door by showing their current membership card.

On Friday, March 20, the band will be on the West Side of town for a show at The Lehrer at 8:00 pm. The admission is $10.00 for this night, and is also a CBA co-sponsored show where you can receive a $1.00 discount on admission with your card.

Then on Saturday, March 21, the Rafael Tranquilino Band will roll into The Birk (11139 Hwy 202, Birkenfeld) for a 7:00 pm show.