Riley's Range Benders

Rileys Range Benders, based in Central Oregon, performs a diversified mix of Americana, blues, and folk with a bit of attitude. The line-up is loaded with Kelly Rileys originals, peppered with some traditional tunes, and out of the mainstream covers - from relaxing to rowdy, from back roads to bone-weary, blues. Kelly Riley's acoustic, rhythm guitar is the anchor for her rich, deep, and strong vocals. Pete Lupi, with lightning, flavorful fretwork on lead guitar. Aaron Moore holds the low end on acoustic/fretless bass, well beyond the basics.   With a passion for their music, with enthusiastic energy, and spirited camaraderie Rileys Range Benders bring a buzz to the stage.

Kelly Riley is a singer/songwriter telling heartfelt stories that reflect roads traveled. From hard pavement to dusty trails to the metaphorical road, her lyrics resonate with a strong connection to western landscape and her quest for wide open spaces. Dan Maher, host of Northwest Public Radio Inland Folk, commented on Kellys first album, My Kind of Road;  'this album is as easy going, as relaxed, as somebody who doesn't have to prove anything - good songs, well sung, well written a cross between Kate Wolf, Bill Staines, and Hank Williams.'  While her music continues to evolve and embrace new genres, there is a constant thread. Kellys songs are sharply perceptive and prosodic inviting the listener to step into the experience, pack a bag with the words, and begin a journey of their own. Delivered with Kelly's genuine vocals, backed by her acoustic guitar, and embellished with emotive instrumentals - the pain, the humor, the places, the inspiration, and the music create a connection with the audience.

Pete Lupi has a long history as a guitar player. Since learning his first two guitar chords in the mid-sixties, he has played and performed with a myriad of bands. The rock genre and music from the Beatles, the Stones, and Jimi Hendrix, enticed him to play. Later, his connection with Jon Woodhead from the band, Ace proved to be the catalyst to push him forward. Pete developed scales and riffs that formed the backbone for the guitar leads he plays today. His listening and improvisational skills create an ability to lay down the licks to a diversity of music styles. In recent years, as lead guitarist for the band, The Cowboy Heroes, Pete embraced the original, pure Americana sound that blended country blues, rock-a-billy, and western swing. Pete Lupi's guitar leads are highly engaging as he reaches for sounds and riffs that are unique, intriguing, and a very far distance from out of the box.

Aaron Moore is a talented bass man far beyond his years.  Aaron brings a strong musical background and skill set, blends it with an intuitive ear and throws his heart into his instrument. He adds much more than the low end to the performances.

Alternate bass: Allen Regnier has been playing bass for all of his adult life. His special love is playing tango music, but his repertoire is diverse and eclectic. Allen's passion for music and dance translates into everything that he does. Allen has many years of orchestra experience including being the principal bassist for the Portland Chamber Orchestra and the Newport Symphony Orchestra. In addition to holding down the low end, Allen's bowing technique brings a rich and unique sound to many of the songs on the set list.