It all started with a report on the banjo that Tony Furtado wrote for his sixth-grade class. Since that initial foray into the instrument, the California native, now based in Portland, has worked with such heavyweights as Laurie Lewis, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien and Derek Trucks and recorded albums for Rounder Records. Along the way, he’s picked up slide guitar, singing and songwriting, forging a style rooted in classic Americana sounds and introspective storytelling. A Bend favorite, Furtado returns to frequent haunt Volcanic Theatre Pub on Thursday with longtime collaborator Luke Price on fiddle, who also appears on Furtado’s latest release, last year’s live album “Cider House Sessions: Live at Reverend Nat’s.” Local songwriting powerhouse Pete Kartsounes, fresh off a tour with The Good Time Travelers, opens the show.

Tony Furtado Duo, with Pete Kartsounes: 8 p.m. Thursday; $15 plus fees in advance; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend; volcanictheatre.com or 541-323-1881.