Master banjoist Tony Furtado returns to Bend

Published 3:00 pm Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Tony Furtado is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sculptor and longtime Oregonian.

It has been nearly four decades since Tony Furtado burst onto the scene by winning the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship in Winfield, Kansas — a contest he would win again four years later.

Since then, Furtado, a California native who has been based in Portland for many years, has added a number of instruments to his wide-ranging skill set, including the slide guitar and the baritone ukulele. He has written and recorded a number of critically acclaimed albums, most recently 2021’s banjo-focused “Decembering.” A pandemic record, it showcases both his virtuosic playing and his impressive songs, which are as warm and engaging as they are technically dazzling.

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Furtado’s also a sculptor; check out his cool art at tonyfurtado.com. And last but not least, he has performed far and wide at prestigious events like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival and Winnipeg Folk Festival. On Sunday, he’ll return to Bend for a show at the Domino Room.

Tony Furtado Duo, with Luke Price: 8 p.m. Sunday, $20, Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend, midtownballroom.com.

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