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The Red Rock Crossing Band had been plenty busy before coronavirus changed everything for live performing acts.
So busy in fact, that the trio’s last live gig -- on March 14 -- was a doubleheader. The bluegrass-based combo played a “Steaks and Stories” event in Casa Grande that afternoon, topped off with an evening jamboree at the First Christian Church of Sun City.
The music has gone quiet since, although the band just recently hosted its first live practice together since, albeit with plenty of safe social distancing between members Gary and Rochelle Tinstman of Glendale, and Terri Sue Rossi of Phoenix.
“Typically we are arranged in a triangle configuration, so we all feel safe,” Ms. Tinstman said in a July 7 email. “We have been surprised at how well our voices remain in harmony. The blend that we come to expect is still there.”
Red Rock Crossing Band formed as a band in 2014, although members have been playing together since 2003.
Mr. Tinstman plays bass (electric and stand-up) and ukelele, Ms. Tinstman plays mandolin, ukelele and percussion, and Ms. Rossi plays rhythm guitar, mandolin, piano, flute and percussion. All three sing lead and harmony in a variety of songs that range from folk to jazz to country.
When playing live, the trio is a regular across the state, appearing everywhere from the Annual Laveen Folk Festival to the Mountain View Baptist Church in Dewey to the Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival.
These days, writing new songs and playing in their respective homes make up the members’ routines, Ms. Tinstman explains.
“The band is doing well and riding out this time with our continued friendship and love for the music we enjoy,” she said. “Our history as trio has been successful because we love and trust each other. “
Steve Stockmar has been with the Independent Newsmedia team since 2017. An NAU alum and Peoria resident, Steve’s community journalism pursuits focus mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference. In his spare time Steve plays in a vintage baseball league using uniforms and rules from the 1860s, and also acts (badly) in community theater. In addition, he has an unhealthy obsession with baseball and the Chicago Cubs.
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