2025 Arizona Blues Showdown Winners
Hey! We’re RINO, a 4-piece Arizona blues band and we’re proud to be the official group to represent Arizona at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, the heart and home of the blues.
But we need your help to get there.
To make it to Memphis, we need to raise $4,000 to cover travel and lodging, all the not-so-glamorous parts of chasing a dream on Beale Street.
But this trip isn’t just about the competition. It’s a chance to share our sound with the world, represent Arizona, and keep the blues alive for the next generation.
FUNdraiser
We will also be hosting a special event to help get us to Memphis. It will be held at the famous Rhythm Room in Phoenix on December 26, 2026 from 6–11 PM.
It’s going to be an incredible night packed with live music and good vibes. If you’re in a band and want to be part of the show, reach out at rp.aztunes@gmail.com.
If you’ve ever tapped your foot to our groove, caught a live show, or just love seeing musicians chase their passion — we’d love your support.
Check our calendar, come out, bring your friends, buy a t-shirt, share our updates, and if you’d like to chip in, you can even buy us a figurative “coffee” to help get us to Memphis by pressing the link below. 🎸
Heavy groove driven blues, funk, and rock
Watch our promo video
RINO is the electrifying artist project led by Dutch guitarist and singer-songwriter Rinus Pauel.
With searing guitar tones, smooth vocals, and a powerhouse rhythm section, RINO delivers a groove-driven live show that fuses blues, funk, soul, and rock into one unforgettable experience.
RINO songs shift effortlessly from tender acoustic storytelling to powerful, blues-soaked anthems that leave a lasting impression.
RINO also performs solo or as a duo, offering a more intimate, indie-inspired side of the music perfectly suited for smaller settings.