Sometimes we music fans – myself included – slowly and unconsciously find ourselves stuck in a musical rut, clumsily listening to the same band or genre for days, maybe weeks on end. But herein lies the problem of said rut – the point of music is to maintain the adventure, and learn what this melodic world has to offer. Seven chaps from Iowa City, Ia., appreciate this philosophy and exude it in their “Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk” band Euforquestra. Their quest for musical euphoria is an experience in calypso, bluegrass, reggae, samba, Afrobeat, Afro-Cuban and funk that has been shared with fans across the country at various music festivals and venues. A portion of this sound stems from an educational journey two band members took while in Cuba, listening to the music of the Yoruba tribe. The tribe – transplanted due to the slave trade years ago – molded African beats with Cuban rhythms, sprouting inspiration for Euforquestra. The band’s continued success has brought them in the company of Page McConnell (Phish), Russell Batiste (Funky Meters), Reed Mathis (Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey) and Papa Mali while also creating the opportunity for their own production company. But, regardless of what you hear or experience outside of the rut, Euforquestra will command an adventure of fresh, fun, and danceable tunes direct from the Caribbean and beyond. Disfrute de la música.

Euforquestra • Saturday, Aug. 30 // Bridge to Hope Benefit: Wilson Park Bandshell, Menomonie • noon-4pm • FREE // The Waterfront Bar & Grill, Menomonie • 10:30pm • $3 // 235-6541