view open road ritual video reel
Five Songs in Two Minutes From a Live Performance in June 2026.
About the Band
Open Road Ritual is a hard rock band forged in Seattle and reborn with purpose. Originally formed in 2013, the band released an album before going quiet. Years later, they return with a new lineup, a new name, and unfinished business. Their sound blends classic hard rock grit with modern edge—delivering powerful vocals, driving guitars, and themes of freedom, second chances, and living life on your own terms.
This isn't a reunion. It's a continuation.
MEET THE BAND
Craig Cessna
Guitar / Lead Vocals
Craig is the primary songwriter of Open Road Ritual, originally forming this band in Seattle in 2012. His writing draws from real life - the open road, second chances, and the weight of time passing.
From the day that Craig heard Jimmy Page play guitar on Led Zeppelin IV, he knew that his life would be all about Rock and Roll. He's played in several bands as a guitarist in Seattle and Los Angeles, including Daily Jones, The Metal Boyz, and a few other "guitarist for hire" opportunities.
Craig's ultimate desire is to share his songwriting efforts with the world and hopes that his dedication to the art and lifestyle of Rock and Roll will be an easy translation as you're listening to the music of Open Road Ritual.
From the day that Craig heard Jimmy Page play guitar on Led Zeppelin IV, he knew that his life would be all about Rock and Roll. He's played in several bands as a guitarist in Seattle and Los Angeles, including Daily Jones, The Metal Boyz, and a few other "guitarist for hire" opportunities.
Craig's ultimate desire is to share his songwriting efforts with the world and hopes that his dedication to the art and lifestyle of Rock and Roll will be an easy translation as you're listening to the music of Open Road Ritual.
Jeff Brandli
Drums / Backing Vocals
Jeff has been behind the kit since the band's earliest days in Seattle. After years apart, he reconnected with Craig in Phoenix and helped bring Open Road Ritual back to life.
Jeff has played drums for more than 40 years and learned solid meter during his time in drum corps. He played in a local Seattle-area cover band for 15 years before joining forces with Craig as a founding member of the original rock band Trigger Happy.
Jeff also played with Boston-based rock bands Two Saints and Greg Allen's Fringe Religion... playing shows from Portland, Maine to New York City.He moved to Phoenix in 2018 and reconnected with Craig in November 2025 to form Open Road Ritual as an original hard rock band.
Jeff has played drums for more than 40 years and learned solid meter during his time in drum corps. He played in a local Seattle-area cover band for 15 years before joining forces with Craig as a founding member of the original rock band Trigger Happy.
Jeff also played with Boston-based rock bands Two Saints and Greg Allen's Fringe Religion... playing shows from Portland, Maine to New York City.He moved to Phoenix in 2018 and reconnected with Craig in November 2025 to form Open Road Ritual as an original hard rock band.
Joe Bass
Bass / Backing Vocals
Joe joined the Open Road Ritual lineup as the band reformed in Phoenix, bringing a steady low end and a shared passion for honest, hard-hitting Rock and Roll.
A bassist, songwriter, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist with over 30 years of experience, Joe is well-versed in several music genres including Blues, Country, Metal, Fusion, Rhythm and Blues, and Soul. He was a founding member of Phoenix heavy metal bands 12 Ton Sledge and Cactus Chainsaw, and has played shows all over the world as an on-call bassist.
Joe has also played with Phoenix favorites such as Aaron Loveless, Chris Hiatt, Carvin Jones, Harry Luge, and many more.
A bassist, songwriter, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist with over 30 years of experience, Joe is well-versed in several music genres including Blues, Country, Metal, Fusion, Rhythm and Blues, and Soul. He was a founding member of Phoenix heavy metal bands 12 Ton Sledge and Cactus Chainsaw, and has played shows all over the world as an on-call bassist.
Joe has also played with Phoenix favorites such as Aaron Loveless, Chris Hiatt, Carvin Jones, Harry Luge, and many more.
Press Photos
High-resolution band and live images available for download.
At A Glance
Genre
Hard Rock / Classic Rock Revival
For Fans Of
Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Guns N' Roses, Alter Bridge
Lineup
Craig Cessna — Guitar / Lead Vocals
Jeff Brandli — Drums / Backing Vocals
Joe Bass — Bass / Backing Vocals
Jeff Brandli — Drums / Backing Vocals
Joe Bass — Bass / Backing Vocals
Set Lengths
30 / 45 / 60 Minutes
Book Open Road Ritual
Jeff Brandli - (206) 313-7586 - theopenroad2026@gmail.com
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