The stringed instrument most associated with the blues is the guitar: acoustic for country blues and electric for the juiced-up styles of Chicago and Texas. However, the mandolin, most often used today in folk, country or bluegrass, has a long tradition in the blues, something Rich DelGrosso has been championing for decades. Here’s a look at his current band, which visits the area this weekend for two shows.

Band name: The DelGrosso/Del Toro Richardson Band.

Homebase: Houston, Texas.

Making connections: DelGrosso (amplified mandolin) and Jonn Del Toro Richardson (guitar) had successful solo careers before joining forces in 2010.

Oregon bound: DelGrosso and Richardson perform at Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton, at 9 p.m. Friday, March 1. Admission is free. Call (937) 223-9205 or go online to www.oregonexpressdayton.com.

Getting pickled: The group headlines the annual Pickle’s Blues Extravaganza at Memorial Hall, 120 W. Elm St., Lima, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Tickets are $10 or $200 for a 10-person table. Call (419) 224-1552 or visit go online to www.picklesbluesextravaganza.com.

Local ties: For their current Midwest tour, DelGrosso and Richardson are backed by Dayton musicians Marty Romie (bass) and Joe Prescott (drums).

Critics’ darlings: The duo’s album, “Time Slips on By,” was released in early 2011 and had a major impact on critics and blues fans. It earned accolades such as a four-star rating in Down Beat magazine, Best Traditional Blues CD of 2011 honors at the Blues Blast Music Awards and Best Blues Album of 2011 from About.com.

Artist info: www.mandolinblues.com.