Local cellist Rushad Eggleston has been nominated for a Grammy for his work with Fiddlers 4, delivered jammed out acoustic music in Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings, done the alternative bluegrass thing with Crooked Still and indulged in whimsy with projects like his Wild Band of Snee and Rushad Eggleston and the Butt Wizards. Now, with his new trio the Tornado Rider Eggleston taps into a pop rock gold vein. He’ll share it with local audiences Sunday at Monterey Live.

The trio’s “Beep Beep Beep” sounds like Weezer’s rock with a cello taking the place of the guitar. It features Eggleston singing lyrics like: “My heart goes beep, beep, beep/ when I listen to your message on my cell phone/ and I can’t get no sleep, sleep, sleep/ until I get a missed call from you.” With a bed of backing vocals, it proves the accomplished musician can craft a tight pop rock nugget.

Meanwhile, “In a Colorful Night” showcases his odd playful side, and “I’m a Falcon” features a cool cello riff and a simple, catchy chorus.

THE TORNADO RIDER play 8:30pm Sunday, June 29, at Monterey Live, 414 Alvarado St., Monterey. $10. 375-LIVE.

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