About Florian Raqueño Productions
how it started
Truly for the love of music…Florian grew up in a household where music was always playing, songs sung and dancing, lot of dancing. Throughout life, she realized how much joy music brings to people, the stories of lives, situations, hopes and dreams can be found in a song. But the most important realization is how music brings people together, no matter the age, culture, race or any other “difference.”
Stepping into unfamiliar territory is nothing new for Florian. She stumbled into Gary Markham and Wyatt Richter at a jam in McMinnville, OR, and they started a classic hits band, SureFire. With zero experience in the music industry, SureFire was booked weekly despite musicians who doubted a newcomer would be able to establish music connections let alone book a new band.
Fast forward to February 2022, when Florian approached long-time friend Marie Johnson about forming a live music-based company. Florian could have sworn she heard Marie’s eyes roll, “Here she goes again…”
Ideas were quickly put into action with the First Annual Tigard Music Fest in July 2022, and Florian fell in love. The worries that no one would show up quickly disappeared as flocks of people streamed in that Friday night. And the best part? Witnessing the different folks who watched, danced, laughed, ate, drank and sat next to each other.
“I believe music has the power to bring communities together. Period.”
the team
Florian Raqueño,
Founder
The woman making the connections.
Born in Naic, Cavite, Philippines, Florian Raqueño is a self-proclaimed Navy brat who traveled alongside her mother and siblings wherever her father was stationed. She grew up in humble surroundings and learned the importance of connecting with people through gracious, integrous, and authentic actions modeled by her parents.
Florian’s parents sacrificed so their children could live the American dream. Her mother was a farmer’s daughter, and even with the family’s strongest objections, her mom put herself through college and graduated at age 28 with a math degree, and then taught at Western College in the province. Florian credits her own drive, perseverance and determination to her parents, saying “Once I have a vision, it’s coming to life and I’ll reach that goal.” She likes making things happen.
Her adventures and love for discovery made a foodie out of Florian. Her most nostalgic food and favorite is a Japanese dish, sukiyaki, which she tasted for the first time when her dad was stationed in Sasebo, Japan. She also embraces the tastes of her motherland, especially kare kare, palabok, lumpia and sinigang.
Florian graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston School of Journalism with a degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Radio-Television. She acted as one of the original account executives in what is now the largest media and PR firms in the Southwest, interned at the Emmy-award-winning investigative unit for the ABC-owned station, KTRK-TV, and worked as a print and broadcast reporter in Houston.
The foodie (who ironically doesn’t like to cook) initially had dreams of becoming a fashion designer, then a desire to live in New York City as a network news reporter. Life, however, decided her next adventure was going to be even more epic – a baby girl. As Florian was named after a movie character, so would her eldest daughter, Audrey Hepburn’s “Sabrina.” Three years later, her incredible son, Antonio, was born. Florian’s family is the world to her.
Though Florian wanted to be a rock star during her off-time, she, unfortunately, found out she dances better than she sings. It was during a jam in McMinnville, Oregon when she spotted and listened to Gary Markham, whose vocal range and sound impressed her enough to ask if he had a band, and if so, where they played.
With no contacts in and zero knowledge of the music industry, Florian was only armed with her drive/vision and goal to succeed. She booked Gary and the band every week by meeting venue owners, inviting people to listen and sending emails that pitched the songs and sounds. SureFire is now consistently booked and the band is a regular at many venues.
Since then, numerous bands and solo artists have asked Florian to represent them. This led Florian to create Florian Raqueño Productions with the mission of connecting artists, venue owners and the audience through music and events. Florian believes in the power of music and is excited to enter the next phase of her life.
Her most relaxing moments are spent with family and friends, traveling, and eating, and most likely enjoyed with wine. Oh, and she really loves to shop and feels you can never have enough shoes!
Ariel Thatcher, Executive Assistant
Ariel’s love for music developed at a young age and was nurtured through her participation in choirs, and later, performing in musicals. While her path didn’t take her to Broadway, Ariel did go on to get a degree in experiential design with the desire to create events that provide a venue for artists to share their talents with audiences that share the same love of music!
Marie Johnson
Marie is an avid music fan, especially live performances, including musical theatre. For the past 24 years, in between part-time work and raising a family, she has been an active volunteer in her local and global communities. Her organization, public speaking, and technology skills have allowed her to help multiple non-profits with marketing, bookkeeping, auctions, policies, and procedures, contract management, social media and website development, just to name a few. As a Rotarian, she is active with Rotary Youth Exchange and engages with students from around the world, enriching her cultural understanding and building relationships worldwide.
These relationships have also broadened her love of different styles of music. She is amazed at how music connects people together! Her early work as a public accounting computer information systems auditor created a solid foundation for her current abilities to manage client relationships, delegate, coordinate staff, and streamline business processes.
As the Chief Operations Officer, her main role is to ensure FRP events run efficiently and smoothly and in a financially responsible manner, allowing attendees to enjoy live music festivals in their own communities.
David Dusschee
David enjoys friends, family and life! He’s an avid salsa dancer and golfer, and loves listening to live music.
He has an MBA and MEd from Portland State University. He retired from the Oregon Youth Authority as a Senior Trainer and Consultant and was an adjunct instructor at Chemeketa Community College in the criminal justice program for 15 years.
David also worked in the Oregon wine industry for several years and completed the Advanced Certificate in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust in London.
dance the night away
Florian Raqueño Productions is here to provide endless entertainment and experiences. Learn about the bands we contract with and the professional band and festival management services we provide.