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Second Stage Added to Fest
July 30th, 2009The Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest continues to grow, this year adding a second stage that keeps the music going throughout the day and into the evening, Aug. 15 – 16 at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, Nev. Fest attendees can catch performances on the second stage from local and regional bands such as The Hellbusters, Road Dogs and Guitar Woody and The Boilers during breaks on the main stage. Presented by the Reno Blues Society, and underwritten by Terrible’s Sands Regency, a total of 10 bands have been booked to play in between the 10 headline main stage acts. Music starts daily at 11 a.m. on the second stage and at 1 p.m. on the main stage. Fest headliners James Ingram and The Emotions bring their sounds along with blues and R&B artists including Tommy Castro, Mel Waiters, Shirley Brown and Mem Shannon to name a few.
FREE Friday Concert Added to Fest Schedule
July 27th, 2009Music fans can get a preview of the Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest’s weekend full of blues with a FREE concert Friday, Aug. 14 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and Rancho San Rafael Park. Blue Haven, a favorite local blues band, brings their unique brand of boogie blues drawing from West Coast jump, slow Chicago grind, Texas shuffle and rock and roll. Some of the Fest’s many vendors will be on hand with great food and ice-cold drinks. More than 20 artists are slated to play on the Fest’s two stages Aug. 15 – 16 including headliners James Ingram and The Emotions as well as Tommy Castro, Mem Shannon, Larry McCray and Lady Bianca, to name a few.
Washoe County High School Music Students Can Attend Fest for FREE
July 21st, 2009Understanding the importance of music to the education process, the Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest Board of Directors established the festival four years ago to support music education and over the years has provided direct funding to support Wooster and Hug high schools’ programs. This year, the festival is broadening its outreach to provide FREE admission to all Washoe County high school music students to attend the 5th annual event, Aug. 15 – 16, 2009.
“In order to promote the arts and music appreciation among our future generations and aspiring student musicians, we are inviting all high school students who are currently enrolled in music classes or who are members of a band or music related school activity to attend on us,” said Sonia Estima, Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest trustee. “We’re celebrating our 5th year with two full days of blues music and artists and we see this as a perfect opportunity for students to participate in an event focused on the power of musical influence.”
The Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest’s mission is to support music education for youth in the Reno-Tahoe area. The 2009 Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest, Aug. 15 – 16, is held at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno and starts daily at 11 a.m. with the last performance at 8 p.m. Some of the artists scheduled this year include James Ingram, The Emotions, Shirley Brown, Tommy Castro and several others including numerous local bands and groups playing on a second stage.
To receive the FREE tickets, students need to come to the “Will Call” area on either Aug. 15 or 16 and present their current student ID.
Friday Night Kickoff Concert Delivers Big Bluse from Lil Dave Thompson
July 9th, 2009Lil Dave Thompson opens the Fest Friday, August 14 at the kickoff celebration in the Downtown Reno Ballroom. Thompson, after two successful CDs and two Hardy Award nominations, has come full circle with the blues. In 1995 he burst onto the scene with his Fat Possum debut, “Little Dave and Big Love.” He re-emerged in 2001 with “Big Love,” a 14-song slab of modern, original soul-blues that is remarkably mature for a player under 35. He has continued to record, most recently with 2008’s “Deep in the Night.” The concert starts at 9 p.m. with tickets at the door for only $15.
A Spectacular 4th Annual Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest; Gearing up for Our 5th!
May 30th, 2008On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest staff, we’d like to say a big “Thank you!” to all of the enthusiastic attendees at the 4th annual Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest, August 16 – 17, 2008. The smiles, dancing and standing ovations made it one spectacular celebration of the blues. The event was also a success thanks to all of the sponsors, donors, volunteers and community supporters that joined together for one unforgettable weekend. Thanks to their commitment and hard work the Fest continues to provide one of the premier blues experiences for all of our attendees. Thank you again for all of your support and patronage.
Join us again for the 5th annual Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest August 14 – 16, 2009. We’re already planning next year’s event and will continue with our goal to bring the biggest names in blues for another spectacular weekend. Watch for details in the coming months along with our special Early Bird ticket offer coming soon.
This year we’ll be updating you regularly on our blog as well as sending information to our friends via e-mail. If you haven’t already signed up for our e-mail updates, visit the home page to sign up.