It’s that blissful interim before summer kicks in. The weather is getting delightful and there’s still plenty of entertainment to go around. It’s time to turn down the lights and boogie, boogie, boogie.
April 25
Jo Mama takes the stage at Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats. The band has been cranking out blues and rock for more than a decade in the area. The artistry of guitar player Paul Covarelli is what makes this group stand out.
“Six Women With Brain Death or Expiring Minds Want To Know” continues its run at the Brüka Theatre. The musical is a hard rockin’, fast-paced, take-no-prisoners satire of life and pop culture at the end of the millennium. This show features the talented Cami Thompson alongside a local cast of favorites and is full of bizarre, hysterical songs and sketches that steer this entertaining musical.
“Menopause the Musical” returns to the Eldorado Showroom through mid-July. This musical production includes 25 re-lyricized tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s and culminates with a salute to women who are experiencing the change. Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance, the show pokes fun at things such as hot flashes, memory loss, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and eating binges.
April 26
Dad’s LPs, a compilation of members of Blue Turtle Seduction, Ten Mile Tide, 2Me and Blue Street Junction, are part of the entertainment bill for the night at the Crystal Bay Club. They offer their fresh take on songs that range from high energy exaltations to moody distorted rants about love, loss, angst, support and second chances.
“The Voice” grad, Whitney Myer, hits the big time with her own night at the Grand Sierra. Whitney and her peeps blend funk, pop and R&B that will get listeners in the groove. Myer plays guitar and keyboard and has colossal stage presence and vocal virility.
Big Head Todd and The Monsters rules the roost for two nights at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. The group is built on a foundation of rock ‘n’ roll straight from its origins of blues, country and R&B with a contemporary sound full of big guitars and slinky soul. This Colorado band (apparently named for the outsized cranium of their lead singer and guitarist Todd Park Mohr) play a leaner, more streamlined version of jam rock. The sound of the band — which at its core is a power trio, though sometimes they augment their touring lineup with keyboards — pivots on Mohr’s bluesy baritone voice and his fluid, post-Stevie Ray guitar work.
April 27
Keyser Soze gives Truckee a go with a night at the Pastime Club. The band blends ska, dub, dancehall, soul, punk, hip-hop, funk, Latin and jazz and features solid musicianship and writing from five talented young artists. Their unique stage antics always keep the performances on the edge.
Dead Winter Carpenters return for a night at the Crystal Bay Club poised with an arsenal of original material. Laced with elements of bluegrass, folk, ragtime, blues, reggae and rock ‘n’ roll that incorporates styles inspired from musical influences ranging from Jerry Garcia and Neil Young to David Byrne to Ryan Adams, the band embraces their musical roots enabling them to traverse genres and defy musical boundaries. This combination is a unique blend of genuine, authentic songwriting and dynamic musicianship with choice influences ranging from throughout rock history and the traditional fiddle tunes of earlier times.
The spring gala season for the A.V.A. Ballet Theatre opens with the classic ballet, “Peter Pan,” for two nights at the Pioneer Center. Re-staged and re-choreographed, this is the captivating story of Peter Pan and Wendy and their adventures in Neverland. Fairies, pirates and the Lost Boys have starring roles in this fantasy adventure, which is filled with mesmerizing dance, intrigue and is fun for the entire family.
MAY 3
Sheldon Felich does it solo style at Cottonwood. Felich is an expert guitarist with an impressive vocal range. His styles range from classic rock to the more mellow stuff like Fogelberg or Taylor. Also, Felich has an impressive set of stellar local musician buddies who are bound to pop in and sweeten the mix.
Sammy Hagar headlines for two nights at Harrah’s Tahoe. For almost 40 years, Hagar has been a fixture in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the band Montrose to his multiplatinum solo career to his ride as the front man of Van Halen, his powerful and unforgettable voice has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written.
“Elvis Lives!” heads in for five shows at the Pioneer Center. The show is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis’ life featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, each representing Elvis during different stages in his career. The Elvis tribute artists will be joined by a live band, back-up singers and dancers, along with an Ann-Margret tribute artist, as well as iconic imagery made available from the Graceland archives.
Todd Snider’s “What The Folk” Fest does a two-nighter at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Usually armed with an acoustic guitar, a harmonica and a microphone, Snider’s live performances exemplify his clever songwriting with intimate settings, almost always incorporating engaging and hilarious story telling.
MAY 4
The Silver Legacy welcomes in multi-platinum-selling Northern California rock band Tesla. Known for their melodic songs and down to earth appeal, Tesla is more creative now than ever, simultaneously creating and producing their own videos and albums.
Ballet Folklorico pirouettes into the Grand Sierra for the evening. Baile folklórico, folk dance in Spanish, is a collective term for traditional Latin American dances that emphasize local folk culture. Each region in Mexico, the Southwestern United States and Central American countries is known for a handful of locally characteristic dances. This event features Mariachi Viajeros de Jose Jimenez.
MAY 5
Local favorite and talent extraordinaire, Cami Thompson, presents “A Broadway Evening” at Brüka Theatre. The 90-minute concert features songs from Thompson’s favorite past musical theater productions drawing from her leading roles in shows, such as “Sweeney Todd,” “Mame,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Hair!,” “Showboat” and “Annie.” Accompanied by pianist Peter Supersano, Thompson covers vocal comedy, drama, passion and pathos with emotional depth and artistry.
This is the time of year when it really is about you. So grab a date and enjoy the quality time and do some dancing in the dark, and if you’re outside don’t forget to look up.
