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Community, Events

Reno Tahoe Blues Fest Preview and Schedule

The fourth annual Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest has its grand kick off on Friday, August 15 with a special tribute concert featuring Floyd Taylor, in tribute to his father Johnnie Taylor. On Saturday, August 16; E.C. Scott, Mel Waiters, Mavis Staples, Jonny Lang, and The Whispers all take front stage in Rancho San Rafael Park. Sunday, August 17 Ernie Johnson, Latimore, Bobby Rush, Betty Wright, and Gladys Knight will take up residence, live on stage. Reno Tahoe Blues Fest promises to be the best blues event of the year, and something not to miss. Don’t miss your chance to chill in the park, enjoy some great blues, and support a local music festival.

Friday, August 15

9 p.m. - Johnnie Taylor Tribute Concert with Floyd Taylor, Grand Sierra Resort
Call to reserve your tickets now, 775-857-3378. Tickets are just $10!

Saturday, August 16

1 p.m. - E.C. Scott

As a fixture on the Bay Area blues scene in San Francisco and Oakland, E.C. Scott honed her chops singing her blend of classic soul and gospel mixed with a dose of 90s funkiness. Scott, who began singing in clubs at just 16, released her debut “Come Get Your Love” in 1995 after building a strong following and touring for several years on the festival circuit. Since then she’s continued on to release three more albums including 2003’s “The Other Side of Me.”

2:45 p.m. - Mel Waiters

Mel Waiters, schooled in music through his regular attendance to San Antonio churches, began performing in the mid-70s singing in area teen clubs. After completing a tour performing for military in the South, Waiters focused his smooth Southern voice on his recording career. Penning blues lyrics that in a unique twist are about anything but the blues, Waiters captured a loyal following of female fans that clamor for his sensuous, soulful songs. Waiters debuted with 1997’s “Suki-Suki Man” followed by four additional albums including 2000’s “I Want the Best.”

4:30 p.m. - Mavis Staples

Soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples possesses one of the most recognizable and treasured voices in contemporary music. From her early days sharing lead vocals with her groundbreaking family group, The Staple Singers, to her powerful solo recordings, Mavis Staples is an inspirational force in modern popular culture and music. Staples has spent more than 40 years on the music scene earning induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and blazing a rhythm and blues trail while never relinquishing her gospel roots. Expressing a deep-seated sensuality with her voice, Staples released her eponymous debut album in 1969 and has wooed audiences ever since, most recently with 2004’s “Have a Little Faith” and 2007’s “We’ll Never Turn Back.”

6:15 p.m. - Jonny Lang

Releasing his solo debut “Lie to Me” at just 15, Jonny Lang shot into the limelight of blues music like a flash. Lang, singing with what U.S. News and World Report calls “the voice of a grizzled blues veteran,” began his musical career at just 12, joining a local band and segueing to a solo career. Having polished his skills alongside blues heavyweights B.B. King and Buddy Guy, the Grammy-nominated Lang continues to churn out searing blues and rock and roll including 2006’s “Turn Around,” his fifth album.

8 p.m. - The Whispers

The Whispers have produced a more than 20 year legacy of rhythm and blues hits releasing a steady steam of albums from 1974 until the present. Perfecting their harmonies on street corners in Los Angeles and Bay Area nightclubs, The Whispers’ style harkens back to the days of crooners attracting female audiences that swoon at their sultry, pillow-talk approach to music. Throughout their busy career, The Whispers have snared seven Gold Albums, two Platinum Albums, 12 Top Twenty singles and 40 charted hits since 1970. Song highlights from their catalog include “Rock Steady,” “And the Beat Goes On,” “Lady” and many more.

Sunday, August 17

1 p.m. - Ernie Johnson

Continuing along the soul-blues path forged by greats like Bobby “Blue” Bland and Z.Z. Hill, Ernie Johnson is among the best of the remaining soul blues artists. A Louisiana native, Johnson relocated to Texas where he took an opportunity to open for Lavelle White and stole the show. Shortly thereafter, Johnson formed his band The Soul Blenders and recorded his first single, “Lovin’ You,” in 1968. Johnson has five albums under his belt including 2001’s release “Squeeze It.”

2:45 p.m. - Latimore

Blending soul and blues with his signature rich vocals, Latimore has been churning out blues hits since the early 60s. Latimore, who dropped Benny from his name in the early 70s, doubled as a house pianist for his record label before stardom found him in 1973 with his cover of T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday.” Since then he’s released 16 albums including 2007’s “Back Atcha,” a collection of soulful rhythm and blues grooves highlighted by the laid-back soul-blues single “My Give A Damn Gave Out.”

4:30 p.m. - Bobby Rush

The creator of “folk-funk,” Bobby Rush began his career fronting bands on Chicago’s West Side blues circuit before striking out on his own with a fusion of blues, soul and funk. Rush’s bawdy lyrics and revue-style shows became well-known along the “chitlin’ circuit” throughout the 70s and 80s, with some music so funky he refused to re-create it during live shows. However, he returned to his blues roots in the 90s with albums like “Lovin’ A Big Fat Woman” and “Hoochie Man.” His most recent release, “Raw,” has been heralded by critics for its sparse and intimate glimpse at Rush’s pure blues talent.

6:15 p.m. - Betty Wright

Betty Wright is as influential on the music scene today as she was in 1968 when she released her debut album “My First Time Around” at just 15. Schooled in the gospel sounds of her family’s singing group, Wright broke into rhythm and blues for her solo work which took off in the early 70s with the hit “Clean Up Woman.” She earned a Grammy Award in 1975 for the song “Where is the Love?” and has continued to release albums since. Younger generations are familiar with Wright’s music from remixes and sampling by major recording artists including Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige and duets with artists including Gloria Estefan, Alice Cooper and Stevie Wonder. Still recording music, Wright also mentors many young musicians including rising blues star Joss Stone.

8 p.m. - Gladys Knight

With more than four decades of chart-topping hits, six-time Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight is a music legend. Her smooth vocals and heartfelt emotion lend to a variety of musical styles from rhythm and blues to soul, gospel to Motown and beyond. Originally singing with her brother and cousins as Gladys Knight and the Pips, Knight earned a level of superstardom with the smash hit “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Recent album releases highlight her amazing diversity, with ballads, jazz standards and gospel songs all touched on in albums including “At Last” and “Before Me.”

Prices start at $58/day for general admission, and $89/day for reserved seating. Two day passes—your best value—are $106 for general admission and $168 for reserved seating.

Check out the new VIP Ticket Package, two days for $210/person with VIP area seating and on-site parking! Or, make it a party with the Platinum and Cabana Blues Ticket Packages. Buy your tickets here.