We've joined with Lead Dog Brewery to bring you even more blues jam opportunities. Produced by Kat (Heart) & Erick, musicians of all levels are invited to join in. This is a free event and open to the public. A great selection of craft brews and other libations are available for purchase.
We are excited to pair with Lead Dog Brewing and Kat (Heart) and Erick to bring even more blues jam opportunities to Reno! Musicians of all levels are welcome to join in, and of course they'll need an audience of blues lovers :). The event is free and open to the public, and Lead Dog offers a great selection of craft beers and other libations for purchase.
Reno Blues Society and Black Rabbit bring local talent together to entertain with an energetic, spontaneous live Blues Jam. This event is free to the public, but donations for Reno Blues Society Music Grants Program are greatly appreciated. Reno Blues Society has been ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ in Northern Nevada for 32 years with the help of many volunteers. Visit RenoBlues.org to join or learn more. Black Rabbit provides unique beverages, including non-alcoholic choices, of dry honey cider from local honey, delicious meat pastries and fresh packaged honey. visit blackrabbitmeads.com
Multiple award-winning, California-based blues and rock sensation Tommy Castro is the guiatar slinging, soul-singing leader of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers. He’s released 17 previous albums over the course of his four-decade career. Each release features its own individual sound and style, ranging from horn-fueled R&B to piping hot blues and soul to fiery, stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll . With his new album, Closer To The Bone, Castro has returned to his roots, delivering what he calls “a real blues record, the way they would have made them back in the day.” Closer To The Bone is the most unvarnished, straight-ahead blues release of Castro’s career, one that bristles with every ounce of his dynamic energy and raw emotion.
Castro received his fourth prestigious and coveted Blues Music Award for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2023. He’s taken home a total of 10 Blues Music Awards and is among the genre’s most decorated artists. Castro’s relentless road-dog approach-gig after gig, 150 nights a year – continues to earn him loyal, lifelong fans everywhere he plays. The Washington Post says Castro is “phenomenal and funky” with “soulful vocals and inspired blues guitar.” Famed guitarist Joe Bonamassa says “Tommy has always been top of the heap among blues guitar players. He always puts on a great show.”
Opened by Jason King Band - Save the Date! Tickets on Sale Soon
“Just play what you feel, be real about it, and enjoy yourself.” Those words from blues legend Albert Collins shaped the career of award-winning guitarist and singer Coco Montoya.
Born in Santa Monica, California, Coco started out as a drummer before being discovered by Collins, who not only hired him but mentored him on guitar. Later, British icon John Mayall recruited Montoya into his famed Bluesbreakers, following in the footsteps of Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor. Ten years on the road with Mayall cemented Coco’s reputation as one of the most dynamic players of his generation. 🎶
In 1995, Coco launched his solo career with Gotta Mind To Travel, instantly winning the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist. Since then, his incendiary guitar work and soul-powered vocals have kept him at the top of the blues world, with a string of acclaimed albums on Alligator Records and Ruf Records. His newest release, Writing On The Wall, produced by Grammy-winner Tony Braunagel, is already being hailed as one of his finest. The album features his powerhouse touring band—keyboardist Jeff Paris, bassist Nathan Brown, and drummer Rena Beavers—as well as special guests like Lee Roy Parnell and Ronnie Baker Brooks. 🎸🔥
Over the decades, Coco has shared his music across the globe—touring everywhere from the U.S. to Europe, South America, and beyond. His live shows are legendary, leaving audiences electrified and inspired. 🌍✨
Get ready for a soul-stirring night with Tinsley Ellis, the Atlanta-born blues powerhouse known for his spine-tingling guitar work and gritty, heartfelt vocals. With over 40 years of worldwide touring and 21 albums under his belt, Ellis now delivers his most personal work yet—Naked Truth, his first-ever solo acoustic album.
🎶 Steeped in the folk-blues traditions of Son House, Robert Johnson, and Leo Kottke, Ellis strips his sound down to the bone—just two guitars and a whole lotta soul. Each song is raw, real, and packed with road-worn wisdom.
🪕 From foot-stomping originals to haunting instrumentals and Delta classics, Ellis’ masterful slide guitar and full-throated vocals will grab you by the heart and never let go.
✨ What They’re Saying:
“An exciting, emotional guitarist and a strong, evocative songwriter… One of modern blues’ greatest performers.” – Vintage Guitar
“A legend of American blues music… An American music treasure… Ellis delivers a sermon on the power and glory of the blues.” – Premier Guitar
“Powerful, spine-tingling guitar and gritty, soulful vocals.” – Relix
🎟️ Don’t miss this rare chance to experience Tinsley Ellis up close and unplugged—a night of music that’s honest, electrifying, and unforgettable.
"Roy Rogers means the modern master in the art of slide guitar… astonishing versatility." – All Music Guide
"That’s not a slide on Roy Rogers’ pinky; it’s a time machine." – Guitar Player
Get ready for an unforgettable night with Roy Rogers, one of the world’s preeminent Delta slide guitar masters. With 20+ acclaimed recordings, 8 Grammy nominations, and collaborations with legends like John Lee Hooker, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Béla Fleck, Allen Toussaint, Sammy Hagar, and Ray Manzarek, Roy delivers searing, soulful, and high-energy performances that have rocked stages from New Orleans Jazz Fest to Montreux.
After joining Bonnie Raitt for 25+ shows on her Just Like That... tour in 2023, Roy continues to perform solo and with his powerhouse band, The Delta Rhythm Kings, into 2025.
🔥 THE BAND 🔥
Steve Ehrmann – Bass 🎵Milwaukee-born bluesman who’s played with John Lee Hooker, Elvin Bishop, Coco Montoya, Charlie Musselwhite, and many more. Steve’s been a Delta Rhythm King since the mid-70s.
Kevin Hayes – Drums 🥁Former drummer for The Robert Cray Band (20 years, 9 albums, 1 Grammy). Has also recorded/performed with B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison, Etta James, and others.
Ralph Baglio – Road Manager 🎤Bay Area music veteran since the ‘60s, Ralph has been with Roy since 1990—guitarist, gear master, and keeper of the band’s road stories.
⭐ PRAISE FOR ROY ROGERS ⭐
"Rogers is one of the best slide guitarists on the planet." – New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Sounds the way good bourbon tastes – smooth with a kick." – Spin
"One of the rare guitar heroes who values feeling over flash." – Rolling Stone