Tag: Reno Blues Society

Delta Wires

🎷The DELTA WIRES are a big, bold, rockin’ harmonica-and-horns blues band straight out of the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area! Known for their high-energy shows and powerhouse sound, they’ve earned a place in the California Blues Hall of Fame and were named “Best Live Band” by Oakland Magazine and East Bay Express.

Vanessa Collier

Soul. Sass. Saxophone. 💃🎶
Blues powerhouse Vanessa Collier is back with her sixth album, Do It My Own Way, and she is not asking for permission.

Recorded old-school on analog gear with the band in one room, this album channels the deep-groove Memphis soul of Stax & Hi Records—think Staples Singers vibes, bold horns, and grooves so good Willie Mitchell would approve. 🙌🎺

✨ Standout tracks include:
🔥 “Elbow Grease” – a funky opener that hits hard
🌧️ “Wild As a Rainstorm” – a soul-deep anthem encouraging women and outsiders to ignore the noise and be a tapestry of dreams (now on Spotify’s Retro Soul playlist!)
🎸 “Rosetta” – a gospel-tinged tribute to trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe

🎙️ Vanessa writes, produces, arranges, and plays everything—guitars, saxophones, flute, and vocals—proving once again she’s a true force of nature. She’s joined by legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges and an all-star band of collaborators.

🏆 A 15-time Blues Music Award nominee and 5-time winner, Collier has shared stages with legends, made her Chicago Blues Festival debut before tens of thousands, and continues to redefine modern soul-blues with fearless originality.

💥 As Blues Blast Magazine puts it:
“Vanessa Collier is an important part of the future of the blues.”

Tommy Castro and The Painkillers

Blues-rock powerhouse Tommy Castro & The Painkillers are bringing their “Closer To The Bone” Tour to The Swan Music Hall for one unforgettable night of soul, swagger, and seriously good vibes.

With his smoking-hot guitar work, impassioned vocals, and high-energy stage presence, Tommy Castro has earned his place among the greats. Backed by his exceptional band—Randy McDonald (bass), Michael Emerson (keys), and Bowen Brown (drums)—Castro delivers a live show that’s pure fire 🔥 … a masterclass in blues, R&B, and rock ’n’ roll.

🎶 Winner of multiple Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year (2023), Tommy’s career spans over four decades and 17 acclaimed albums. Known for his relentless touring schedule—over 150 shows a year—he’s a performer who gives everything on stage, night after night.

The band’s brand-new album, Closer To The Bone (Alligator Records, 2025), takes Castro back to his roots with what he calls “a real blues record.” Expect searing originals like “Ain’t Worth the Heartache” and “Crazy Woman Blues,” plus deep cuts from legends like Magic Slim, Johnny Nitro, and Eddie Taylor. Recorded at California’s legendary Greaseland Studio, the album features guest appearances by Rick Estrin, Chris Cain, Billy Branch, and more. 🎷🎹

Lead Dog Brewing Blues Jam – 2nd & 4th Sundays

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.

RBS – 2nd Annual Cruisin’ The Blues

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.”

Lead Dog Brewing Blues Jam – 2nd & 4th Sundays

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.

Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings

“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

Tinsley Ellis

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.