Tag: Reno Blues Society

Coco Montoya

“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. 🌍✨

Rory Block – Tribute to Bob Dylan

Rory Block – A Blues Legend Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan 🎶

7-time Blues Music Award winner and Gold-recording artist Rory Block is one of the most celebrated voices in American roots music. Widely regarded as the top female performer of traditional country blues, her 36 albums have honored the legends who shaped the genre—many of whom she met and learned from firsthand.

Now, in a powerful new direction, Rory steps away from her Power Women of the Blues series to pay tribute to another musical giant—Bob Dylan. 💫 Raised in the heart of Greenwich Village during the 1960s folk revival, Rory remembers the surreal normalcy of seeing Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and John Lennon strolling down West 4th Street. Her father’s sandal shop was a hub for local musicians, and the soundtrack of her youth became the foundation for her life’s work.

🪕 For this special tribute, Rory performs all the instruments herself—fingerpicked acoustic and slide guitar, bass, and drums—creating raw, intimate, one-of-a-kind renditions of Dylan’s most beloved songs. With her signature raspy vocals, deep blues soul, and emotional authenticity, she reimagines his music with reverence and originality.

✨ “Probably the most persistent and enthusiastic requests from my fans has been to record a Bob Dylan tribute… it had to start by just plugging in the mics and pressing record.” – Rory Block

Come witness a truly special performance by an artist who lives and breathes music. This is not just a show—it’s a heartfelt connection to the past, told through the hands and voice of a living legend

G.I.R.L.S. Rock Reno Fundrager

G.I.R.L.S. Rock Reno is the recipient of two Reno Blues Society music grants. This entertainment will be the result of their annual music camp experience, and probably not blues music. But if you can, go out and support these budding musicians! There will be fund”raging” opportunities. Suggested ticket $10

Mike Zito

Mike Zito is one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues arena today and rightfully so, but for him, the thing that counts the most is maintaining his honesty, authenticity and integrity. Those are the qualities that have steered Zito’s career since the beginning and continue to define every effort he’s offered since.

“I have nothing to hide; it seems my honesty is what people relate to most,” he once told Vintage Guitar magazine. “Anders (Osborne) told me early on, ‘If you don’t believe what you’re singing, you’ll never be a good singer.’ I try not to write fluff; I try to make every word count.”

Rocky Athas

Rocky Athas, known by critics and fans as The Texas Tornado, The Malice from Dallas, The Young Eric Clapton and The Last Great Bluesbreaker Guitarist, possesses an arsenal of punishing guitar riffs and catchy hooks that have opened every door. From his first solo album at Willie Nelson’s studio with multi-Grammy winning producer, Jim Gaines, to recording with Buddy Miles and SRV’s Double Trouble to Glenn Hughes, Joe Walsh and John Mayall, Rocky has a blues rock pedigree that reads like a Who’s Who of musicians. You might not remember how to pronounce his name correctly, but you will most certainly remember his playing! With his wonderfully crafted new album, Livin’ My Best Life, Rocky gives his fans “ten bodacious tracks of high octane music” to encourage everyone to live their best lives. The album includes smokin’ hot tributes to Jeff Beck and Peter Green and an instant classic performance by John Mayall on harmonica. Rocky delivers this musical message with his trademark soaring guitar pyro-technics, monstrous tone and iconic Texas style.

Studebaker John & The Hawks

Playing the Blues Since 1973
Studebaker John’s career has spanned six decades with tours across Europe and the United States. With over 20 albums released, he’s one of Chicago’s most legendary blues musicians.

Studebaker John’s songs are featured in commercials, TV shows, and movies. Most notably, ‘Ride Along’ as well as films directed by Academy Award-nominated Director Atom Egoyan.