Sometimes bands outgrow the capacity 700 Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room. That was the case a few years ago when the Derek Trucks Band performed in the packed venue.
“Enjoy it because he’s probably not coming back,” an organizer said during the show.
Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers are on a rapid ascent, playing major festivals all summer and last week released an outstanding self-titled debut album. Bluhm was the featured artist on the final night of last winter’s second annual Snowlive in the CBC.
Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers perform Sunday in the Crown Room, and the lead singer promises it won’t be for the last time.
“It’s an amazing venue,” Bluhm said. “I would love to always go back there. The people are nice. They are very professional. The sound is amazing. Blake (Beeman, the sound engineer) is awesome. We love Crystal Bay and we just love playing in Tahoe. I know we’ll always come back.”
Bluhm grew up in the East Bay town Lafayette and has a longtime appreciation for Lake Tahoe. She learned to ski at Northstar and worked a summer parking cars in Tahoe City for river rafters.
Bluhm is the wife Tim Bluhm, a founder of the Mother Hips, which coalesced from Chico State and has had a devote legion of fans since the 1990s. The Bluhms both play in the Gramblers and Brokedown in Bakersfield, a tribute to the music from that area, especially Merle Haggard’s.
For a story about the new Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers album, click NICKI
Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers
Openers: the Easy Leaves
Red Room after-party: Swamp Zen
When: 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1
Where: Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room
Tickets: $15 in advance or $18 on the day of the show, includes digital download of the album “Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers” PURCHASE
