The 2nd annual Gambler’s Run Music Festival at Crystal Bay Casino was held Thursday, July 25th through Sunday, July 28 with 21 different bands that performing during the four day event. Playing across two stages, each band had their own sound which built and played off of one another to create the overall festival experience. The Crystal Bay’s indoor Crown Room stage held a portion of the bands and performers, while the outdoor stage under the trees in the Tahoe summer air completed the festival grounds.
The Thursday night Kickoff Party was held in the Crown Room with Samantha Fish opening the event with her guitar rich rock and roll. The Zac Schulze Gang, direct from Kent, England rounded out the opening evening. Samantha played through 8 different guitars as she leveled her blues sound with a very strong, beautiful voice.
On Friday, Darren Senn started the day’s festival music off with his original bluesy folk tunes, before handing the stage over to The Motet, who got everyone dancing with their bluesy rock and roll. Next on the 72 Mile Spirits Stage was Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, with their special guest Karl Denson. Together they rocked the festival with their upbeat blues inspired rock music until it was time for the inside After Party with The Floozies and their wonderful dance music.
Other festival favorites on Saturday were The Mother Hips with their California Soul sound, and The Main Squeeze who brought some funk, soul with rock and roll straight from Las Vegas. As the afternoon wound on, Jackie Greene took over the stage with his special guest artist, Eric Lindell. They had the entire crowd dancing with their jazz influenced bluesy sound, until it was time for the special After Party with an additional appearance by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. They rocked the Crown Room with many special friends sitting in from the Main Squeeze and Blu Egyptian.
Sunday’s music maintained the festival’s unique spirit and sound mix starting with Peter Joseph Burtt performing with a kora, a stringed instrument from West Africa. The outside stage continued to be the spot to be with Rayland Baxter and Donavon Frankenreiter, until The Wood Brothers took over the stage for the evening’s headlining performance. The Wood Brothers always give a fun show, with their original root experimental music. The After Party to close the festival was very fitting with The High Step Society, and their New Orleans blues and jazz inspired burlesque show. When you’re in the same room as this band you can’t stop dancing! It was a perfect way to end this 2024’s Gambler’s Run.
To view a complete album of photos from Gambler’s Run Music Festival, check out Larry Sabo’s photography here.
