Lake Tahoe’s sweet sounds of summer return for the 40th year to the Tallac Historic Site for the Valhalla Art, Music & Theatre Festival on the shores of South Lake Tahoe.
The concerts begin June 19 with a Boathouse Theatre performance by the Novelists, a national touring band from Reno. The group features four-part harmonies and original songs with pop sensibilities.
The summer holds free Sunday afternoon shows on the Grand Lawn and nine more concerts in the Boathouse Theatre next to Camp Richardson. Become a Valhalla Tahoe member to receive a discount on tickets, preferred seating and free drinks.
Here’s a look at the entire summer schedule, including Improv comedy shows, the Great Gatsby Festival, a musical production, Shakespeare for children, the 29th annual Wa She Shu It’ Deh Native American Arts Festival and more.
Concert in the Boathouse: The Novelists
Wednesday, June 19, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
The Novelists showcase cliffhanger storytelling, multiple lead singers, and their signature four-part harmonies in a high-energy show that combines original songs with classic rock covers. $22-$32
Improv in Grand Hall: Tahoe iMPRoV Players
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Tuesday, July 16, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
The Tahoe iMPRoV Players turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes made up on the spot. Their improv journey began as ComedySportz of Lake Tahoe in 1994. Three years later they evolved into the Tahoe iMPRoV players. Celebrating their 26th year at the lake, the Tahoe Improv Players bring their best to Valhalla. Tahoe’s best value in entertainment for the whole family. They make stuff up, you laugh…it’s simple! $12-17
John Muir: Watch, Pray & Fight
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 – 7:00-9:00pm
“John Muir, Watch, Pray and Fight” is a one-man show starring Mark Raddatz as the legendary mountaineer, naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club. The special quality of John Muir, Watch, Pray and Fight rises from the fact that Raddatz has composed his script entirely from Muir’s own words. Not a biographical essay or paraphrase of an animal story, this is Muir as he would have appeared and spoken to an audience in his own time. $20-24
Concert on the Grand Lawn: Barwick & Siegfried
Sunday, June 30, 2019 – 2-4pm
Acoustic duo of Kathy Barwick & Pete Siegfried delight audiences with a distinctive blend of bluegrass, old-time country, traditional Irish and folk and turn it into an engaging Americana fusion showcasing Pete’s exceptional lead vocals, Kathy’s amazing guitar work and sterling duet harmonies. Free
Children’s Art Camps
WEEK ONE: Flora, Fauna and BUGS!
Mon., July, 8-12– 9am-12pm
WEEK TWO:Landscapes, Birds and Mountain Wildlife
Mon., July 15-19 9am-12pm
Broadway in the Boathouse
July 5-6– 7:30-10pm
Sunday, July 7 –1-3 p.m.
July 11-14, 2019 – 7:30-10pm
Join the cast for a night of theatre and music in the Boathouse.
Concert on the Grand Lawn: Carolyn Dolan
Sunday, July 7, 2019 – 2-4pm
Carolyn Dolan has been entertaining audiences for over twenty-five years. She has a gift of combing her passion of American roots music (jazz, blues, country) in her vocal style, matched by soulful harmonica licks. Free
Concert in the Boathouse: Kimberly Dahme
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Now an Icon for Women who ROCK, Kimberly Dahme got her big break when she was noticed by Tom Scholz of the band Boston. Kimberley has just released her own CD, “Let’s Sleep On It Tonight” co-produced with Grammy nominated producer, Tom Hambridge. The eleven songs are written or co-written by her and show her remarkable insight for life, love and perseverance. $22-$32
Concert in the Boathouse: Joni Morris Sings Patsy Cline
Wednesday, July 24, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Joni Morris has been critically acclaimed as the “most authentic Patsy Cline Music Tribute Artist ever known!” Her 25-year career as a nationally touring vocalist and entertainer has taken her to more than 1000 venues. Her unforgettable show includes classic, beautiful renditions of the songs Patsy Cline was most known for, like “Crazy,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall To Pieces,” and so many more! $22-$32
29th Annual Wa She Shu It’ Deh Native American Arts Festival
Saturday and Sunday, July 27 & 28, 2019 – 9am – 5pm (4pm on Sunday)
Enjoy a fun-filled day of cultural events ranging from a Washoe basket competition (with local weavers from Nevada and California) to traditional dancing, music, stories, plays, basketry and clothing, plus traditional games. This year’s theme is “reclaiming our stewardship practices [of the land]”, a continuation of last year’s theme, emphasizing the impacts of climate change as a threat to the Washoe Tribe’s cultural traditions. Free
Improv Workshop in Grand Hall: Tahoe iMPRoV Players
Wednesday, July 31, 2019 – 10am-Noon
Want to get into the act? The Tahoe iMPRoV Players workshop lets you and your family join in the fun! They make stuff up, you act it out, you laugh…it’s simple! $50
Concert in the Boathouse: Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands
Wednesday, July 31, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Grammy Award-winning musician Laurie Lewis is internationally renowned as a singer, songwriter, fiddler, bandleader, producer and educator. Laurie has twice been voted “Female Vocalist of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association and has won the respect and admiration of her peers. $22-$32
Tahoe Arts Alliance presents Will’s Kids for the Arts – A FREE South Shore Children’s Art Fair
Friday, August 2, 2019 – 11am-4pm
Now in its fourth year, Will’s Kids for the Arts is a FREE art fair for children on the South Shore, featuring arts and crafts booths and a performance by Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival’s D.G. Menchetti Young Shakespeare Program. This hour-long performance transforms the main stage Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival production into a fun and interactive version appropriate for children of all ages. The whole family can enjoy a creative day at the stunning Valhalla Tahoe Estate. Free. Donations to Tahoe Arts Alliance appreciated
Concert in the Boathouse: Andy Kahrs’ Rhinestone: The Songs of Glen Campbell
Wednesday, August 7, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Out of deep respect and admiration, rising Star Andy Kahrs debuted Rhinestone The songs of Glen Campbell in 2017, and it has received enthusiastic reviews throughout its ongoing tour. Kahrs feels privileged to present the music and memories of Glen Campbell and to carry on the legacy of this contemporary music legend. $22-$32
Gatsby Garden Party, Tea and 1920s Fashion Show
Sunday, August 11, 2019 – 2-4pm
Step back in time for afternoon of music by 1920s band Bayberry Cast, food fashion on the Valhalla Grand Lawn. Come as you are on in costume to enjoy all the fun and flair from the Roaring 20s! The Gatsby Festival is a two-day event at the Tallac Historic Site held each year the second weekend in August. Throughout the weekend a variety of activities take place on the Pope and Baldwin Estates—vintage car shows, musicians, children’s games from the 1920’s, vendors of period clothing, jewelry and other items. $65
Concert in the Boathouse: Dirty Cello
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
From China to Italy, and all over the U.S., Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues and bluegrass. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ bluegrass, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping! $22-$32
Concert in the Boathouse: Tim Snider
Thursday, August 15, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Tim Snider has been thrilling audiences around the world with his unique style of playing world-folk-jazz-pop on the violin. His music is aimed at the heart, the brain and the feet and hits them hard with upbeat, danceable songs. $22-$32
Concert on the Grand Lawn: Raw Blues Band
Sunday, August 18, 2019 – 2-4pm
The Raw Blues Band hails from Nevada City and play blues based American roots music, with many original songs, while also covering favorite traditional songs. Their new record, In the Mother Lode, is a celebration of our home in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and it is comprised of all original songs ranging from finger picking delta blues to rollicking electric train songs. Free
Concert in the Boathouse: Hattie and Joe Craven
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 – 7:30-9:30 p.m.
It’s a rootsy, jazzy, poppy, bluesy, worldly, folkie musical terrain covering lots of ground with twists and turns at every mile marker. It’s originals and reimagined music spanning the last 100 years and it’s all delivered to your musical doorstep by stunning 18 year old vocalist Hattie Craven and her award winning multi-instrumentalist, improvologist-wingnut father Joe Craven. $22-$32
40th anniversary free Concert on the Grand Lawn: The Wild Feathers
Thursday, August 21 — 6-9 p.m.
The Wild Feathers new album “Greetings from the Neon Frontier” finds them reuniting with producer Jay Joyce, who oversaw the group’s 2013 self-titled debut and 2016’s Lonely Is a Lifetime. The band– packing a three-vocalist punch in Taylor, singer-guitarist Ricky Young and singer-bassist Joel King, along with drummer Ben Dumas – embrace their more countrified influences. Sounding partly like a lost Eagles album and the record Tom Petty never got to make, the album satisfies with thick harmonies, jangly guitars, in-the-pocket grooves and smart, tight songwriting.This show is presented by Dancin’ Shoes and Tarigo Productions.Due to the popularity of this band, parking my be limited. Please plan to car pool or ride your bike from South Lake Tahoe. Free
Concert in the Boathouse: Loud as Folk!
Wednesday, August 28, 2019 – 7:00-10:00pm
From the stage to your speakers LAF is a multi-media showcase of songwriters dedicated to preserving/expanding the grand tradition of American roots music.Founded by Spike McGuire as a monthly songwriters showcase in Reno, NV, this showcase will bring together 4 artists for a night of music and storytelling. $22-$32
Concert in the Boathouse: Remembering James – A Tribute ot the Godfather of Soul
Saturday, August 31, 2019 – 7:30-9:30pm
Remembering James tells the story of The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. From his early days first starting out and spanning early two decades of what would become a monumental career, we see how a divided country, the growing Civil Rights movement and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shaped the artists’ work. A six-piece band accompanies, bringing the passion of his music alive while offering a message of hope. $22-$32
