On his back onstage, Rick Hammond sizzles like bacon

Photographer’s notebook: Harrah’s Lake Tahoe’ Monday Night Summer Blues series at Center Stage opened July 7 with The Buddy Emmer Blues Band and guest artist Rick Hammond. A local favorite from Reno and 2014 International Blues Challengs semifinalist, Hammond again delivered a great performance. The chemistry between Rick and the Buddy Emmer Band is noticeably great with Buddy and Rick exchanging guitar licks throughout the show. Something I haven’t seen before, much to the amusements of all, was Rick climbing off the stage to play at ground level, all while performing a song! True showmanship. — Kurt E. Johnson

Harrah’s Monday Night Summer Blues
House band: Buddy Emmer Blues Band

July 14 — Steve Freund
July 21 — Matty T
July 28 — Ron Hacker
Aug. 4 — Rich Maloon
Aug. 11 — Jeff Watson
Aug. 18 — tba
Aug. 25 — tba