A tasty genre sampler will be offered Sunday afternoon in a free Concert on the Grand Lawn of Valhalla Tahoe at the Tallac Historic Site.
The Mike Justis Band has carved a unique niche for itself at festivals and clubs throughout Northern California over the past three-plus decades. Built around the compelling original songs of singer-songwriter Mike Justis, the quartet forges a distinctive Americana blend of folk, blues, country and rock styles.
In addition to Justis on lead vocals, acoustic guitar and harmonica, the band includes his longtime friends and musical compatriots Kathy Barwick (mandolin, resophonic guitar and harmony vocals), and Steve McLane (guitar; lead and harmony vocals.) The Mike Justis Band is famous for its leader’s original songs and for the instrumental interplay between Barwick and McLane..
The band has performed at numerous Northern California venues and events, including the Sonoma County Bluegrass and Folk Festival, The Palms Playhouse, the Mondavi Center Courtyard Series (opening for The Mark O’Connor Family Band, and Joan Baez (November 2018), the Davis Thursday Live at the Odd Fellows Hall series, and multiple appearances at the Robin’s Nest house concert series in Davis.
The music of Mike Justis and the Mike Justis Band can be heard on three critically acclaimed recordings: Barroom Philosopher (2008), One Foot In (2010) and Live at Wendell’s, recorded at a live performance in Davis in 2014. Flatpicking Guitar Magazine selected Mike’s song “On the Modoc Line” for its 2012 CD, Songwriters Sampler.
In addition to free Sunday shows on the Grand Lawn, Valhalla Tahoe offers concerts in the Boathouse Theatre next to Camp Richardson, along with Improve comedy show, the Great Gatsby Festival, a musical production, Shakespeare for children, the 29th annual Wa She Shu It’ Deh Native American Arts Festival and more.
Related story: An exciting summer series awaits at Valhalla Tahoe.
- Mike Justis Band with Kathy Barwick
When: 1.p.m., Sunday, June 30
Where: Grand Lawn of Valhalla Tahoe, Tallac Historic Site, South Lake Tahoe
Cover: free
