June 2025
A dramatic sunset graced the swimming pool and lounge area of Reno’s Grand Sierra Resort and Casino while energetic reggae music wafted across the excited crowd on a recent evening, marking about a month into the casino’s summer long reggae concert series. Friday Night Reggae At The Pool parties have been a fun way to kick off the weekend with a positive crowd, and this Friday evening in particular was no exception.
Miki Rae and The Hooligans fronted by the Gardnerville singer songwriter opened the show and got the crowd dancing almost immediately. The group, featuring keyboardist Kendall Hoopes from funk group Phat Mark, a three piece horn section with members from soul jazz group The Exchange, and a back up vocalist for the show bringing out all the stops for the GSR audience.
Drinks were flowing, friends are hanging out enjoying the nice weather and a little wind picked up but by sunset had settled into a perfect warm summer breeze. Folks were enjoying the food truck offerings while the clouds put on a colorful show for sunset.
Up next was Lake Tahoe locals Pipe Down making a home area stop on their summer tour. The audience included a supportive section of friends who showed up to see the band perform. In addition to the group’s reggae set, they added their versions of the Slighty Stoopid song “Wiseman” as well as an awesome rendition of Sublime’s “Doin’ Time”.
First time pool party attendee Bobby Roses aka Bobo the Sequel of Skunk Funk, visiting from Vallejo, CA told us “Miki Rae & The Hooligans alongside Pipe Down was the perfect soundtrack to fuel the nostalgia I was getting from the 90’s/00’s pool party vibes. Definitely something straight out of a movie!”
The Grand Sierra’s Friday Night Reggae At The Pool series continues throughout the summer. Lineup and tickets can be found here.
Check out more of the performers by heading by Miki Rae and the Hooligans Instagram page or on Pipe Down’s Instagram page!
