SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — A rising King Tide lifts the spirits of all Lake Tahoe music lovers.
The third annual Live at Lakeview concert series opens Thursday with headliner Peter Joseph Burtt and the King Tide, a North Shore based band which features Burtt, who plays a 26-string kora.
“We don’t get too many chances to play on the South side, so it’s fun for us,” Burtt said. “It’s exciting to get to play for a different crowd and hopefully add some fans to our family. For us to get the gig is such a pleasure. It’s the most beautiful lake in the country and we get to set up all our gear on the edge of the lake and just let it rip.”
Burtt studied music when he lived in West Africa. Music critics often describe his band’s style of music as world blues, but there’s clearly a soul influence, too. Burtt met his bandmates when he taught percussion at the Tahoe Conservancy. Keyboardist Todd Holoway, drummer Mike Adamo and guitarist Zeb Early also play with the band Mama’s Cookin.’ Miles Kiechler was the final addition to the band. He plays a Fender P Bass.
The veteran players instantly jelled to produce a tasteful sound.
“It really is like cooking,” Burtt said. “When I lived in West Africa that’s what struck me. They would talk about music and use the same adjectives they would use for food. When you are cooking a gumbo, you have to wait for the flavor profile to set up instead of just throwing everything out there. You have to take your time and let it set up and all work together.
“One of the masters I worked with said you have to establish the groove and you can’t be impatient. Establish that groove. Listen for the melody. Relax. And then it makes its own gravy. That’s what makes music special. You have to get out of the way and not force it.”
A busy month for Peter Joseph Burtt and the King Tide includes a rare treat for a band. The members will spend much of the next month sleeping in their own beds. It plays Commons Beach in Tahoe City Sunday, June 29, Truckee Thursdays July 3, the Crystal Bay Casino July 26 and the Guitarfish Festival Aug. 1-3 in Cisco Grove.
The band is working out songs live in preparation for its second album.
Burtt said he tries to find great songs to play with his kora. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. He is working on songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie and Southside Johnny’s “Trapped Again.”
“It is unexpected versions of different songs, I don’t like to call them covers,” Burtt said. “It’s kind of like the Jamaican tradition. They can take any song in the world and put a different spin on it.”
Peter Joseph Burtt and the Kingtide headline the Lakeview show at 6 p.m. Liquid Kactus starts at 4:30 p.m.
A Live at Lakeview sponsor, Tahoe Onstage will record videos each week. Please say hello and pick up a copy of our summer music guide.
Live at Lakeview
Lakeview Commons, South Lake TahoeHeadliner, opener
June 26 Peter Joseph Burtt and the King Tide; Liquid Kactus
July 3 Lavish Green; Taking Root
July 10 Tracorum; Sierra Drifters
July 17 Randy McAllister; Tyler McCoy Band
July 24 Paa Kow’s By All Means Band World; 4 Piece Puzzle
July 31 Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds; MerryGold
August 7 40 Watt Hype; Candelaria
August 14 Mojo Green; Musical Charis
August 21 Scott Pemberton Trio; Black Star Safari
August 28 Rocker-T; Weapon
Headliners onstage from 6-8:30 p.m.; openers, yet to be announced, 4:30-5:45 p.m. Attendance is free.
Parking is limited at Lakeview Commons, concertgoers are encouraged to bike to the event and utilize the free bike valet service. If you must drive, please note there are metered parking spaces that surround the venue because the voter-approved Measure P doesn’t go into effect until the 10-week series has ended. Free parking is available at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center (1180 Rufus Allen Blvd), which is just a short walk from the park. $40 season parking passes are available to Tahoe residents.
