Hard Rock Cafe Battle of the Bands in Lake Tahoe

The Hard Rock Rising global battle of the bands is a worldwide competition of over 1200 unsigned bands from the area of +Hard Rock Cafe outlets around the world.  Lake Tahoe's competition drew a dozen competitors to its month-long competition and it boiled down to 3 bands competing for the prize at this event hosted by +Dreu Withu : +KrosphyerMusic, +denver j band and Sil Shoda.

Judges for the night 

• Former Mayor Tom Davis (who my viewers might also remember from "Dancing With the Stars" )
• +Visit Lake Tahoe South blogger Georgette Reily 
• Harvey's Summer concert series organizer Valerie Harris
• Papa Roach music video director Bryson Roatch and
• Bay Area Music Promoter Steve The Pirate (not pictured)

See the full gallery of cell phone pictures from Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands on Google+

According to event host Dreu Murin, judges were looking for "Musicianship, Voice Talent, Originality, Stage Presence, and of course," the all important category of "Fan Reaction".

Krosphyer

The first band of the night was hard rock / metal band  Krossphyer, of Gardnerville, NV.  With a sound vaguely reminiscent of 3 Doors Down and the early 2000s ozfest scene, Krossphyer was the obvious fan favorite of the night.

Singer Brett M Allen ably worked the jazzed crowd, while guitar player John Kumanski showed off his obviously well practiced guitar skills.

Event Judge Tom Davis noted this popularity, stating: "I don't think anyone's left in Gardnerville, they're all up here.  I watched each one of you perform and every one of you gives it 110%... the way to sum this up is: Powerful."

You can hear more at Krossphyer's ReverbNation page or follow +KrosphyerMusic on Google+
or @Krosphyer on twitter or like them on facebook here.

The Denver J Band

With a sound that judge Bryson Roatch found remeniscent of "Matchbox 20 meets Hootie and the Blowfish" Sacramento, California's The Denver J Band was a good break from the heavier sound of the rest of the night.  Drumming along with drummer Matt Remenar proved a major crowd-pleaser, but the truly distinctive thing about the band were the tight harmonies between singer Denver Saunders and bass player Grayson Roberts.

 +Denver Saunders had his star-power on full blast that night, delivering a sparkling performance on the vocals as he showed off his songwriting talent in a set featuring some of the cleverest lyrics and tightest harmonies of the night.

Bryson Roatch continued: "I wanna say, keep up the dual harmonies, that's tight.  Keep up the drumming with the drummer, that's super tight, you know, that's exciting."

You can hear more of the Denver J Band at their Reverbnation page;  follow +denver j band on Google+ or @dnvrj on twitter.

The Denver J Band's latest album "A Real Good Book" is available on iTunes and Google Play.

Click here for the video stills from the Battle of the Bands if you can't see the embed. (Oh, and follow +FabulousLakeTahoe on G+ while you're at it.)

Sil Shoda 

Reno, NV outlaw country / southern rock band Sil Shoda was founded in 2008 and has been together much longer than most of the other bands in the competition and it showed in their amazingly polished performance.

Judge Steve the Pirate immediately noticed the attention to detail: "I've got some southern boys here, we got Wyatt Earp on vocals here using a Coors Light bottle for slide guitar... Such a tight nit group, you guys are so polished as a band that it's rediculous.  You guys got the look going on for you, you guys got the crowd interaction, you had a story for each song... You had me sold at the first song."


You can hear more from Sil Shoda at their Reverbnation page or friend them on Facebook or on Twitter @SilShodaBand - Sil Shoda's latest album "Aces and Eights" is available on iTunes.

April 2014 Tahoe Concerts: The Temptations, Taj Mahal, ZZ Ward, Earth Day

April 01 Zach Ohms, Unkle Dubson, Aux @ Whisky Dick's

Ron Hacker @ Harrah's 

Jesse Kalin @ Fresh Ketch 

Gene Warren @ McP's

April 2-6 Rachael Feinstein / Tracey MacDonald @ Improv at Harvey's 

April 02 Emancipator Ensemble, Slow Magic, NYM @ Blu at the Montbleu

Ron's Trio @ McP's 

Open Mic w/ Jesse Kalin @ Cabo Wabo 

Shane Suffriti, Chrisrlicious, Unkle Dubson, b2b, Billy The Kid, IJV @ The Grid

April 03 Yonder Mountain String Band, Brothers Comatose @ Montbleu
Bison Bluegrass @ Blu
Dyer Maker @ Cabo Wabo
Open Mic Night w/ Darren Senn @ Coyote Grill
Open Mic Night @ Classic Cue
Vinnie Berry @ Fresh Ketch
The Sophisticats @ McP's
1000 Years at Sea @ Corronwood Bar & Grill
April 4-6 Shred the Love rail Jam @ Royal Gorge / Squaw Valley
Actors Killed Lincoln @ The Passtime Club
DJ Johnny Varsity @ Truckee Regional Park
April 4-5 Sweet Talk Burlesque @ Montbleu
Nothin Personal @ Cabo Wabo  
The Roemers @ Coyote Grill
April 04 DJ Rick Gee / DJ SN1 @ Peek Tahoe
Jesse Kalin @ The Beacon
New World Jazz Project @ Fresh Ketch
Mystique @ McP's
Matthew Szlachetka @ Northstar
Springfest: Dummy Downhill @ Diamond Peak
Purple Party feat. Lafa Taylor, Nico Luminous, Aux vs. Zebuel, Bassment-ality @ Tahoe Biltmore
The Mike Dillon Band @ Crystal Bay Club
April 05 ZZ Ward @ Harrah's
Scott Pemberton Trio / Mojo Green  @ Tep's Villa Roma
Dingo Weasel @ 7800' at Kirkwood
Bond and Bentley @ Himmel Haus
Tom Dickson @ The Beacon
Trunk Monkey @ McP's
High Roller Hold-em @ Heavenly
Telegras Festival feat. Hot Buttered Rum & The Creek @ Sierra at Tahoe
The Grease Traps @ Alpine Meadows
Little Town @ Northstar
Foreverland: a tribute to Michael Jackson /J. Alva, Riff Cassidy @ Crystal Bay Club
Lavish Green @ NV Ugly in Gardnerville SOLD OUT  
April 06 DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
Matthew Szlachetka @ Northstar
Byron Colborn, The Nibblers @ Alpine Meadows  
April 07 Cash Only Band @ Cabo Wabo
Open Mic Night @ Himmel Haus
April 08 Liquid Geometry Tour, Zombass @ Whisky Dick's
Buddy Emmer Blues Band @ Harrah's
Jesse Kalin @ Fresh Ketch
Glen Smith @ McP's
April 9-13 The Stagebenders / Joel Lindley @ Improv at Harvey's
April 9-10 Drought Relief @ Cabo Wabo
April 09 3 guys will move U @ McP's
Aux, Phil harmonic, MIZL, Gurbtron @ The Grid
Comedy night feat. Justin Rivera, Ron Josol @ Crystal Bay Club
April 10 Sugar Pine Foundation Tree Planting @ Sierra Tract
Tone Cookin @ McP's
Open Mic Night @ Coyote Grill
Open Mic Night @ Classic Cue
Vinnie Berry @ The Fresh Ketch
Rustler's Moon @ Bar of America  

April 11-12 Sweet Talk Burlesque @ Montbleu
Iron Horse Station @ Cabo Wabo
The Pascal Le Boeuf Group @ Moody's Bistro
April 11 Polyrythmics w/ 4 piece Puzzle @ Lakeview Loft (above DART)
Piolo Pascual @ Harrah's
DJ Rick Gee / DJ SN1 @ Peek Tahoe
Jesse Kalin @ The Beacon
4-way street @ McP's
New World Jazz Project @ The Fresh Ketch
The Roemers @ West Side Pizza
Little Town @ Northstar
Spring Break TOGA party feat. Afrolicious, Pleasuremaker, and OZ @ Squaw Valley
Jill Cohn @ Cottonwood Bar & Grill
Keyser Soze @ Crystal Bay Club  
April 12 The Fabulous Thunderbirds @ Montbleu
The Fab Four Beatles Tribute @ Harrah's
Darren Senn Outlaw Americana @ 968 Park
The Electric Jimmies @ The Beacon
The Upshots @ McP's
Bottle Collecting Presentation @ Lake Tahoe Museum
German Sparkle Party @ 2748 Lake Tahoe blvd
Midi Matilda, Tracorum @ Sierra At Tahoe
Samba Da @ Alpine Meadows
Season Pass appreciation party @ Squaw Valley
The Novelists @ Northstar
Rick Preston, Jerad Hioki, Nasty Nate, and the Tahoe Burn Tribe @ Lakeside at Night
Earphunk @ Crystal Bay Club  
April 13 DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
Billy Dutton uphill skiing race @ Squaw Valley
The Blues Monsters @ Northstar
April 14 Bobh Wayne and the Outlaw Carnies, The Black Rose Phantoms, Los Pistoleros, Kountry Kitten Burlesque @ Rojo's
Open Mic Night @ Himmel Haus
Cash Only Band @ Cabo Wabo
April 15 2NUTZ, Phil Harmonic, Lo-G @ Whisky Dick's
Buddy Emmer Blues Band @ Harrah's
South Lake Tahoe Tourisim Forum @ Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Jesse Kalin @ The Fresh Ketch
April 16-20 Rocky LaPorte /. Ron Morey @ Improv at Harvey's
April 16 Open Mic Night w/ Jesse Kalin @ Cabo Wabo
The Goodall Boys @ McP's
Zebuel, Zach Rawlingson, Fryrielle (Ariel Coatney), Gurbtron @ The Grid
Intergalactic Funk Formal feat. The Gaff and DJ Lambchop @ Lakeside at Night
April 17 JKC band @ Cabo Wabo
Northstar @ McP's
Open Mic Night @ Coyote Grill
Open Mic Night @ Classic Cue
Vinnie Berry @ The Fresh Ketch
Rustler's Moon @ Bar of America  
April 18-19 Sweet Talk Burlesque @ Montbleu
Dyer Maker @ Cabo Wabo
April 18 Antique Scream, Ninja Slaughterhouse, Position High, Jimmy Sinn @ Rojo's
DJ Rick Gee / DJ SN1 @ Peek Tahoe
The Gaff @ Himmel Haus
Jesse Kalin @ The Beacon
Pat Ellis & Blue Frog Blues Band @ McP's
New World Jazz Project @ The Fresh Ketch
The Roemers @ West Side Pizza
Natalie Gelman @ Northstar
The Mark Sexton Band @ Crystal Bay Club
April 19-20 4/20 Celebration feat. Rise Up, Dreda Dre, DJ Rundown, DJ Shortem, Nas Ja, Aux, and TYMK @ The Buttermuffin, grand opening of Mad About Music next door.
April 19 Taj Mahal @ Harrah's
Prey for Son @ 7800' at Kirkwood
The Electric Jimmies @ The Beacon
Midlife Crisis @ McP's
Lisa Marie Johnston @ 968 Park
The Roemers @ Coyote Grill
Tahoe Truckee Earth Day celebration ft. Drop Theory, the Asha dancers, Sneaky Pete and the Secret Weapons @ Squaw Valley
Tahoe Burning Man Ski Day @ Mt. Rose
Stung: A tribute to The Police @ Alpine Meadows
The Lady Crooners @ Cottonwood Bar & Grill
Downbeat @ Crystal Bay CLub
April 20 Canceled 420 Cannibis Cup feat. Julian Marley and the Uprising, Perfect, IQulah Rastafari, Christafari, Jah Warrior, Shelter Hi-Fi, DJ Smokey @ Tahoe Wellness Center (Prop 215 card requ'd)
Cannibis Cup Afterparty w/ Mr. Rogers, Roommate, Christafari, Tattoo Joe Moontribe, Irieyes, DubColinG, DJ Arson @ Tep's Villa Roma
DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
Natalie Gelman @ Northstar
Last Chance to Ball w/ Reggae Ambassadors @ Tahoe Biltmore  
April 21 Cash Only Band @ Cabo Wabo
April 22 Love & Light, Psymbionic, Benjah Ninjah @ Whisky Dick's
Buddy Emmer Blues Band @ Harrah's
Rick & Jason @ McP's
Jesse Kalin @ The Fresh ketch
April 23-27 Kivi Rodgers / Don McEnery @ Improv at Harvey's
April 23 Reggie Hall @ Cabo Wabo
Jackson and Jesus @ McP's  
April 24 Dyer Maker @ Cabo Wabo
Harmony Road @ McP's
National Poetry Month @ Lake Tahoe Community College
April 25-26 Sweet Talk Burlesque @ Montbleu
  Horror Punk: The Left Hand, the Strange @ Sierra Pizza
A Train @ Cabo Wabo
Jesse Kalin @ The Beacon
Ron's Garage @ McP's
April 25 Lake Tahoe Home And Garden Show @ South Tahoe Rec Center
DJ Rick Gee / DJ SN1 @ Peek Tahoe
David Jacobs Strain @ Crystal Bay Club

April 26 Earth Day @ Bijou Community Park
The Temptations feat. Dennis Edwards @ Harrah's
Peter Joseph Burtt & The King Tide @ Alpine Meadows
Tim Snider and House of Waters @ Crystal Bay Club  
April 27 DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
April 28 Cash Only Band @ Cabo Wabo
April 29
April 30 Reggie Hall @ Cabo Wabo
Steve Brewer @ McP's
Deejay Theory, Zeb Early, Subtropixx, Aux, IJV @ The Grid



May 2-4 Genoa Cowboy Festival
May 2-3 Sammy Hagar and the Wabos @ Harrah's
May 02 Orgone vs. Monophonics / The Quickj and Easy Boys @ Crystal Bay Club
May 03 El Bowlrrito skate jam and bowling feat. Kill the Precedent, Purification by Fire, Dirt Starship, Trouble Maker, the Jaks Off, JKKFO, South Shore Riot, and End of the Line @ Skatehouse Skate park
Buckle Rash @ Brother's Bar
Mom's Morning Out @ Barton Health
Sneaky Creatures @ Crystal Bay Club

Tahoe Business Expo 2013

On March 28th, 2014 the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce and Tahoe South put on the 2014 Tahoe Business Expo at Harrah's Convention center in Lake Tahoe.  According to the press release there were over 100 vendors and over 1200 spectators expected to attend, and I think I got a pretty good sampling of them on camera.

Featured Vendors:
Chris Brackett - South Tahoe Stand Up Paddle
Todd Poth - Getaway Reno Tahoe
Jeanne Pettenatto - Mary Kay Cosmetics
Jeff Cowan - Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Neil Belliveau - Tahoe Creative Solutions
Kevin - Beach Hut Deli of South Tahoe
Eric Guevin - Tahoe Douglas Fire District
(see more of Eric at Wildfire Awareness Week)
Scott Gilmore - Ski Butlers
Lauren - Vinny's Pizza and Pasta
Matt Palacio - Sierra At Tahoe
Cheyanne Lane - Tahoe Youth & Family Services
Amy Fish - Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Assoc
Jason Collin - Lake Tahoe Marathon
Theresa and Brandy - Bio-Spirit Day Spa

Adam T Spicer, Esq. - Law Offices of Adam Spicer
David Kumpe - Elevated Fitness
Tim Wesley - Youth Sports and Recreation
Stephanie Principato - Prospect Mortgage

Laura Forvilly - Tahoe Bleu Wave Cruises
Lora Loughlin - Mann, Urrutia, and Nelson CPAs
Catherine Cecci - Clean Tahoe Program
Phil Brand - Lead Safe Tahoe Program
Lauren Thomaselli - City of South Lake Tahoe
Mike Fedor - Lake Tahoe Telephone Directory
Julie Booth and Ally Broadhurst - Lake Tahoe Community College
Regina Gutierrez - Burger Lounge
Monica Sciuto - Barton Memorial Hospital
Jim Gorman - Environmental Inspection and Construction, Inc
Justin McManus - Tahoe ServPro
Nicola Congero - Lake Tahoe Humane Society
Jenay Aiksnoras - Lake Tahoe Yoga
Adrian Cook - Truckee Overhead and Door
Michelle Turner / Britney Nelson - Belfor
Brian Cohen - Overland Meat Co
Jana York - A Hand at Home
Micheal Strohecker - Efficient Now LED lighting
Jeanne Prestella - Beachcomber Inn
Orly Larson - American Legion post 795
Nathan Singelyn - Bi-State Propane
Ed Acker - Acker RV Rentals
Shirley Aurelliano - Tahoe Keys Resort
Doug Dubois - Safe Cabin / Winters Electric
Joseph Gonzales - SOS Outreach

If you're interested in seeing past events check out the 2013 Tahoe Business Expo and the 2012 event  on earlier pages of this same blog.

Something Blue Lake Tahoe Wedding Expo

The Something Blue Wedding Expo at the Montbleu casino resort in Lake Tahoe featured a bridal fashion show hosted by +Dreu Withu  plus an opportunity to talk to practically every single vendor that a bride needs to plan a destination wedding in Lake Tahoe.  Watch this video to get an idea of what you need, then use the links below to connect with the people who can make it happen for you.

See the Full gallery of the Something Blue Tahoe Wedding Expo on Google+

Sue Novasel, secretary of the South Lake Tahoe Wedding and Honeymoon association said: "This is our 5th annual wedding expo.  We have over 175 brides today and it's very busy in here and very loud, but a lot of fun.  They're all here to talk to our vendors and maybe book some people for their weddings.  It's always a lot of fun."

Photographer Greg Hall said of the event: "This is the 5th Something Blue Wedding Expo and we've attended all 5.  We've attended every year because we always get great business from them.  We meet a lot of great potential clients from them, not only our clients but in the future they become good friends and we get to hang out and have a good time with them even after their wedding is over and our services as photographers are no longer needed."

Event Sponsors and featured artists:

Imagine Salon did the hair and makeup, The bridal fashions in this fashion show were provided by Alfred Algelo of Reno, NV.  Groom's fasions were by Sidestreet Boutique.  Joanna Kurzawska of Sidestreet Boutique said: "We do both rentals and sales local to Lake Tahoe.  We have tuxedos from Jim's formal wear, which has retailers nationwide so that we can accommodate guests from out of town.  We have different styles, colors, and fits so that we can fit you all together."


Flowers were by Thran's Flowers in South Lake Tahoe and by Enchanted Florist who said: "We can do weddings or any events for you, just give us a call or email us and we will set up a consultation and get things going."

Music for the fashion show was provided by Derek from Lake DJ; the fantasy sequence featured Pachbel's Cannon in D as played by Celtic harpist +Anne Roos, author of "The Bride's Guide to Musicians: Live Wedding Music Made Easy and Affordable" and "The Musician's Guide to Brides: How to make money playing weddings" and who was also presenting as a vendor at the event.  "This is a lovely Celtic harp that weighs only 10 pounds because it's made of carbon fiber; and it can go just about anywhere for your wedding." You can see a full interview of Anne Roos on Wake Up Tahoe with featuring several more performances, or visit her website at CelticHarpMusic.com  

Wedding Magazines and Guides:

The expo featured a number of one stop locations for wedding planning research.  Jim Schneider of Perfect Wedding Guide said "We're a marketing company that connects brides to businesses through multiple platforms.  We have a publication, a website, and a leads program.  We attend bridal shows for you, so we're a great resource for brides to plan their wedding."

Tammy, of Sacramento Bride & Groom magazine said: "We are a publication out of the Sacramento area that also covers Tahoe, and we have everything you need in here for your wedding from A to Z. From planning all the way to transportation, honeymoons, and travel.  We have lots of reception sites and wedding planners from the Bay Area all the way to Chico." Nathalia Kallan, representing Real Weddings Magazine said: "We shoot all of these beautiful weddings from greater Sacramento to Tahoe to Chico for our magazine.  If you get a chance you should really take a look at it."

Photographers:

John Cocores at the Something Blue Wedding Expo

Greg Hall of Hall Creations Photography said: "My wife Angelina and myself have been doing photography for a living, primarily weddings here in South Lake Tahoe.  We love what we do, it's our passion.  We offer weddings all year long and we travel internationally.  Basically, we just try to create a nice, comfortable atmosphere for our customers.  We try not to be intrusive while capturing all the moments that they need and then some.  We get all the candid moments that they want and try to provide them with a package of great photos that they can enjoy for their lifetime."

Baily Malay of RBM Photography said: "with us you get two photographers for every wedding.  We have some great specials going on right now and lifetime guarantee albums are included with all of our packages.

Wedding Venues:

Cynthia Ferris-Bennett of Events Ink said "At Events Ink we are a one stop shop, we do everything: invitations, coordination, flowers, photography, linens. We also have two private venues, the estate Tahoe which is 20 acres of 'Wow!' and the White House Bed and Breakfast, which is in Genoa, NV, and that is just a perfect venue for vintage rustic weddings.  So, we look forward to helping you with your special day."  Events Ink also helps manage the Lakeview Loft above Dart Liquor, which makes a great reception venue.  See Cynthia Ferris show off the Lakeview Loft on Wake Up Tahoe.

Lisa Gallup of the newly remodeled The Landing Resort and Spa said: "We are a full service resort property offering services for ceremonies, reception, lodging, dining, and accommodations.  We're lake front, right on the shores of Lake Tahoe."  Roger Kramer of Lakeside Beach across the street from The Landing said of his venue: "We're right on the water.  If you want to be within 10 inches of the lake, this is the place to be."  Lakeside Beach offers packages for up to 200 guests from April to mid-October.

Ted Johanson of 968 Park Hotel drew a large crowd to his booth with free massages.  He said of his venue: "I can set up special group room rates and wedding blocks, and all of that fun stuff."  968 Park is a high class boutique hotel within walking distance of Lakeside beach, the gondola to Heavenly, and the casinos.

Kimberley Boon of the Riva Grill said: "We're a fabulous venue in the Ski Run Marina right on the water.  We offer wonderful weddings for up to 220 people upstairs overlooking the water for a fabulous wedding experience."

Tahoe Wedding Collection offers wedding and reception venues at Northstar California, Heavenly Ski Resort, and Kirkwood Mountain resort.

Full album of Local's Day at Lake Tahoe Golf Course on Google+

Lake Tahoe Golf Course is located off of US 50 by the South Lake Tahoe Airport, their representative Suzie told me: "We do indoor and Outdoor ceremony and reception sites and we have a beautiful ceremony site outside with a view of Mt. Tallac where the upper Truckee River flows through." Having filmed Local's Day at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course for Wake Up Tahoe I can vouch for just how beautiful their location is, especially in the spring and summer, this is a large venue that can accommodate a lot of people.  

Water Weddings and Cruises:

Danielle Loberg of Zephyr Cove resort and Lake Tahoe Cruises plans weddings and special events for them.  She said: "We have a shoreline wedding location with a beachfront ceremony and reception area; we also operate the MS Dixie II, the Tahoe Queen, and the Tahoe Paradise paddlewheelers." (See them in detail at: 2012 Sternwheeler races M.S. Dixie II vs Tahoe Queen)

Annemarrie Prudente of Tahoe Bleu Wave Cruises said: "We specialize in weddings and ceremonies, rehearsal dinner cruises... We have a capacity of 49 passengers so that it's nice and intimate for your group.  We go to Emerald Bay which is one of the most beautiful spots on the lake for a nice intimate cruise."

Cakes and Caterers:

Cakes By Grace was there showing off their delicious wedding cakes and appetizers.  Grace said: "I have lived in Tahoe 40 years and we're a family based business, and now we're expanding... We make anything you want as far as deserts.  We've got cookies, we've got brownies, we've got mini cupcakes!  We make everything fresh with only butter and no shortening, with fresh fruit, no fake gels.  Come to us for your wedding cake: it's yummy."

Meghan from Exquisite Grill said: "we are here for your wedding, reception, and rehersal dinner needs.  We also have wedding packages put together to help coordinate your wedding."

Party Rentals:

The Something Blue Wedding expo provided a wealth of choices for party rentals for your wedding.  Liz Essay of Classic Party Rentals out of Sacramento said: "What we offer to the bride is a one-stop shopping party rental company.  We do tables, chairs, linnens, dishes, tenting, dance floors, lighting, and decor.  Anything you need so it can be so much easier for a bride to come shop with us."

Brad Isbell of Celebrations Party rentals and tents said of his service: "We are a full service party rental company providing tables, china, glassware, flatware, tenting, and everything else you need for your big day."  Karen and Rhonda at Forever Vintage Rentals said: "We come in and style weddings and events.  We have farm tables and buffets and all sorts of interesting decor for you to use."

Extras:

Borges family Carriage and Sleigh rides also presented, their representative said: "We offer horse drawn vehicle rides giving the bride and groom a wonderful old-time adventure with some time together.  We usually help brides make that grand entrance into their wedding, either by themselves, with their entourage, or maybe with their father.  And then, after the ceremony, the new husband and wife can take a nice little spin along the lake and enjoy some time together with, maybe, a bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses; and then make another grand entrance as husband and wife at your reception."

Bio-Spirit Spa on Ski Run Boulevard was also presenting: "We offer papmer parties and group wedding packages." said their rep Theresa.  "We have an infrared sauna," chimed in their other rep Brandy, "we have tanning that has a sugar base so that it's great to do before your wedding day.  We do waxing, lots of waxing, and we do an amazing bridal facial that will just make you glow for those wedding pictures."

Click here for Something Blue Wedding Expo Gallery if your browser does not support embeded Google+ posts.

Meyers homecoming parade for Sochi Olympians Jamie Anderson, Hannah Teter, and Maddie Bowman

The 3000 person town of Meyers in the Lake Tahoe area is incredibly proud of having produced 3 olympians in the #Sochi2014 winter Olympics.  According to South Tahoe Now, Jamie Anderson won Gold in the Slopestyle Snowboarding event, Maddie Bowman took Gold in the Skiing halfpipe, and Hannah Teter (who won a gold at the 2006 winter Olympics) took 4th place in the Snowboarding halfpipe.  so I went out to the homecoming parade and got this:





This video features the full parade (with footage submitted by Diane Baumfleck and +Paula Peterson ) plus interviews with local businesswoman Rene Brejc and Tahoe Mountain News columnist Kenny "Skibum" Curtzwiler.

Brejc said: "I am part of the Meyers Community and I have been involved with the Meyers leg of this amazing procession.  We have so much to be proud of these girls and I love seeing the City of South Lake Tahoe and the Meyers community and Sierra at Tahoe working together to do something extraordinary for these extraordinary girls.  It's been very, very impressive that we have 3 olympians for 3000 people in Meyers and in the greater South Lake Tahoe area we could not be any more proud than we are.  So, we're here to celebrate these amazing women and it's going to be an awesome day."

Curtzwiler said "Hey, I just wanted to say congratulations to all 3 of our olympic atheletes: Hannah, Maddie, and Jamie... and I just wanted to point out that we also have another olympian from this area, Travis Cabral who was a front runner in the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics and all 4 of these atheletes were from Meyers, CA!  Congratulations to everyone out there and this is going to be one heck of a day and one heck of a celebration."

Click here for the Olympians Parade Gallery if your browser does not support embeded Google+ posts.

Dancing with Your Tahoe Stars

March 8th, 2014 the Tahoe Arts Project put on their annual "Dancing With The Stars" fundraiser in front of a totally packed house at the Montbleu resort.  Host +Dreu Withu invited me to film the event and the dancers were so good that what I had intended to be a 10 minute highlight reel wound up turning into a full-on 41 minute TV episode!
JUDGES:
Marcia Sarosik of the Lake Tahoe Shining Stars Dance Troupe
Paul Middlebrook of KRLT radio
Don Bosson - realtor/musician

FEATURED PERFORMANCES
Liz Niven w/ Adam Hopkins Samba to "They Call Me Cuban Pete" by Desi Arnaz
Jodi Stewart and Lyndon Facey Hip-Hop to "Dirty South"
Eric Taxter and Dana Knott Tango to "Bad" by Michael Jackson
Shining Stars Dance troupe production number "Miss Otis Regrets" by Bette Middler
Amy Thompson and Spencer Christian Salsa to "The Time" (Dirty Bit) by Black Eyed Peas
Roberta Benvenuto and Dino Elias broadway dancing to "When You're Good to Mama" from Chicago
Former Mayor Tom Davis and Angela Marie Smith waltz to "Fascination" by Fermo Dante Marchetti
Forever Dance group dance to "Seperate Ways" by Journey

If your browser does not support embeded Google+ posts, click here for the Dancing With The Stars Gallery.

March 2014: Walk Off the Earth, Andre Nikatina, Pato Benton, Galactic

March 1-2 Rhalves Banzai tour @ Squaw Valley
March 01 Walk Off the Earth @ Harrah's South Shore Room
DJ Rick Gee / DJ SN1 @ Peek Tahoe
The Roemers / Tresa Bell, John A Cello @ Himmel Haus
The Scarlet Verbs @ Coyote Grill
DJ berkmon @ Divided Sky
Roland Stone @ 968 Park hotel
Jesse Kalin @ Steamers
A-Train @ Cabo Wabo
Manic Brothers @ McP's Drinking with Clouns @ 7800 at Kirkwood
Helena and the Bear @ Sierra at Tahoe
Mardi-Squaw feat. SunsetSF feat. J. Boogie, Zeb Early, Phleck, DJ Matt Haze, DJ Alarm, DJ Theory,

Boggan, IJV, Subtropixx, Chango / The Space Cowboys feat. DJ TamoBrad Robinson, Shissla, Shooey, Mancub, Kapt'n

Kirk, Rrrus, DJ Deckhard, Aaron Pope  / Little Miss Mixer, Trevor Selby, DJ Rundown, Crispylicious / Out to Sea @

Squaw Valley
St. Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band / Andrew Posada @ Northstar
Lava Moon @ Bar of America
Seix w/ Fishtank Ensemble @ Moody's Bistro
Sean Duer @ Fat Cat bar and Grill
Diego's Umbrella / La Misa Negra @ Crystal Bay Club    
March 02 DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
The Blues Monsters @ Northstar
March 03 Cash Only band @ Cabo Wabo
AMBoardshop.com snowboard sale @ Himmel Haus
March 04-05 Jason and Rick @ McP's

March 04 Rock The Boat Mardi Gras Party  w/ Russ Liquid, Funky Miracle, DJ S1nth3sys, Benjah Ninjah, Aux @ MS

Dixie II
Project Aspect, DubColing, Coop Da Loop @ Whisky Dick's
Masquerade Ball w/ Groovebox @ American Legion
Matty T at Tuesday winter blues @ Harrah;s
DJ J-Bird @ Cabo Wabo
  Hi 5s Foundatiojn Wine and Ice fundraiser feat. Chango @ Truckee River Winery  Afrolicious @ Tahoe Biltmore
Fat Tu-Tu feat. Chango and Gurbtron @ Lakeside at night
DAYTXNA @ Hacienda del Lago  
March 05-09 Graham Elwood / Jackie Kashian @ Improv at Harvey's
March 05-06 Dyer Maker @ Cabo Wabo
March 05 PRSN / ZEBUEL / IJV @ Lakeside at Night
Marty party's "Purple tour" featuring Joker w/ Helicopter Showdown, Little Miss Mixtape, Chango,

selby, Fidgital, IJV @ Crystal Bay Club
March 06 Live Battles featuring Workin Minerva @ Hard Rock Cafe
The Sophisticats @ McP's
Chi McLean @ Cottonwood Bar and Grill
Jenni Charles and Jesse Dunn @ Moody's Bistro
Rustler's Moon @ Bar of America
Glow in the Snow w/ The Time Splitters, DJ Chango & Drew @ The Grid
Dillon Garcia @ Crystal Bay Club
March 07-08 Sweet Talk Burlesque @ Montbleu
The David Lunning Band @ Moody's Bistro
Iron Horse Station @ Cabo Wabo
March 07 Andre Nikatina, Tip C, DeeDay, Ekoh & Chemist, The Smoke, DJ Skeezo & DJ Morefiend @ Whisky Dick's
The Bumptet @The Divided Sky
Marty O'Reily @ 968 Park
The Roemers @ West Side Pizza
Jesse Kalin @ The Beacon
Carolyn Dolan @ Steamers
4 Way Street @ McP''s

The Jason King Band @ Northstar
Pyle of Zen @ Cottonwood Bar and Grill
Gladkill, Sugarpill, Phil harmonic, , Game Genie, Multipleks @ Lakeside at Night
Wintergrass: Greensky Bluegrass w/ Tumbleweed Wanderers / Low Flying Birds @ Crystal Bay Club
March 08-09 The Mundaze @ Cabo Wabo
March 08 Dancing with the Tahoe Stars hosted by Dreu Murin / ft. the dancing of Liz Niven, Tom Davis, Amy Thompson, Eric Taxer, Roberta Benvenuto, Klaus Utecht, Jodi Stewart, Sean Sweeny,  Frances Caro, Chris Proctor @ Montbleu
The Mowglis @ Harrah's
DJ Ivan / DJ Keenan  @ Peek Tahoe
Priscilla Ford, Elephant Rifle, JJ Allen @ Classic Cue
Brewfish, Weapon @ Whisky Dick's
Bayonics @ Himmel Haus
Workin Minerva @ 968 Park
Tom Dickson @ The Beacon
Unkle Funkle @ Steamers
Snowfest Parade @ Tahoe City
Chi McLean @ Squaw Valley
Under the Radar @ Northstar
Fire and Ice: Pink Edition feat. Lil Miss Mixtape, Silhouette, Crispyliscious, and the Tahoe Burn Tribe @ Lakeside at Night      
Terraplane @ Fat Cat Bar and Grill
Wintergrass: Elephant Revival w/ Nat Keefe (of Hot Buttered Rum) / San Geronimo @ Crystal Bay Club
March 09 Drought Relief @ Lakeside Inn
DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
ZuhG @ Northstar  
March 10 Cash Only Band @ Cabo Wabo
March 11 Rick Hammond @ Harrah's
Gene Warren @ McP's   DJ J-Bird @ Cabo Wabo
March 12-16 Jackie Flynn / Kevin Flynn @ Improv at Harvey's
March 12 TRYP monthly Mixer @ Toast! in Zephyr Cove
Jesse Kalin Accoustic @ Cabo Wabo
Darren Senn Accoustic Americana @ Base Camp Pizza
Jackson and Jesus @ McP's
Whigs and Onsies party feat. Izzy Wise and LAMBChop @ Lakeside at Night
Heidalicious, Piranha Face, Tactic, Aux Vs Shane @ Lakeside at Night    Railroad Earth / American Babies, Tea Leaf Green @ Crystal Bay Club
March 13-14 Hookah Stew @ Cabo Wabo
March 13 Tone Cookin @ McP's
Matthew Szlachetka @ Cottonwood Bar and Grill
Rustler's Moon @ Bar of America
Alpenglow winter Film Series "Big Wall Climbing in Morocco" w/ Emily Harrington @ Squaw Valley
March 14-15 George Souza @ Cottonwood Bar and Grill  
March 14 Tahoe Douglas Rotary St. Patrick's Day @ Harrah's
Twin Engine / Lonesome Locomotive @ The Divided Sky
DJ Crisco Kid / DJ Keenan  @ Peek Tahoe
The Electric Jimmies @ Lakeside Inn
Lisa Marie Johnston @ 968 Park
The Roemers @ West Side Pizza
Jesse Kalin @ The Beacon
Little Town @ Steamers
Pat Ellis, Blue Frog Blues Band @ McP's     St. Patrick's Day w/ the Blarney's @ Squaw Valley
Matthew Szlachetka (of the Northstar Session) @ Northstar
Pretty Things Peep Show / Swankster's Ball @ Crystal Bay Club
March 15 South Tahoe Olympian Parade w/ Jamie Anderson, Maddie Bowman, and Hannah Teter @ South Tahoe High School
to Sierra At Tahoe
Pat Traver's Band @ Harrah's
Lavish Green / Genera Paxton @ 7800' at Kirkwood
Purification by Fire, Defiler, Better Left Unsaid, We Predict a Riot @ Whisky Dick's
Theresa Bell @ Sierra at Tahoe
The Jimmies @ The Beacon
The Roemers @ Coyote Grill
Parslow Vibe @ Steamer's
Trunk Monkey @ McP's    Neva @ Northstar
Thick Newton @ Fat Cat bar and Grill
Wake of the Dead @ Crystal Bay Club  
March 16 Beerfest @ 7800
DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
Ike and Martin @ Sierra at Tahoe
Full Moon Party @ West Shore Cafe
Matthew Szlachetka  @ Northstar
New Orleans Funk legends Galactac ft. Maggie Koerner, Brushy One String / Down North @ Crystal Bay

Club
March 17 The Young Dubliner's @ Montbleu
Dheli 2 Dublin, Benjah Ninjah, Breaklow (of Beat Karma), Fyrielle @ Whisky Dick's
Velvet Cafe / Northstar @ McP's   Cash Only band @ Cabo Wabo
March 18 Buddy Emmer @ Harrah's
2 Guys Will Move U @ McP's
Mindfull Massive @ Whisky Dick's
DJ J-Bird @ Cabo Wabo
March 19-23 Ben Gleib @ Improv at Harvey's
March 19 Jesse Kalin @ Cabo Wabo
Darren Senn Accoustic Americana @ Base Camp Pizza
Harmony Road @ McP's   DJ Rundown, SubDocta, Mr. Green, Shane Suffriti, Gurbtron @ Lakeside at Night  
March 20 Drought Relief @ Cabo Wabo
The Goodall Boys @ McP's
  Pete Delaney @ Cottonwood Bar and Grill

Rustler's Moon @ Bar of America
March 21-22 Mad Karma @ Cabo Wabo  
March 21 Vokab Kompany / TROPO @ Tep's Villa Roma
DJ Los / DJ Keenan @ Peek Tahoe
Diamond Plate / East of the Wall / Bionic Gorilla @ Rojo's   Theresa Bell @ 968 Park
Jesse Kalin @ The Beacon
JT Chevalier @ Steamer's 4 Way Street @ McP's West Shore Wine Week @ West Shore Cafe   Super Hero Dance Party w/ Jeremy Curl & Mr. Rooney @ Jakes on the Lake
Olympic welcome home celebration @ Squaw Valley
Groove Foundry @ Northstar
Whigs and Onsies Dance Party @ Lakeside at Night
The Sierra Drifters (Tribute to Lou Reed & Velvet Underground) @ Crystal bay Club  
March 22 Pato Benton, Weapon @ Whisky Dick's
Bruce in the USA @ Harrah's
DJ Rick Gee / DJ SN1 @ Peek Tahoe
Soft White Sixties / Vokab Komapany @ Sierra at Tahoe
Adam Burgoch @ The Beacon
Cash Only Band @ Steamer's
The Upshots @ McP's   The Roemers @ Coyote Grill
Little Town @ Northstar
Studio 50/54 night feat. Mr Rooney, Kross Faded, Outskirtz, Charles the Fir$t @ 50-fifty brewing co
Casual Dogs @ Fat Cat bar and Grill
Peter Joseph Burtt and the King Tide @ Crystal Bay Club  
March 23 DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
The Blues Monsters @ Northstar
March 24 Cash Only band @ Cabo Wabo
March 25 John Lee Sanders @ Harrah's Center Stage
Glen Smith @ McP's
DJ J-Bird @ Cabo Wabo
Mindfull Massive @ Whisky Dick's
March 26-30 Tommy Savitt / Maureen Langan @ Improv at Harvey's
March 26 Jesse Kalin @ Cabo Wabo
Darren Senn Accoustic Americana @ Base Camp Pizza
Ron's Garage @ McP's
Muppet Punk, Zebuel, Jaekwon the Chief, IJV, Gurbtron @ Lakeside at Night
March 27 Wild and Scenic Film festival @ Montbleu
Particle, Groovebox @ Whisky Dick's
Rustler's Moon @ Bar of America  
March 28-29 Leftover Salmon w/ Billy Payne of Little Feat, The California Honeydrops / Head for the Hills @

Crystal Bay CLub  
March 28 Tahoe Business Expo @ Harrah's convention center
The Straits @ Montbleu
Jake Hurwitz @ 968 Park
Jesse Kalin @ The Beacon
Ike and Martin @ Lucky Beaver
Mystique @ McP's
Matt Clark @ Northstar
March 29 Bionic Gorilla, Overwatch, Vanishing Affair @ Whisky Dick's
Dingo Weasel, 6 Mile Station, OsKillah @ Classic Cue  Roland Stone @ 968 Park
Patrick Major @ The Beacon
Ron's Garage @ McP's
Ike and Martin @ Steamer's
DJ Chris English @ Cabo Wabo
Jeff Campbell @ Northstar
Bad Move Smooth @ Fat Cat Bar and Grill  
March 30 Lava Moon @ Northstar
March 31 Banff Mountain Film Festival @ Montbleu
Cash Only Band @ Cabo Wabo  
April 01 April Fool's Day TWERKout @ Lakeside at Night
April 02 Emancipator Ensemble, Slow Magic, NYM @ Montbleu
April 03 Yonder Mountain String Band @ Montbleu

Click here to browse the March 2014 Playlist directly.