Thunder Valley Casino and Resort

Summer concert fun starts next weekend

Blondie and Devoe

Sunrise Marketplace
Photo: Randy Miramontez

While it may not be officially summer yet, things start heating up next weekend as the Sacramento Music Festival kicks off in Old Town Sacramento.

Celebrating their 40th Anniversary it’s going to be one giant party with many styles of music. There will be dancing in the streets, with music blasting morning, noon, and night.

Read: Sacramento summer concerts – check for schedules

Some of the featured bands will be Los Lobos, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Ben Taylor, The Blasters, John Lee Hooker, Jr., The James Hunter Six, Wanda Jackson, Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Jimmy Pailer, Johnny “Guitar” Knox and Beer Dawgs. Click here for a complete line-up.

Read: Ironstone Vineyards announces Summer Concert Series

On the heels of the Sacramento Music Festival, Thunder Valley Casino Resort kicks off their Summer Concert Series with Frankie Vallie on June 1. Vallie recently made an appearance on American Idol’s season finale.

Sleep Train Arena brings Pit Bull to Sacramento on June 15. Pit Bull also made an appearance on American Idol’s season finale.

Sacramento Summer Concerts 2013

With summer just around the corner, the Sacramento area has a lot to look forward to for Summer concerts. Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect from a few of the larger venues.

Thunder Valley Casino ResortDirections

Peter Frampton Photo: Randy Miramontez

Peter Frampton
Photo: Randy Miramontez

About: Every summer Thunder Valley erects an outdoor amphitheater and this year they will be adding additional seating bringing the total capacity to 4,800 seats. They have numerous bars throughout the amphitheater for ease of access. After the show enjoy your choice of 14 restaurants and bars, including High Steaks Steakhouse, Red Lantern and a 500-seat Buffet as well as Mingle Bar, Falls Bar, Thunder Bar and High Steaks Bar. Thunder Valley Casino Resort is also home to a luxury, 17-story hotel with 297 rooms, including 40 suites and an expansive outdoor pool complete with private cabanas and Coconut, a poolside bar.

What to expect this summer: Thunder Valley brings your favorite bands from the ’50s, ’60′s, ’70s, ’80′s and today with the likes of Frankie Vallie, The Beach Boys, Heart, Chris Isaak and more. Need some laughs? Jeff Dunham and his suitcase possy will be entertaining the masses and American Comedy Award winner Bill Engvall will have you ROTFL.

Frankie Vallie and The Four Season Saturday, June 1
Pat Benatar w/Neil Geraldo and Cheap Trick Friday, June 7
Super Summer Soul Jam click for full line up Saturday, June 8
Doobie Brothers Friday, June 14
Jeff Dunham Friday, June 21
Lynyrd Skynrd Saturday, June 22
Under the Sun w/Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray and more Friday, July 12
Huey Lewis & the News Saturday, July 13
Larry Hernandez Saturday, July 20
Chicago Saturday, Aug 3
Gladys Knight and The O’Jays Friday, Aug 9
Bill Engvall Saturday, Aug 10
Chris Isaak Friday, Aug 16
Andy Bell, Howard Jones, Terri Nunn, Men Without Hats Saturday, Aug 24
Frampton’s Guitar Circus w/ B.B. King Friday, Aug 30
Beach Boys Friday, Sept 6
Heart Saturday, Sept 22
Bad Company Friday, Sept 27

 

Sleep Train Arena – SacramentoDirections

Phil Phillips

American Idol Live 2012
Photo: Randy Miramontez

About: If you’re from the Sacramento area then there’s no need to tell you about Sleep Train Arena, also known as Arco Arena and more recently Power Balance Pavilion. One word of caution – Wheatland is home to Sleep Train Amphitheater, don’t get them confused when purchasing tickets or planning your summer concert fun.

What to expect this summer: Sleep Train Arena has a few big shows coming this summer starting with Pitbull in June, followed by Fleetwood Mac, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift’s ‘The Red Tour.’

Pitbull Thursday, June 15
Sesame Street Live Saturday/Sunday, June 22/23
Fleetwood Mac Saturday, July 6
American Idol Live Monday, June 22
Bruno Mars Wednesday, July 24
Taylor Swift Tuesday, August 27
 Josh Grobin  Sunday, October 6

 

Sleep Train Amphitheater – WheatlandDirections

Train

Train
Photo: Randy Miramontez

About: Not to be confused with Sleep Train Arena, Sleep Train Amphitheater is an outdoor venue with plenty of lawn seating. Located in Wheatland near Marysville it attracts fans from the more remote areas of Northern California and Sacramento.

What to expect this summer: Country. Live Nation is offering up a whole lotta country this season with their Country Megaticket. Essentially you are purchasing a season pass to some of the greatest country artists of today, including Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Jason Aldean. Kid Rock is also scheduled to appear this summer.

Miranda Lambert Friday, May 10
John Mayer Wednesday, July 24
Kid Rock Wednesday, July 31
Train Saturday, August 10
Keith Urban Sunday, September 22
Maroon 5 Tuesday, October 1

 

Blondie and Devo

Sunrise at Night Amphitheater
Photo: Randy Miramontez

Sunrise at Night Concert Series – Sunrise Marketplace, Citrus Heights - Directions

About: What do you do with a competition tennis court built each summer for the Sacramento Capitals? You have some fun! Sunrise Marketplace is the host to the Sacramento Capitals and when the Capitals aren’t playing tennis Sunrise Marketplace brings you their Sunrise at Night Concert Series – and some great shopping.

What to expect this summer: Officials for Sunrise Marketplace are still putting together their lineup for the season. Check back often as we will keep all venues updated.

Dave Koz and Friends Sat. August 10
Boyz to Men with Bell Biv Devoe Thur., August 15
Christopher Cross, Orleans, Gary Wright and more  Sat., August 24
Trace Adkins Thurs., August 29
 Bachman Turner Overdrive and Blue Oyster Cult  Sat., September 7

Ironstone Vineyards Summer Concert Series – Murphys - Directions

About: Nestled against the Sierra Foothills, in the heart of California’s scenic Gold Rush Country, Ironstone Vineyards provides an intimate setting in a beautifully done outdoor amphitheater with plenty of lawn seating. The best part – they have wine!

What to expect this summer: A little bit of country and a little bit of rock and roll.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Saturday, July 20
Mellissa Etheridge Live  Friday, August 2
 Big & Rich Party Like Cowboyz featuring Cowboy Troy/Whiskey Dawn  Saturday, August 10

boxofficetickets

Mama comes to Thunder Valley Casino

Vicki Lawrence

Vicki Lawrence
Photo: Randy Miramontez

Saturday fans of the ‘Carol Burnett Show’ and ‘Mama’s Family,’ were treated to a performance by actor, comedian and singer, Vicki Lawrence at Thunder Valley Casino Resort.

Lawrence is best known for her co-starring role on the television show “The Carol Burnett Show,” as the quick-tempered and abrasive Thelma Harper, better known as Mama. Mama was the mother to Carol Burnett’s character Eunice Higgins. Lawrence eventually went on to  star in the spinoff “Mama’s Family.”

Vicki Lawrence

Vicki Lawrence as Mama
Photo: Randy Miramontez

As the show kicked off, Lawrence talked about how her relationship with Burnett began. As a teenager, Lawrence entered a fireman’s ball contest called ‘Miss Fireball.’ A local paper ran the story with Lawrence’s picture and mentioned the fact that she looked a lot like Burnett. A short time later, Burnett personally called Lawrence and asked if it was okay to show up at the ball. The two met and the rest is history.

Lawrence talked about how she ended up with a number one hit and a gold record with “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” Her ex-husband wrote the song, but wasn’t happy with it. She went to Sonny and Cher to see if they were interested. Sonny hated it, so Lawrence decided to record it herself.

vicki-lawrenceUp to this point the show was an historical look at Lawrence and her career, with a good laugh here and there. That all changed when she mention her character Mama from the “Carol Burnett Show.” The audience immediately started applauding.

As Lawrence left the stage to change, the screens lit up with past bloopers from “The Carol Burnett Show.”

When the cantankerous Mama came out on stage the audience came to life. Mama immediately complained that if she hears Lawrence talk about how she met Burnett one more time, she was “going to upchuck my complimentary buffet.”

Wondering why everyone was staring at her she said, “I know what you’re thinking dear. You’re thinking boy there’s ‘Fifty Shades of Grey,’ if I ever seen one.”

Lawrence, providing laughs along the way, gave fans an insight into her life, career and her ongoing relationship with Carol Burnett. For fans of Lawrence, they were able to get a little bit of Vicki Lawrence and a whole-lotta Mama.

Check out who’s performing at Thunder Valley’s Summer Concert Series

New acts added to TVCR’s 2013 Summer Concert Series

Tesla

In a press release today Thunder Valley Casino Resort announced several new acts for their upcoming Summer Concert Series for 2013 and it appears this is going to be a great series.

Thunder Valley will welcome back several popular artists like Huey Lewis and the News, Peter Frampton and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

This Summer Concert Series will include the ‘Under the Sun’ tour featuring Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Vertical Horizon & Fastball. Look for tickets for this show to sell out early.

This year joining the legendary Peter Frampton in his ‘Guitar Circus’ tour will be the equally legendary B.B. King. Another show you won’t want to miss.

“We are thrilled to add these big name entertainers to our fourth annual Summer Concert Series lineup,” said Dawn Clayton, Acting General Manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort. “Our outdoor amphitheater is second to none in the region and as always, we will have a very well-rounded series of big name entertainers.”

Check back here for the latest updates!

Frankie Vallie and The Four Season Saturday, June 1
Pat Benatar w/Neil Geraldo and Cheap Trick Friday, June 7
Super Summer Soul Jam click for full line up Saturday, June 8
Doobie Brothers Friday, June 14
Jeff Dunham Friday, June 21
Lynyrd Skynrd Saturday, June 22
Under the Sun w/Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray and more Friday, July 12
Huey Lewis & the News Saturday, July 13
Larry Hernandez Saturday, July 20
Chicago Saturday, Aug 3
Gladys Knight and The O’Jays Friday, Aug 9
Bill Engvall Saturday, Aug 10
Chris Isaak Friday, Aug 16
Frampton’s Guitar Circus w/ B.B. King Friday, Aug 30
Beach Boys Friday, Sept 6
Heart Saturday, Sept 22
Bad Company Friday, Sept 27

boxofficetickets
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 15 for Thunder Club Members at the casino. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, March 16 and can be purchased online at http://thundervalleyresort.com/entertainment  or at the Thunder Valley Ticket Sales Office between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Hawaii comes to Thunder Valley Casino

Tia Carrere

Tia Carrere
Photo: Randy Miramontez

There was a whole lot of pupu’ing going on at Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Saturday as Hawaiian natives Tia Carrere, Daniel Ho, and the band Kapala entertained fans with some old-fashioned Hawaiian music.

Kicking off the show was Grammy Award winners Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho singing “He Aloha Melee” and “Pupu Hinuhinu.”

Carrere’s performance was flawless, as was Ho’s incredible guitar work. Carrere’s voice was smooth and silky as she continued on with “Me Ke Aloha Pumehana” and “He Nani,” from their award winning album ‘He Nani.’

You may recall Tia Carrere is a veteran actress who has starred in numerous movies and television shows, her most notable role was as rock singer Cassandra in the movie ‘Wayne’s World.’ She’s also the voice of Nani, in the movie and TV series of ‘Lilo and Stitch.’

Daniel Ho

Daniel Ho
Photo: Randy Miramontez

Carrere has come a long way since her start on the TV series ‘General Hospital,’ not only as an actor, but as a singer. Teaming up with childhood friend Daniel Ho, they have garnered a number of Grammy Awards including best album for ‘Ikena’ and ‘Huana Ke Aloha.’

Daniel Ho has released 18 solo albums and produced over 50 albums. Providing backup vocals for Tia on a number of songs, he played several instruments throughout the night including the piano, ukulele and guitar.

Kapala

Kapala
Photo: Randy Miramontez

When the band Kapala stormed the stage it was nothing but pure energy as band members Lance Kalanikai Artis, Ashley Kimo Artis, Richard Lanakila Heirakuji, Lopaka Ho’opi’i, Adriano Kawika Larioza and Zanuck Kapala Lindsey, put on a high energy and very entertaining show, kicking off their set with “96795” and “Chigasaki.”

The crowd really got into Kapala’s set as the band made their way through a number of their hits including “Come on Home” and “Palapalai.” Some fans headed to the back of Pano Hall to dance, while others danced at their seats.

It was a great night out, with Carrere and Ho putting on a spectacular show, and Kapala finishing up the night with some high energy tunes.

 

Thunder Valley announces Summer Concert Series

Thunder Valley Casino announces 2013 Summer Concert Series

Tesla

Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame

C.J. Graham General Manager
Photo: Randy Miramontez

General Manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort, C.J. Graham, announced at a recent press conference the first acts of its much anticipated Summer Concert Series.

“We are thrilled to announce the first round of acts for our fourth annual summer concert series at Thunder Valley,” said Graham, “Our outdoor amphitheater is second to none in the region and as always, we will have a very well-rounded series of big name entertainers.”

Graham added that the amphitheater will be expanded to include 4,800 seats, taking two months to build. He also confirmed that their wildly popular H20 pool party on Sundays will be back and better than ever.

The Doobie Brothers Photo: Randy Miramontez Click for more images

The Doobie Brothers
Photo: Randy Miramontez
Click for more images

 

 

UPDATED February 21, 2013 – in bold

The first acts announced are:

Frankie Vallie and The Four Season Saturday, June 1
Pat Benatar w/Neil Geraldo and Cheap Trick Friday, June 7
Super Summer Soul Jam click for full line up Saturday, June 8
Doobie Brothers Friday, June 14
Jeff Dunham Friday, June 21
Chicago Saturday, August 3
Bill Engvall Saturday, August 10

 

Thunder Valley Club Members will have the exclusive chance to purchase tickets on-site at Thunder Valley on Feb. 8. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Feb. 9.

This year Thunder Valley is introducing a “comprehensive” season pass, with Friday, or Saturday night concert passes, these will be available for purchase on Feb. 8.

You can visit Thunder Valley Casino’s website for a complete list of upcoming shows.

We will continually update this page, so check back for future shows coming to Thunder Valley this summer.

 

Super Summer Soul Jam W/ Cameo, Original Lakeside And More

Officer Needs Assistance at Thunder Valley Casino

 

Chris Gardner Band – Click for more images

The Placer County 10-35 Foundation’s Thunder in November charity drive took over Thunder Valley Casino’s Pano Hall on Saturday as the Chris Gardner Band, Road 88 and special guest Jeff Keith performed to a charitable crowd.

Jim Hudson with Placer County 10-35 Foundation

The Placer County 10-35 Foundation was created in 2011 as a non-profit charity designed to assist the men & women of Placer County law enforcement. The Foundation is a fraternal & benevolent association chartered to assist Placer County peace officers in times of great personal and organizational tragedy.

10-35 is part of law enforcement’s 10-code which means officer needs assistance.

Road 88 opened the show with lead singer Rachel Steele belting out Gretchen Wilson’s “All Jacked Up” and Emmylou Harris’ “One More Bottle of Wine.”

Road 88 – Click for more images

Joining founding members Rachel Steele (vocals) and Scott Prentice (guitar/vocals) were Billy Haggard (guitar), Charlie McGimsey (drums), Todd Prout (bass), Paul Southerland (lap/pedal steel, dobro) and Maggie Keith (backup vocals).

Road 88 was flawless in their delivery as one would expect from a band that was voted #1 in the Best Local Band category for the second year in a row on KCRA’s A-List.

Towards the end of their set Steele brought Tesla’s lead singer Jeff Keith on stage to sing a country song.

 

What!?

Jeff Keith goes to the dark side

Yes pardner you heard right! Jeff Keith comes strutting out looking cuter than a junebug in a jumpsuit, donning, of all things, a cowboy hat. Y’all wouldn’t have believe it.

After some wild applause and a collective gasp from the audience, Keith went on to explain that he was still with Tesla and all was good with the band, but he was pursuing a lifelong dream of singing country music. His new CD Jeff Keith and Country Music Friends, is due out on November 9th, featuring Kent Goodson and Pat Boone from The George Jones band.

With his best country voice, Keith went on to sing George Jones’ “Grand Tour,” as the crowd cheered him on.

As one would have expected, Keith’s chops were flawless and, surprisingly, he sounded like a genuine country star. Who’d have thunk it!

Scott Prentice and Jeff Keith – Click for more images

Stay tuned for a complete review of his new album.

In between sets Jim Hudson with the Placer County 10-35 foundation announced the winners of their silent auction for an autographed guitar signed by REO Speedwagon (Katie was the winner), and an autographed guitar signed by Road 88 and Jeff Keith(Diana was the winner). Katie insisted that she get a picture after the show with Chris Gardner and her newly acquired guitar.

The Chris Gardner Band kicked their set off with Alabama’s “Mountain Music” and Luke Bryan’s “Rain is a Good Thing,” as droves of people made their way to the dance floor.

Lead singer Chris Gardner was joined by Dwight Hogan (bass), Aaron Shively (lead guitar), Joey Gonzales (drums), Nikko Vargas (rhythm guitar), and Shawn Holiday (keyboard).

While Road 88 had a solid set, the Chris Gardner Band was able to pack the dance floor as they continued playing  “Something Like That” and “Dixieland Delight.”

This was a fun and successful event. Expect to see Thunder in November II next year!

For more information on Placer County 10-35 please visit them at http://www.placer1035foundation.org

Y’all don’t forget to checkout Jeff Keith’s alter ego at Jeff Keith Country!

 

The King of the Accordion

The King of the Accordion – Click for more images

Yes!! There is a king of the accordion and his name is Ramon Ayala.

Ayala, a four-time Grammy winner packed Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s summer amphitheater for the second year in a row on Friday night.

The 66 year old Ayala is a legend of norteño music and is one of the most recognized and best-selling artists of the genre.

Ayala played to norteño and tejano fans from both sides of the border, with fans singing along to every song. While I have no idea what the hell he was singing, I found it thoroughly entertaining as he worked his magic on the mostly older crowd.

Ayala arrived on stage with his trademark green, white and red accordion. The crowd erupted in cheers and several individuals made their way up to the stage to pay tribute to the man.

Ramon Ayala – Click for more images

Now as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am NOT a fan of the accordion, but I have to say when Ayala is playing its pretty spectacular to listen to.

Ayala was joined on stage by his band, known as Bravos del Norte. Band members were Mario Marichalar (bajo sexton and vocals), Fidencio Ayala (bass), Jose Luis Ayala (drums and vocals), David Laure (percussion) and Raul Rosales (emcee and percussion).

Lorenzo and Ayala

Ayala played a number of his hits including “Mi Piquito de Oro,” a Latin version of “Cotton Fields,” and “Un Puno de Tierra,” which had the entire audience on their feet.

Since I didn’t understand what was being said it was interesting watching the crowd’s reaction to, not only the music, but the dialog as emcee Rosales shouted out to the crowd. Apparently they were taking requests from audience members.

Midway through the performance Thunder Valley Casino gave away an autographed accordion signed the legendary performer. Audience member Lorenzo won the accordion and he was able to go onstage to collect his prize and meet the man himself.

Singing with Dummies

Terry Fator – Click for more images

America’s Got Talent winner Terry Fator and his cast of wooden characters took the stage Saturday night at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, complete with backing band and one mighty fine assistant.

Terry Fator is a ventriloquist with a twist, actually a couple of twists. Not only can the 47 year old command all things wooden, but he also has a knack for singing, and not just any singing, he can impersonate damn near any singer out there. From Dolly Parton to Lou Rawls he can belt it out just like the real thing.

Winston as the Phantom – Click for more images

Prior to the show the crowd was entertained by DJ Ben Harris and his exceptional dance moves. As he played a medley of songs, Harris was dancing from one end of the stage to the other.

Fator came out singing “Feeling Good,” to start the show as the mostly older crowd was clapping and cheering. Following up with “Phantom of the Opera,” Fator brought out Winston complete with his own phantom mask.

Winston called to Christine (the mighty fine assistant) saying he was her angel of music. That was up until she took his mask off and she ran off stage screaming.

Christine (the mighty fine nurse), Walter and Fator

As he continued, Winston informed him that he was auditioning for the Phantom of the Opera. Winston said he was qualified since he did win America’s Got Talent for Fator.

Walter T. Airedale came out singing Big and Rich’s “Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy.” Walter told everyone that he was running for president and was being attacked because people were saying he wasn’t a U.S. citizen. When Fator asked him if he had a birth certificate he said he sure does, and that was when a Home Depot receipt was shown on the big screen. Right away Fator said “So I see you got brass balls.” To which Walter replied, “Every President should have a pair.”

Audience member Rob with Fator

Fator was on fire as he continued with Duggie Scott Walker (an annoying neighbor), Wrex (the crash test dummy), Julius (the soul singer), Emma Taylor, Maynard Thompkins (an Elvis Presley impersonator who doesn’t know any Elvis songs), and Vikki the Cougar (a perpetual 49 year old who likes younger men).

Wrex – Click for more images

There was a touching moment as Fator explained how a young boy, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, wanted to go to Las Vegas to see Fator’s show. The young boy passed away several weeks after meeting Fator. Fator regretted not playing a song he wrote called “Horses in Heaven.” Management decided that the song would not play well in Vegas, but since the boys visit Fator has put it back into his show. After playing “Horses in Heaven,” he informed everyone that the proceeds of the song goes towards Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

At one point Fator singled out a married couple Addie and Rob asking Rob to come up onstage. Placing a mask over his face Fator turned him into a human puppet and starting committing to his wife that he hates sports, and she can take control of the remote.

Winston came back out onstage and they closed the show with an extremely well done rendition of “It’s a Wonderful World.”

This was a great show and I would definitely go out of my way to see him again.  Since Fator is often compared to Jeff Dunham I  have to say while Dunham can be hilarious, he tends to be pretty racial and at times crude, where Fator’s show was good clean fun. Now that’s not to say Fator’s show at the Mirage in Las Vegas is clean, I wouldn’t know,  but what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

 

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