The Coloma-Lotus Valley is home to many musicians and music lovers. Music fills the air in a myriad of venues, from simple gatherings at private homes to venues at many of the local restaurants. In particular, look for great music of all kinds — typically on summer weekends — at the Sierra Nevada House, Marco’s, River Shack, Gringo’s and the Coloma Club.
Three times a year, the valley hosts musical events that draw folks from all over the state. Saturday, June 5th, it’s Coloma Blues Live! Don’t miss this all-day blues festival, staged along the shore of the American River at Henningsen Lotus Park. This year’s star-studded lineup includes the Robert Cray Band, Charlie Musselwhite, Coco Montoya, The Laurie Morvan Band and Shane Dwight. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the gate. Net proceeds benefit the El Dorado Arts Council (EDAC) which is a non-profit organization that enriches and educates the community in all of the arts. For more information, call the EDAC office at (530) 295- 3496, or visit www.colomablueslive.com.
In August, learn to nurture the musician & songwriter within you with professional instruction and guidance hosted by Joe Craven and other fine Northern California musicians at the American River Acoustic Music Camp. Located on the river at the beautiful American River Resort, the camp runs from August 1st to the 5th, 2010. For more information, call (530) 333-1018 or visit www.americanriverfolk.org.
September 17-19, 2010, all the stops are pulled out for the 4th Annual American River Music Festival, which features acoustic, Americana, folk & blues. It is primarily staged along the river at Henningsen-Lotus Park, with support from several valley campgrounds. This year’s performers include Jesse Winchester, Slaid Cleaves, Karla Bonoff with Kenny Edwards & Nina Gerber, Handful of Luvin, Mike Beck & the Bohemian Saints, Ann Weiss & David Jacobs-Strain, California Honeydrops, Walter Strauss Trio, Berkely Hart, Leroy Bell & His Only Friends, Forest Sun, Dana Hubbard, Garrin Benfield, Johnny Mojo and more! Celebrate music and moving water with live performances, workshops, kids activities, art, vendors, food, and wine tasting. Several different ticket packages are available. www.americanrivermusic.org.