The Coloma-Lotus Valley is home to many musicians, and live music. Are we not all music lovers. Music fills the Summer air in a myriad of venues and 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, Sierra Rizing and the Coloma Club.
Three times a year, the valley hosts amazing musical events that brings musicians and draws music lovers from throughout the country.
Saturday, June 9th, 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 Jackie Greene, The Laurie Morvan Band, The California Honeydrops, David Jacobs-Strain with Joe Craven, and The Sacramento Blues Revue. Early Bird Tickets through April 30th are $35. 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 late July, learn to nurture the musician & songwriter within you with professional instruction and guidance hosted by Joe Craven and other fine national instructors at RiverTunes music camp. Located on the river at the beautiful American River Resort, the camp runs from July 29th to August 2nd, 2012. For more information go to www.rivertunes.com
September 14-16, all the stops are pulled out for the 6th Annual American River Music Festival, which features the finest in roots and Americana music. Over 25 presentations take place in 10 locations including the riverfront main stage at Henningsen-Lotus Park, three river front campgrounds, a whitewater river trip down the famous “gorge”, a guided river hike, and hot spots throughout Coloma. The Sacramento Bee named the festival as a Best Choice for “Fun Things to do in 2012.” Celebrate beyond the live music with dance parties, jams, learn shops, kids’ activities, live art, art vendors, freshly prepared food, craft beer and local wines. Several different ticket packages are available. All info and tickets are at www.americanrivermusic.org.