Local Reno Talent

Reno has some of the best entertainment in the country, from the more lavish major productions to the small groups playing in the corner lounges. This page is dedicated to those small bands who are out there giving you their best efforts. The reviews come from their promo packs and my own somewhat biased opinion. Seek them out and catch their shows - they are worth the effort.

Phillip Amundson
Phillip studied the guitar in Madrid, Spain before starting his professional career in the United States. He has performed in San Francisco, Las Vegas and many other nearby towns, but calls Reno his home. Phillip is currently playing John Ascuaga's Orozoko Restaurant in the Nugget. Although the theme is Spanish, he takes audience requests for all types of music.
Arcanian Mist
Through a sea of ideas, and an ocean of opportunity, Arcanian Mist arose out of the thoughts of two musicians starting out on a path that had no end, just a beginning. That was the way it all started for this band out of the Carson City, Nevada area. David Fischer and Lindsay Lerma started creating music in the late 90's while still in high school. Though most of what they played was just an excuse to get the attention of neighbors who weren't about to become groupies. In fact they were the bands first critics, as one quoted Turn that noise down! That was then, this is now. A few years later with two more members, Charlie Marsh and Michael Smith, a new beginning was in sight for Arcanian Mist. This is the sound you hear now. The hard churning of guitar with the mellow feel of a dark melody creates a unique sound that you can not ignore. With a hard driven work ethic and strong will to create, Arcanain Mist will be rocking for years to come.
Bad Neighbors
The Bad Neighbors band formed in Hidden Valley, Reno, NV, in late 2001. Anchored by the strong vocals of former Breeze Bros. (a popular local band in the early 80’s) John Elkins and Geoff White, Bad Neighbors specializes in those cool, classic, country and rock sounds that are synonymous with feeling good and dancing the night away. Bassist Lawson Fox completes the three part harmonies, with Mike Hogue on guitars and Rick Gruninger keeping time at the drum kit. Bad Neighbors cover many of your favorite artists, including: The Beatles, Eagles, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, John Fogerty, John Prine, and Robert Earl Keen. They also have a few originals that have gained a little air play of late! Bad Neighbors hope they can see you soon, out on the dance floor helping them rock the place down. They’re available for private parties and conventions, too! www.badneighborsrock.com
Burning Peace
Burning Peace was formed in March, 2002 by members of Cap n' Soup and Hippy Dye Cowboy, all of whom agree that this is the most fun they've had in their long and varied musical careers. Playing and working together as performers and songwriters has proven to be a wonderful reminder why they became musicians in the first place! The fact that all three members are singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists makes for a powerful and extremely flexible combination that really shines during live performances.
Comstock Cowboys
David John and the Comstock Cowboys are a group of five veteran musicians who have known each other for several years. Each member has performed with a variety of groups in different formats over the years. Two of the members are brothers from the state of Connecticut. Two other members have known each other since childhood, their pioneer Nevada families having ranched the same valley in Nevada since the early 1900's. The group was formed in 1997, playing at the "Old Washoe Club" in Virginia City, Nevada for friends and tourists literally from all over the world. The music format can simply be described as cowboy, western, and country in its purest form.
Darque Carnival
Darque Carnival was formed in 1996. They are a heavy metal band along the line of Pantera. The band's heavy metal sound and stage performance, featuring gothic imagery and pyrotechnics have earned it a reputation around town. In fact, Darque Carnival won the February 1997 Battle of the Band contest. For more information on the band you can e-mail them at Htgrlsinlv@hotmail.com.
Dean-O-Holics
Dean-O-Holics featuring Rat Pack Tribute to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis & Nat King Cole. All Live w/ Baby Grand Piano, Sax, Drums and Upright Bass. The show is unlike any you have seen. Full of lyric changes & gags to include the audience along with music from your favorite artists, or focused more on just the music to set the perfect tone for you special event. Website: deanoholics.com
Deja Blues
Deja Blues, is a wildly popular, high energy, multi-talented band performing in and around Northern Nevada. And while the members have been together under the name Deja Blues for less than 1 year, their accomplishments to-date are those usually reserved for bands that have been together for years. They have stalked audiences in pursuit of more and more people to listen and dance to their music. This grueling schedule has paid off, as now they play for standing room only crowds. The band describes their musical style as "Electric Blues"; playing such covers as Stormy Monday, and Summertime, as well as a tasty selection of Rock and R&B favorites. For Deja Blues their music library is a natural collection of music commonly referred to as Rock ‘n Roll, R & B, or Rockin’ Blues, since all of these genres are firmly rooted in the Blues. Deja Blues will never forget where the music comes from, and where they are going with it is perfectly evident.
Larry Elliott & Good Time Music        
Since the release of their award-winning CD, "Goldmine", Larry Elliott & Good Time Music have enjoyed immense success in the Convention/Special Events genre. "...Their music is like 2 big scoops of ice cream on a hot summer day", says the Sacramento Bee. Toe-tapping-sing-along-songs that shine like the brass on Cody's tuba or Joe's trombone. And you got to get happy when you hear the sound of Larry's banjo-bouncing beat. Five guys that sound like 10. Always a happy choice that never fails to please the whole family!
Hardrive
Hardrive...one of Northern Nevadas' fastest growing dance-rock bands, will make you want to shout, kick up your heels, and just get down funky to their great sounding classic, and newer rock tunes! With a state-of-the-art sound system plus light show, this tight rock trio has performed in many venues in and around Nevada, and Northern California. Just a few would be: Joe Bob's Roadhouse, Al's Old 395 Grill, The Club Underground, The Blue Coyote, Sidelines, Decades, The Taste of Downtown (Carson), Rocky's Bar & Grill, The Golden Phoenix...the list goes on! Hardrive is: Nigel St. Hubbins: Lead Guitar & Vocals; Craig
Odoan: Bass Guitar & Vocals; Rick Gruninger: Drums.
Steve Jones
Steve Jones is an experienced public speaker and has performed standup comedy at local clubs as well as full-length shows for private parties. His current show, "Classical Wit" looks at the lighter side of classical music through wit and humor, and includes beautiful, well-known piano pieces by Beethoven, Chopin and more.
Midnight Cowboy    
If you love Country music, you just have to check this guy out. Even if you don't love Country music, the Cowboy's act will make you sit up and pay attention. We're talking about superior special effects here, folks. He has it all, from flashing colored lights to smoke machines and a portable stage for outdoor events. He even has an amazing pyrotechnics display where permitted. If you run a lounge or club that uses live (and I mean live) entertainment, check out The Midnight Cowboy's site right here on VisitReno.com.
Johnny Reno (Elvis impersonator)     
Since High School, Johnny has entertained audiences world-wide . Having lived in Australia, Singapore, and Brunei, he began performing at his 16th birthday party, and was often asked to do his impersonations of Elvis. In August, 2000 Johnny performed at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee prior to the annual candlelight vigil which is held each year to honor Elvis. Visit his site here.
Doug Robertson and Company
Doug Robertson and Company is a different musical act. This acoustic "Woodstock Generation" act looks like Peter, Paul and Mary, but sounds more like Crosby, Stills & Nash. High energy rock and roll is their focus, vocal harmony is the medium, and audience enjoyment is the target. Relive the songs of Dylan, The Guess Who, Mamas & Papas, Beatles, Beachboys, Doby Grey and Crosby, Stills and Nash are some of the groups covered in their act. The shows feature skilled performances with great songs and humorous stories mingled in. Doug Robertson & Company has appeared at Alpine Meadows, Big Ed's, The Garage, The Flamingo Hilton, Schlotzsky's Deli, The Great Basin Brewing Co., Einsteins Quantum Cafe' and Street Vibrations.
Amber Rubarth
In a world filled with musicians singing about their struggles and broken hearts, Amber Rubarth is a refreshing change. Her timeless, uplifting messages mixed with a magnetic stage presence has created what the Sparks Tribune calls "her meteoric rise."
Less than one year after Amber picked up a guitar and started writing songs, she had already performed for enthusiastic crowds from San Francisco to New York as a solo performer. Talk about catching on quick. And it doesn't stop there... on top of her strong songwriting and guitar playing, Amber has a big powerful voice that doesn't look like it could come out of such a small body, and crowds are time and time again silenced with enjoyment.
Harrah's crowned her the second prize winner in their 2004 "Search for Stars" contest. Well over 100 musicians competing, and the young girl who just picked up the guitar takes the prize. But just wait, this is only the beginning.
The debut album is scheduled to be released this November 2004. She will be recording at Angelhouse East Studio in NYC this fall, and will undoubtedly be in place for national attention after it is released.
Sierra Express     
Sierra Express offers a diversified range of musical selections ranging from the classic rock sounds of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Steppenwolf, The Eagles, and Elvis, to the country music stylings of Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, and Toby Keith. Sierra Express showcases the vocal styles from all 6 of its members. By trading off lead and background vocal duties, Sierra Express can offer a wider range of music. Sierra Express has played a wide range of venues all over Nevada and Northern California from private parties, charity events and public appearances. Sierra Express performed as the premier band for the 2002 and 2003 Nevada State Fair and Lake of the Springs Thousand Trails Resort. Sierra Express has also played in many Reno area clubs such as Sidelines Sports Bar, The Baron, Scores Sports Bar, Pure Country Dance Hall, Lone Star Lounge and Knuckleheads Sports Bar. Sierra Express has performed for private functions at John Ascuaga's Nugget and in Bishop CA, Grass Valley CA, Fernley NV, and the annual Gridley Days celebration in Austin, Nevada. For more information about Sierra Express please visit our website at www.SierraExpressBand.com
Luke Stevenson
Timeless music, pure entertainment, clean & honest interpretation of the songs you know and love...... Since 1977, Luke has been performing his own unique blend of original material and the most popular ballads of the last 20 to 30 years. His audiences find his performances personal, memorable and rich with genuine feeling and emotion. His special interaction with listeners creates an intimate connection that leaves a lasting impression.
Wild Deuce
Wild Deuce is a country music duo act, that has been entertaining audiences throughout Nevada and California since 2001. Specializing in Top 40 country, classic country, and some great original tunes as well, their mix of material is both easy to dance, and listen to.
Wit's End Comedy Club  
For the past 10 years, The Wit's End Comedy Club has been playing the Reno Area, cracking up their audiences with their own brand of whacky humor. You'll find comedy here for young and old. Who knows? You may even see a performing parrot. Visit the site here.

| Home | Shows | Events | Special Events | Hotels & Casinos | Wedding Chapels | Restaurants | John Evanoff's Nevada | Free Coupons | Reno Business Listings | Message Board | Virginia City | Attractions | Free Activities | Art Galleries | BJ Loss Minimizer | Helpful Links | Tipping Guide | Taxis and Limos | Reno's Parks | Golf Courses | RV Parks | Reno Entertainers | Reno's Bus Service | Senior Services | Local Reno Artists | Downtown Casino Map | Lawyers & Legal | Bars & Clubs | Day Spas & Health Clubs |
All content on this site © VisitReno.com, 2024
and may be used with permission.
~ Site designed and maintained by John Muller ~

Web hosting by ActionWeb.com