Thousands of music fans are expected to fill the North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista at this year’s outdoor concert series. Held at MontBleu in South Lake Tahoe last summer, this year’s shows promise pumping dance tunes and big names. Hosted by PR Entertainment, Inc., the concerts sandwich a daylong EDM (electronic dance music) festival on July 19 in between two reggae concerts scheduled for July 17 and Aug. 13.
“For us to get this level of tour to Tahoe is pretty cool,” said Paul Reder, founder of the Zephyr Cove-based PR Entertainment. “My goal as a 26-year-resident [of Tahoe] is to encourage the music scene and take it up a notch, bring the focus to Lake Tahoe through these tours, and bring people up to the lake.” Using Google Maps, Reder found the regional park and realized it was an ideal venue, allowing concertgoers to hang out in a natural setting, not in a cement parking lot.
Summer Sessions 2014, July 17
Southern California punk-reggae rockers Slightly Stoopid headline the first show of the series, supported by NOFX, Stephen Marley, and Fishbone. Slightly Stoopid got its start in the mid-’90s and was signed to Skunk Records by Sublime’s late lead singer, Bradley Nowell, soon after he first heard the band. Slightly Stoopid blends reggae beats, ska-influenced horns, and punk, keeping listeners eager for whatever sound comes next. With seven studio albums out and collaborations with a smattering of musicians — G. Love, Chali 2na, reggae icon Don Carlos, and more — Slightly Stoopid’s not slowing down any time soon. Moonshine connected with the band’s saxophone player, Dela, in anticipation of the upcoming show.
What does your blend of sounds say about you guys as musicians?
I think it really speaks to our eclectic mix of influences … The music we listen to directly affects what we write and our style and approach. We have the greatest fans ever and I think it’s this diversity in our music that draws them to us time and time again.
What are you most stoked for about this upcoming tour?
We are all really stoked to collaborate with so many of our favorite artists this summer. To share a stage with NOFX and Stephen Marley in all the natural beauty that is Tahoe, [that] can’t be beat.
After summer tour season ends, what are you guys planning next?
The plan [is] to really buckle down and finish this record we’ve been working on all year.
Bass Camp, July 19
After the huge success that was last year’s inaugural Bass Camp Festival, PR Entertainment decided to create a company dedicated to EDM culture. This year’s line-up boasts nine DJs that will play for 12 hours starting at 11 a.m., including headliner DATSIK, a live set from Infected Mushroom, and more. “The event was so popular that the fans started calling themselves campers and created new identities for themselves,” Reder said. “There is a culture in the EDM industry; the fans relate to each other and the community more than any other genre I’ve produced … I’ve been doing this for so long, it re-energizes me for the whole music industry to see how it’s evolved to a culture of its own.”
Count Me In Summer Tour, Aug. 13
A wave of West Coast reggae is crashing on the shores of Tahoe with the final concert of the series, featuring Rebelution, Iration, The Green, Stick Figure, and DJ MACKLE. Combining traditional reggae with rock and world music influences, headliner Rebelution formed in Santa Barbara in the mid-2000s and gained attention because of its socially conscious messages and catchy melodies. The group does over 100 shows a year while staying connected with its fans and the principle messages of reggae music. Moonshine got in touch with lead singer Eric Rachmany after he returned home from the first leg of his summer tour.
Are you guys excited to tour and play songs from your new album, Count Me In?
It’s definitely exciting playing some new songs off Count Me In. Also very cool to see the fans singing these new songs with me. The best part so far about this tour has been hanging out with Iration, The Green, and Stick Figure. Everyone on this tour gets along so well. Such a family vibe!
Do you think there’s a connection between reggae and the mountains? What does reggae do for your spirit?
I believe reggae music is for everyone in every climate, but there’s definitely something special about being outdoors, listening and dancing to reggae music. I got into reggae music after listening to legendary vocalist Don Carlos. That experience ultimately led me on a quest to play reggae music. Reggae lifts me up for sure.
What’s it like seeing the audience sing along to your songs, word for word?
We definitely feed off the energy of the crowd. I learned several years ago that even if the crowd isn’t moving or singing, it doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t feeling the music.
Visit prepresents.com/events for concert times, prices, and to purchase tickets.
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