Tahoe Onstage photos by Pheonix Gruneich
A perfect summer night awaited fans for Clint Black on Friday night at Carson Valley Inn’s outdoor venue, where Mother Nature was smiling, too: Not too hot and not too cold. A sold-out crowd packed TJ’s Corral. People came out dressed up in comfortable duds, with no shortage of cowboy boots and hats
Black is an old-school country music singer-songwriter. He plays multiple instruments and his career has been stirring fans since the late 1980s. He loves to produce, as well, and he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1991.
His songs were well known to the audience, tunes such as “A Better Man” and “Nothing But The Taillights.” Folks popped out of their seats in a hurry and rushed toward the stage to dance the night away. All ages showed up to enjoy the show. Black insisted several times that fans put their phones away after a few photos to “be here and enjoy the moment with us.” Black asked everyone to stand and sing back to him the parts he played on harmonica. The crowd obliged and responded admirably, to which Black replied: “Y’all are silly here in Minden, Nevada.”
Black jokingly said he needed a break to catch his breath with Minden’s 4,700-foot elevation, but delivered a solid show that left some concertgoers breathless. He’s backed by a talented band. Guitarist James Hayden Nicholas has been with him since the beginning and also co-writes with Black. Back-and-forth guitar action between Black and Nicholas, and great soloing, were highlights.
Lots of couple were holding hands — and each other close– and dancing together. It seemed people had their favorite song played at some point during the performance. In the end, Black was summoned out for an encore song and then shook hands as he departed the stage. Beers and drinks were flowing and smiles were plenty. What a good summer night in the country for a down-home show.
– Pheonix Gruneich
