While taking in the music on an afternoon on the Valhalla Grand Lawn, concertgoers can take in the scent of a pine forest, feel the warmth of the sun and perhaps catch a glimpse of an osprey flying overhead.
The free shows are a treat for each of the senses, especially when Carolyn Dolan is on the stage. The blues and jazz singer-harmonica player will perform the second show of the summer at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 7.
Dolan has been a musical favorite at Lake Tahoe since the 1990s when she fronted a country swing band, The Outpsyders. Her time with that band led to an induction into the Western Swing Society Hall of Fame. Dolan has since led a blues band, Big Red. In 2015, she released a jazz album, “How Deep is the Ocean” with piano player Peter Supersano and the Reno Jazz Orchestra. Here album release show was in the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre.
Dolan will be reunited with Supersano on Sunday with her new band. Members include guitarist Mick Valentino, drummer Steve Self, bassist Hans Halt and tenor saxophone player Mauro DiGiola. Dolan plays and is endorsed by Easttop harmonicas.
“This new band plays a funky, soulful mix of blues and R&B,” Dolan said.
Dolan’s concert is one of three that will be held on the Grand Lawn this summer. Last week, the Mike Justis Band with Kathy Barwick performed a bluegrass show. It is part of the 40th season of the Valhalla Art, Music & Theatre Festival at the Tallac Historic Site, located on Highway 89 in South Lake Tahoe.
Tim Parsons / Tahoe Onstage
