To classify Chris Duarte simply as a Blues Man is an understatement.  In his own words, “rockin’ blues” or ”punk blues” describes him best.  “Ferocious blues” also fits.  Legend has it that Chris will play so hard that his fingers bleed in a set.  The legend is true.  Photos attest.

Chris Duarte is a road warrior playing more than 150 dates a year.  As well, Chris has headlined major festivals and clubs throughout the US, Canada and Europe.

Chris is a savant, a sorcerer of tone, a master at channeling the spirits and sounds of great musicians of our past, while remaining completely recognizable in his own sound.  He has shared his stage with many of the greatest musicians of our time as well as the multitude of “young lions” and local musicians he meets on the road.  From his many years as a side man in Austin, he easily changes roles from front to side, graciously allowing all to share the conversation of the jam.

Chris Duarte’s music is ever changing.  In many interviews, he has said “Music must evolve.”  His own early offerings often become magical journeys into changing tempo and jazzy interludes before returning to their core.  With such a vast catalog of recordings, there are no two shows alike.  Every set list is different, and each song may be offered distinctly, based on the feel of a show and the audience.  For those reasons, loyal fans often return to a Chris Duarte show again and again, and always walk away awed and satisfied to have witnessed such a legendary, but humble guitarist.

 

Weaving together modern and traditional styles of American music, Never Come Down is a Portland, Oregon based band composed of Joe Suskind (guitar), Crystal Lariza (vocals), Lillian Sawyer (fiddle), and Kaden Hurst (mandolin). Their dedication to thoughtful songwriting and dynamic arrangements highlight polished technical skills and a commitment to listening to each other. Formed in 2018, the band began touring extensively- steadily cultivating a passionate fan base at home in the Pacific Northwest, and eventually around the country. NCD released their first studio album “Better Late Than Never” in 2021 and their second LP “Greener Pastures” in 2024. They’ve toured internationally and have found acclaim at festivals such as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Iceland Airwaves, John Hartford Memorial Fest, Americanafest, FreshGrass and RockyGrass.

Hailing from Santa Cruz, CA, Poi Rogers performs original and vintage American roots music, with Gerard Egan doubling on acoustic guitar and triple neck steel and Carolyn Sills on standup bass, their timeless harmonies anchoring the show.

They won the 2018 and 2024 Ameripolitan Award for Western Swing Group (as ‘The Carolyn Sills Combo’), and Carolyn was named the Academy of Western Artists’ Western Swing Female Vocalist of 2020.  They performed at the 2024 Monterey Jazz Festival and are both Sacramento Western Swing Hall of Fame inductees. They’ve been known to spontaneously perform other musicians’ material, from ZZ Top to Patsy Cline to Django Reinhardt. For them, it’s all about having a good time.

What began as a fun way for the couple to explore the vintage musical styles they love turned into an in-demand touring act, with the second Poi Rogers album due out in 2026.

Join us for an evening  with Native Nevadan, Dale Erquiaga, while he shares his books inspired by the experiences of his Basque relatives and their lives in Nevada.

His book Three Wive’s Tales was the winner of 2020 Basque Writing Contest sponsored by the University of Nevada, Reno. The novel provides a glimpse into the lives of Victoria, Eladia, and Annie, three formidable Basque women who served as the backbone of their families in the American West. Woven together as a work of historical fiction, the memoirs and family lore of these three Nevada women capture a journey of self-discovery filled with wisdom
and strength that other Basque and immigrant families will
recognize. The author is the son and grandson of the tale’s protagonists.

His book from 2024 is A Soldier’s Road, a fictionalized history of two men who served in World War II. It details their very different upbringing – one the child of poor Spanish Basque immigrants in rural Nevada, the other a highly educated engineer with a stellar career in the Army and public service. Fabian “Bob” Rubianes served as an Army private in WWII and was horribly wounded on Okinawa in 1945. General Tom Farrell rose to become deputy commander of the Manhattan Project, targeting and later inspecting the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The book also details how these very different men traveled the post-war road home to their families, who would ultimately be connected by the marriage of the General’s great-granddaughter to Bob’s nephew, the book’s author.

About the Author: Dale Erquiaga is a native Nevadan, the grandson of Spanish Basque immigrants. He is the only person in Nevada history to serve as both state superintendent of public instruction and chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Dale was also the national president and CEO of Communities In Schools, the nation’s largest and most effective
dropout prevention organization. Other positions in government include service as senioradvisor chief strategy officer for Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval; director of the Nevada Department of Museums, Library & Arts; and Nevada’s chief deputy secretary of state. Dale holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nevada,Reno, and a master’s degree in leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is the proud father of two and grandfather of six. He resides in Northern Nevada with his dog,
Ezra. Dale is currently working on a third novel about his family.

This event is free and is part of a Literary Series in honor of Aliceann Doyle.

From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco based band Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on bluegrass and Americana.  With wild vocals, and world class cello playing, the group is led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman. Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping! 

 Dirty Cello performs all over the world, from Iceland to Israel, from Scottish castles to underground caves presenting an energetic and wild show that’s been described as,

“Dirty Cello’s music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical.” by Oakland Magazine.

Tickets $20 and are available online and at The Martin Hotel

 

We are honored to have Margo Cilker back on our stage to share her excellent songs and self.  Her songs are powerful yet relatable; telling stories rooted in place, experience, and gifted perception and expression.

In the wake of the critically acclaimed “Valley of Hearts Delight” and her stunning debut “Pohoryll” Margo Cilker has made a name for herself as a clear-eyed troubadour, spinning songs from everyday truths. Her live performances are at once intimate and electric, inviting glimpses into the characters and moments that are the fabric of life. She makes her home near the Columbia River in Goldendale, Washington with her husband, songwriter and working cowboy Forrest VanTuyl, as well their dog and some horses.

Get your tickets early!

Kyle-Matthew Taylor writes Americana songs rooted in earnest storytelling and the grit and grace of lived experience. His sound pulls from the quiet growl of Gillian Welch, the wry storytelling of John Prine, and the alt-rock sway of Wilco and Drive-By Truckers. After spending a decade in the Texas Hill Country—where he fronted the indie-rock project The Canvas People and sharpened his voice as a songwriter—he relocated to Nevada in 2021. His songs carry the fingerprints of his northeastern roots, his years in Austin’s creative orbit, and the lived-in honesty he brings to every lyric. Taylor’s music bridges heartache, hope, and the quiet moments in between.  Join us for some Saturday night joy with Kyle and his band.

Hannah Juanita left her home state of Tennessee in her early twenties, excited to meet the world. She travelled in search of herself, worked odd jobs, and spent countless nights singing fireside under the stars with friends, never pursuing music as a career. 

Eventually, Hannah made it back to Tennessee, landing in Nashville with nothing but her dog Loretta, her guitar, and a handful of heartbreak songs. She started singing around town and quickly became a staple live performer and a highly respected vocalist in the traditional country scene in Music City, known for her classic, old school sound. 

Self proclaimed ramblin’ gal, Hannah Juanita has toured heavily around the country since 2021 headlining and supporting acts like Kaitlin Butts, Hayes Carll, Braxton Keith, Nick Shoulders, Emily Nenni, Summer Dean, and Jesse Daniel. Her debut record ‘Hardliner’ established her reputation as a full-hearted, free-spirited, and irresistibly genuine honky tonk angel. Hannah Juanita’s second full length record, ‘Tennessee Songbird’, produced by Mose Wilson, was released August 30, 2024 to high acclaim, breaking into the top 40 on the Americana Radio Chart and top 3 on the Alt Country Chart. Named one of the five female artists creating the future of country music by Grammy.com, in 2025, Hannah will be touring across America and Europe.

Mose Wilson is a talented artist blending roots, country, Americana, and bluegrass with influences of soul, funk, and rock & roll. Starting his musical journey at six, he became the first traditional musician in his family, inspired by legends like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

His self-titled debut album, **“Mose Wilson,”** released in 2021, received critical acclaim and showcased his ability to explore themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of life. As a guitarist, songwriter, and producer, Mose has collaborated with artists such as Melissa Carper and Eliza Thorn.

With his upcoming album, **“That’s Love,”** Mose invites listeners to experience the heartfelt connection of his music.

Tickets $20

 

Join us for a double bill with Winnemucca Brown and Kepi Ghoulie.

Kepi Ghoulie, punk rock’s eternal optimist, is the founder of the Groovie Ghoulies and now a prolific songwriter/solo artist. With a cheerful, childlike energy, he blends Ramones-inspired punk with catchy pop melodies. Known for his whimsical lyrics and DIY ethos, Kepi’s music radiates pure joy. Kepi tours relentlessly, spreading his infectious enthusiasm to fans worldwide and proving that punk can be fun and uplifting.

Opening for the night will be local gem Winnemucca Brown playing songs from the new L.N.O.Y. folk  album In the Mountains of the Minds.  A talented songwriter and musician, Jerry has been bringing musical projects and creative collaborations to our town for many grateful years.  Come out and celebrate his new songs!

Showtime is earlier than usual.  6pm-8pm.  Get your tickets online or at The Martin Hotel. $15