Reno-Tahoe shows through January: Jeff Dunham, GWAR, David Foster, Andre Nickatina and more

For the first time in two years, there’s a grouping of holiday casino shows and Christmas tours heading their way through Reno-Tahoe. These shows join a bunch of other headliners in music and comedy to make the concert season steady-going for winter in our region.
Yet one holiday event not happening, maybe even forever in Tahoe, is Snowglobe, the New Year’s dance/electronica event run by MTV’s parent company Viacom that brought big names and thousand of visitors. SFGATE reported that the Lake Tahoe City Council did not renew Snowglobe’s contract, then organizers also canceled the 2021 event due to the pandemic before a new location was announced.
All the more reason for you to check first before attending any of the shows listed below, as conditions may still change in Reno-Tahoe due to the continuing pandemic response. Several venues in either casinos or in the club scene are taking extra measures to provide social distancing, including operating at less than 100 percent capacity and requiring vaccination cards, negative COVID-19 tests and/or mandatory mask-wearing.
See below for selected shows currently being announced for the next three months, November through January 2022.
This artist is known for merging dubstep with more traditional Jamaican dance music styles. He performs at 9 p.m. at Cargo, Whitney Peak Hotel, 255 N. Virginia St.
The show is Nov. 13. Tickets are $25-$35. For details, call 775-398-5400 or visit cargoreno.com.
Based in Philadelphia, this band merges traditional reggae sounds with rock and folk music. They will play at 8 p.m. in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay.
The show is Nov. 13. Tickets are $20-$25. For details, call 775-833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.
This duo mixes trad rock and roll with punk verve. They are on the bill with local punk-and-roll band The Living Daylights. It all starts at 9 p.m. at The Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave., Sparks.
The show is Nov. 15. Tickets are $10. For details, call 775-358-6700 o
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, this group is making a name for itself with its ’80s inflected synthpoppy take on modern indie rock. They will play at 7:30 p.m. at The Holland Project, 140 Vesta St.
The show is Nov. 16. Tickets are $15-$18. For details, call 775-742-1858 or visit hollandreno.org.
One of the more popular bands of the last decade in rock-reggae circles, this Southern California group also throws in some traditional blues, punk and ska influences. They are back for this show at 8 p.m. at the Showroom, Montbleu Resort Casino, 55 Highway 50, Stateline.
The show is Nov. 18. Tickets are $30. For details, call 775-588-3515 or visit montbleuresort.com.
This romantic crooner is known for big hits such as “Chances Are” and “Misty.” He’s been a Reno staple for years, and he’s back for this show at 8 p.m. at Grande Exposition Hall, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 N. Virginia St.
The show is Nov. 19. Tickets are $75-$100. For details, call 775-325-7401 or visit silverlegacyreno.com.
A pair of DJ/artist touring the country will play this bill that starts at 9 p.m. at Dead Ringer Analog Bar, 432 E. 4th St.
The show is Nov. 19. Tickets are $17-$30. For details, call 775-409-4431 or visit facebook.com/drabreno.
This all-local bill is the pre-Turkey Day place to be for local punk and metal music. Acts on the bill include Lincoln Skinz, Cell, Cryptilians and Split Persona. It all begins at 6 p.m. at the Cellar Stage in the Alturas Bar, 1044 E. 4th St.
The show is Nov. 19. Tickets are $10. For details, call 775-324-5050 or visit facebook.com/alturasNV.
This hip-hop artist combines social comment with a more alternative-styled take on the genre. His best-known songs include “Superstar,” “The Show Goes On” and “Battle Scars.” He performs at 8 p.m. at Virginia St. Brewhouse, 211 N. Virginia St.
The show is Nov. 20. Tickets are $35-$40. For details, call 775-433-1090 or visit renobrewhouse.com.
This DJ/artist heads up a bass-heavy night of dance/electronica which begins at 9 p.m. at The BlueBird, 555 E. 4th St.
The show is Nov. 20. Tickets are $10. For details, call 775-499-5549 or visit thebluebirdreno.com.
Not only is St. Nick back, but so are casino variety shows, as evidenced by this one, which is the first at Eldorado’s property since the pandemic shutdown of last year. “Wonderland” looks to be filled with music and dancing, including set pieces to holiday classics old and new. Shows take place at 7 p.m. every day expect Monday during this run, with 4 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, except for a 1 p.m. matinee on the day after Christmas. Performances are at the Showroom in the Eldorado Resort Casino, 345 N. Virginia St.
Shows are from Nov. 23 to Dec. 26. Tickets are $40. For details, call 775-786-5700 or visit eldoradoreno.com.
Playing soul and funk right in the middle of the “hippie” period, this San Francisco band has continued with that style to this day. The current lineup features original members Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupka, both on saxophone, alongside longtime drummer David Garibaldi. They play at 8 p.m. at Boomtown Casino Hotel, 2100 Garson Road, Verdi.
The show is Nov. 26. Tickets are $75-$150. For details, call 775-345-8520 or visit boomtownreno.com.
A long-running metal band with a theatrical, buckets-of-blood stage show, GWAR always bring amazing openers to the bill, and this is no exception for their latest run in Reno. It’s the don’t-be-late pair of pioneering grindcore band Napalm Death and sludge-rock titans Eyehategod. It all starts at 8 p.m. at Virginia St. Brewhouse, 211 N. Virginia St.
The show is Nov. 26. Tickets are $35. For details, call 775-433-1090 or visit renobrewhouse.com.
This band from Texas merges alternative rock with pop and folk music. Their best-known songs include “Hate Me,” “Dirt Room” and “Oh My My.” They return for this 8 p.m. show at Cargo, Whitney Peak Hotel, 255 N. Virginia St.
The show is Nov. 26. Tickets are $30. For details, call 775-398-5400 or visit cargoreno.com.
Still releasing great albums and touring after 40-plus years of work, this classic rock band combines power pop with hard rock for its distinctive sound. Its best-known songs include “I Want You To Want Me,” “Surrender” and “Dream Police.” They are back in town for this show at 8 p.m. at the Ballroom inside the Atlantis Resort Casino Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St.
The show is Nov. 27. Tickets are $65-$125. For details, call 775-825-4700 or visit atlantiscasino.com.
Known for his dry-as-a-martini delivery and for weaving in music and live drawings into his act, this comedian has a more cerebral take on modern humor than most. After canceling a tour before the pandemic, he’s back with the typically darkly humorous “I Feel Funny” tour. Martin returns to Reno for this show at 8 p.m. at Grande Exposition Hall, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 N. Virginia St.
The show is Nov. 27. Tickets are $30-$40. For details, call 775-325-7401 or visit silverlegacyreno.com.
This is an all-locals DJ/artist show featuring varied styles of dance and electronic music, headlined by Cosmic Drop. The show starts at 9 p.m. at The BlueBird, 555 E. 4th St.
The show is Nov. 27. Tickets are $10. For details, call 775-499-5549 or visit thebluebirdreno.com.
Scathing topical comedian Black is always a popular draw in the Reno-Tahoe area. His entire “It Gets Better Every Day” tour was rescheduled for 2021, and it includes a show at 8 p.m. at the Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St.
The show is Nov. 30. Tickets are $35-$65. For details, call 775-789-1115 or visit grandsierraresort.com.
First rising to fame as one of the top 5 on “American Idol,” Chris Daughtry and his band ended up playing harder rock instead of softer pop. The band’s big radio hits include this year’s “Heavy Is the Crown,” plus others such as “September,” “No Surprise” and “Feels Like Tonight.” Hard rock fans, note: the longtime metal band Sevendust is one of the opening acts. It all starts at 7 p.m. at the Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St.
The show is Dec. 3. Tickets are $55-$75. For details, call 775-789-1115 or visit grandsierraresort.com.
Always a big draw in hip-hop circles, Nickatina returns to the area for a show that he’s sharing with fellow regional rapper Nef the Pharoah. It takes place at 10 p.m. at Blu Nightclub, Montbleu Resort Casino, 55 Highway 50, Stateline.
The show is Dec. 3. Tickets are $22. For details, call 775-588-3515 or visit montbleuresort.com.
One of the bigger names in the rock-reggae world, this band from Santa Cruz, California has more of a jam-band-style take on the music. It takes place at 8 p.m. at Cargo, Whitney Peak Hotel, 255 N. Virginia St.
The show is Dec. 3. Tickets are $20. For details, call 775-398-5400 or visit cargoreno.com.
Another show that’s been rescheduled several times over, this arena concert features Dunham, a ventriloquist who has been a consistent top-grosser in big venues. He’s back in Reno for this show at 6 p.m. at Reno Events Center, 400 N. Center St.
The show is Dec. 4. Tickets are $55. For details, call 775-325-7401 or visit silverlegacyreno.com.
First known nationally as the winner of the “Last Comic Standing” competition show in 2008, Shlesinger has since become a top draw on the touring circuit and a staple on Neflix, putting together concert specials and series on a regular basis for the streaming giant. She performs at 8 p.m. at Reno Ballroom, 401 N. Center St.
The show is Dec. 4. Tickets are $35-$55. For details, call 775-325-7401 or visit silverlegacyreno.com.
Fans of this Texas band that first became big in the ‘00s are likely thrilled they are playing such a surprising intimate venue this time. Trail of Dead merges indie rock with psychedelia and post-punk for a unique, very dramatic sound. They will play at 7 p.m. at The Holland Project, 140 Vesta St.
The show is Dec. 7. Tickets are $17.50-$20.50. For details, call 775-742-1858 or visit hollandreno.org.
A band that has merged funk with jazz music for decades now, Lettuce is back on the jam band touring circuit and will make a stop in Tahoe this winter. It takes place at 8 p.m. in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay.
The show is Dec. 9. Tickets are $30-$35. For details, call 775-833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.
This metal singer and songwriter was best-known for leading the band Skid Row through its hair-metal heyday. He has since released solo records and often tours, mixing songs from both of those eras into his shows. In fact, this tour will feature the songs from Skid Row’s thrash-inspired album “Slave to the Grind” in their entirety. It all begins at 8 p.m. at Virginia St. Brewhouse, 211 N. Virginia St.
The show is Dec. 10. Tickets are $32. For details, call 775-433-1090 or visit renobrewhouse.com.
This house music DJ is set to release a new album in November and is touring the country to support it. The Reno show takes place at 10 p.m. at Dead Ringer Analog Bar, 432 E. 4th St.
The show is Dec. 10. Tickets are $20. For details, call 775-409-4431 or visit facebook.com/drabreno.
Local bands gather for this show that will raise funds for a toy drive from the local chapter of the Pyrate Punx. Bands on the bill include Dissidence, Kill on Command and Bat Country. It takes place at 8 p.m. at The Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave., Sparks.
The show is Dec. 11 and a donation of $10 will be taken for the drive. For details, call 775-358-6700 or visit facebook.com/theelbowroombar.
This rapper has been combining classic hip-hop with more indie-rock influenced vibes for more several decades. He’s back in Reno, a frequent stop for him before the pandemic, for this show at 8 p.m. at Virginia St. Brewhouse, 211 N. Virginia St.
The show is Dec. 15. Tickets are $17. For details, call 775-433-1090 or visit renobrewhouse.com.
Known for his wild, uninhibited TV show, “Tosh.0” — which ended last year after 12 seasons — this comedian still takes to the road doing stand-up on theater tours. He’s back in Reno for this one at 8 p.m. at the Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St.
The show is Dec. 17. Tickets are $65-$85. For details, call 775-789-1115 or visit grandsierraresort.com.
This emerging loud rock duo from Los Angeles are back in town for this holiday-themed bill featuring other local and regional bands. It starts at 7 p.m. at the Cellar Stage in the Alturas Bar, 1044 E. 4th St.
The show is Dec. 17. Tickets are $10. For details, call 775-324-5050 or visit facebook.com/alturasNV.
A singing group from LA, this band was part of the short-lived singing competition series, “The Sing-Off.” With a mix of Filipino pop music and ‘90s R&B, they are doing a holiday show this year in Tahoe. It takes place at 8 p.m. on performance days in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Tahoe, 15 Highway 50, Stateline.
Shows take place from Dec. 17 to Jan. 2. Tickets are $30. For details, call 800-427-7247 or visit harrahstahoe.com.
Two blues-rock stars from different eras and countries — Mayall from the ‘60s and ‘70s in the UK, Trout from the ‘80s and beyond in the US — team up for this tour that’s making a stop at p.m. at the Showroom, Montbleu Resort Casino, 55 Highway 50, Stateline.
The show is Dec. 17. Tickets are $30-$40. For details, call 775-588-3515 or visit montbleuresort.com.
This Canadian group merges indie folk with trad bluegrass, all with a more macabre sense of humor and subject matter than most. They play their largest show in the area for this one at 8 p.m. at the Showroom, Montbleu Resort Casino, 55 Highway 50, Stateline.
The show is Dec. 18. Tickets are $30. For details, call 775-588-3515 or visit montbleuresort.com.
The GSR will feature its annual holiday show this year, which includes acrobatics, magic, music and comedy. It takes place with shows at 7 p.m. (and 3 p.m. matinee shows on Christmas and New Year’s Day) at the Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St.
Shows are from Dec. 18 to Jan. 1. Tickets range from $20 to $30. For details, call 775-789-1115 or visit grandsierraresort.com.
Crystal Bay Club tends to get some interesting names in regional music circles for its New Year’s Weekend shows. This turn of the year is no different, as they book a couple of disparate but excellent acts to entertain revelers. Leftover Salmon is a revered modern bluegrass band from Boulder, while the Pimps of Joytime are a popular soul/funk band from NYC. It starts at 8 p.m. (Dec. 30 and Jan. 1) or 9 p.m. (Dec. 31) in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay.
Shows are Dec. 30 and 31, and Jan. 1. Tickets are $35 on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1, or $60 on Dec. 31. For details, call 775-833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.
This television star and author with the signature tall blond hairdo was the main attraction of “Long Island Medium,” a show that ran on TLC where she showcased her alleged psychic powers and ability to speak with the dead. The show was canceled in 2020 after seven years on the air, so Caputo is now doing tours. Her first visit to Reno since venues reopened takes place at 8 p.m. at Grande Exposition Hall, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 N. Virginia St.
The show is Jan. 15. Tickets are $60-$110. For details, call 775-325-7401 or visit silverlegacyreno.com.
Maybe his name doesn’t ring a bell, but Foster is a songwriter and producer who has scored huge hits with groups such as Chicago, Celine Dion and Michael Buble. For this tour, he’s being joined by McPhee, his wife and a finalist for “American Idol” in 2006 and maker of solo hits “Over It” and “Had It All.” They will perform at 8 p.m. at the Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. 2nd St.
The show is Jan. 22. Tickets are $45-$75. For details, call 775-789-1115 or visit grandsierraresort.com.
Frequent visitors to Reno, this band from Arizona (by way of Seattle) plays music that mixes Southern rock, ‘70s heaviness and modern punk. Note that the excellent country-meets-hard-blues singer Scott Biram is an opening act for this one. It all begins at 8 p.m. at Virginia St. Brewhouse, 211 N. Virginia St.
The show is Jan. 23. Tickets are $20. For details, call 775-433-1090 or visit renobrewhouse.com.
This once-popular metallic hardcore band is reforming for the 10th anniversary of its original heyday. They will play a show that starts at 7 p.m. at Dead Ringer Analog Bar, 432 E. 4th St.
The show is Jan. 24. Tickets are $15-$20. For details, call 775-409-4431 or visit facebook.com/drabreno.
Acclaimed in the indie rock blogosphere (and podcastville), Machine Girl is a wild mix of electronic music and punk attitude. The NYC band returns to Reno for this show at 7 p.m. at The Holland Project, 140 Vesta St.
The show is Jan. 24. Tickets are $15.50. For details, call 775-742-1858
Known for mixing various styles of folk, jazz, rock and pop, this guitarist from Canada is another PBS-fundraising show favorite. He plays Reno for this show at 8 p.m. at the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St.
The show is Jan. 25. Tickets are $25-$45. For details, call 775-686-6600 or visit pioneercenter.com.
Hailing from Oakland, this band has earned a big cult following with a mashup of styles, including folk, New Orleans jazz, indie rock and R&B. They will play two shows in Tahoe, both at 8 p.m., in the Crown Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay.