Fat Cat Cafe
599 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City
(530) 583-3355
When: Open mic night every Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m.
The Fat Cat nurtured the very source of the Tahoe City music scene all winter long with its extremely popular open mic night every Tuesday. Normally, open mic nights turn out to be a couple of brave souls strumming away on acoustic guitars in front of a few friends and half a dozen drunk regulars who really couldn’t care less. Not at the Fat Cat. All winter long the cafe was packed with enthusiastic crowds turning out to see the talented lineup of local musicians who sign up to perform to packed houses. And now that the cafe has reopened after a major interior remodel — making room for more tables and patrons — you can expect an eager crowd to show up on Tuesday nights throughout the summer.


The deck at Cottonwood
Rue Hilltop (off Brockway Road), Truckee
(530) 587-5711
When: Thursday, Friday and the occasional Saturday evening (after Memorial Day)
Those in charge of booking musicians for Cottonwood’s deck favor mellow music that is folksy or bluesy or Americana in style — the perfect compliment to the amazing view of downtown Truckee from the Cottonwood deck. Now that the weather is warmer, definitely plan to stop by this Truckee institution and enjoy a beverage or a meal on the deck while listening to some live music.


Kings Beach
Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Kings Beach
(530) 546-9000
When: Thursdays from July 2 through Aug. 13
Locals know that the free Kings Beach Music Series of concerts right on the sand of the Kings Beach State Recreation Area (behind the playground) is the place to be on warm Thursday nights on the North Shore. Music goes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., but the beach typically starts filling up with picnicing families well before. The lineup this year includes Jelly Bread on July 9, Momentum on July 16, Loose Canon on July 23, Downbeat on July 30, Drinking with Clowns on Aug. 8, and Izabella on Aug. 13.


Jake’s on the Lake
780 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City (in the Boatworks Mall)
(530) 583-0188
When: Every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Jake’s is always a great place to kick back and take in some of the best lake views around, but on Friday and Saturday evenings it turns into one of the best places to do that while listening to some family-friendly live music. You can expect to hear a lot of singer/songwriters, jazz, classic rock, and even flamenco music in the bar area by musicians such as Darin Talbot, George Souza, Kip Yager, and Bias and Dunn.


Village Pub
848 Tanager, Incline Village
(775) 832-7212
When: Occasionally throughout the summer
The Village Pub has got to tone it down a bit during the summer, lest they deal with noise complaints from their neighbors during the busy summer season; however, they know how to host a band when they do bring them in. Being in Nevada means music can go late – 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. is to usual schedule, but sometimes bands will go even later if the crowd is still into it. And with no cover, room to dance, and a good late-night crowd that comes in, the recipe is in place for some memorable shows at this 21 and over venue.


The Auld Dubliner
In the Village at Squaw Valley, Olympic Valley, Calif.
(530) 584-6041
When: Various weekend nights throughout the summer
What better place is there to party than an Irish pub? The Auld Dubliner is located on the edge of the Village at Squaw Valley and regularly hosts a diverse range of musicians from unplugged Irish singer/songwriters to the reggae/dub/ska/funk attack of Truckee Tribe. The pub pours a huge selection of draught Irish ales and stouts and offers an extensive whiskey list, both of which lead to a dance floor in front of the band that is frequently packed.