Lake Tahoe’s 36th annual Valhalla Arts, Music & Theatre Festival

Lake Tahoe’s 36th annual Valhalla Arts, Music & Theatre Festival opens June 17 at the historic lakefront Heller Estate (Valhalla) on the South Shore. Exclusive “one night only” performances will deliver a high caliber lineup of music and dance performances to Lake Tahoe’s arts and culture scene. Master Scottish Fiddler, Alasdair Fraser, will strike the first chord of the summer festival in Valhalla’s celebrated Boathouse Theater with Lake Tahoe as the backdrop, in a rare and highly anticipated solo performance. Tickets are on sale now at ValhallaTahoe.com.

Just as the families that frequented Valhalla from the late 1800’s through the roaring 1920’s, visitors and locals alike can revel in the venue’s serene locale, framed by historic estate buildings, Lake Tahoe and its surrounding forest. The sounds of waves lapping the shore and mountain air wafting through the towering pines will harmonize with a dynamic festival lineup this month:

June 17- Festival Opening Night, Alasdair Fraser: Alasdair Fraser’s dynamic Scottish fiddling, engaging stage presence, and deep understanding of Scotland's music have created high anticipation for his rare solo appearances. Advance tickets start at $25 for adults, $20 for children

June 24- Beppe Gambetta with Special Guest Richie Lawrence: An innovator of the acoustic guitar, Beppe Gambetta bridges the shores of Italy and America, creating roots music with immigration songs, folk ballads, steel string guitars and vintage harp guitars. Richie Lawrence will perform an opening set on the piano for this show. Lawrence is a Sacramento composer and songwriter influenced by French folk music, American roots and blues, jazz, country and rock. Advance tickets $22 for adults and $15 for children.

June 27- Calidanza Mexican Folk and Contemporary Dance: Calidenza represents a new and innovative way to look at traditional Mexican folk and contemporary dance. The company fuses contemporary technique with traditional folk dance to tell compelling stories of the rich cultural traditions of Mexico. A discounted matinee as well as a full length evening program will available for families and culture buffs. Advance tickets start at $22 and $15 matinee for adults, $10 for children.

As the Valhalla Arts, Music & Theatre Festival ramps up into July, save the date for free concerts (July 5, 12, 19); classic theatre productions (On Golden Pond July 2-3, 5, 9-12 and A Midsummer’s Night Dream July 23-25); artists in residence; boot stomping folk, roots and funk music (July 22, 29); children’s art camps (July 13-17 and 20-24), the annual Washoe tribe’s Wa She Shu It Deh festival (July 25-26) and so much more. For a complete festival schedule of events, visit www.ValhallaTahoe.com.

No matter the performance, arrive at the festival in style. Preferred seating tickets offer early entry to the Boathouse Theater and a complimentary drink to enjoy before the show. Leave the car and cruise the paved bike trails to Valhalla, or paddle in via kayak or paddleboard. Foodie festival goers can bring a picnic or dine nearby the Beacon Bar & Grill or Evan’s Gourmet Café.