Gold Dust West to host outdoor concert series

The Gold Dust West will join the ranks of local businesses taking advantage of warm summer nights and a renewed interest in Carson City nightlife when it kicks off a series of free outdoor concerts on Saturday.

"We're hosting four free concerts," said James Baker, Gold Dust West marketing director in a press release. "And free is a great way to enjoy a great evening out in these tough economic times."

The announcement comes as city planners, farmers market organizers and bars such as the Firkin & Fox are hoping to build on the popularity of free outdoor events held last summer. Redevelopment officials frequently cite such community events as key to making Carson City's midsection a more pleasant and prosperous place to live and do business.

Life In the Fast Lane, a six-piece Eagles tribute band featuring male and female vocalists' renditions of hits such as "Take It Easy" and "Hotel California," will take the Gold Dust West stage at

7 p.m. Saturday. The concert area will open at 5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials, as well as vendor booths and a coupon book aimed at bringing visitors back for future shows.

The next show is set for the Fourth of July, when Journey Unauthorized will bring its revival of classic 1980s Journey to the Gold Dust West. Coming off a string of sold-out shows across California and Oregon, the band members pride themselves on providing "the most authentic rendition of Journey in the world." The set will include crowd favorites such as "Don't Stop Believing" and "Wheel In the Sky," all performed without any pre-recorded vocals.

August 15 brings Amigos, a Sacramento-based Santana tribute band. The act, already popular in central California and on the Reno casino circuit, uses multiple drummers and guitarists to recreate the various incarnations of Carlos Santana's bands. Amigos also is known for encouraging crowd participation "from dancing to actually inviting audience members to climb on stage " and even bringing in an occasional rapper to shake things up.

Finally, on Aug. 25, a John Fogerty, Bob Seger and Tom Petty cover band will perform, blending the swamp rock of Credence Clearwater Revival with the rock and country influences of Petty and Seger.

The Gold Dust West Carson City is located at 2171 Highway 50 East in Carson City.