American Idol contestant Molly Seals of Carson City.
Two up and coming local singer-songwriters will take the stage Saturday to help the Nevada Appeal celebrate its sesquicentennial.
Carson City’s Molly Seals and Jake Houston and the Royal Flush will take the stage during the Appeal’s birthday party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Appeal, 580 Mallory Way.
Seals is set to take the stage shortly before 2 p.m. with Houston and company taking the stage about 3 p.m.
Houston, 21, is an old out-law country singer molded and inspired by the works of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and George Jones.
Houston started his music career when he was 10 years old.
“My uncle got me a guitar, and a teacher was giving free guitar lessons three times a week, and I just jumped in it, and by the time I was 15 I started singing. I would sing during the set breaks of this country rock band’s gigs out in Genoa. Then by the time I was 17, I started writing my own music,” Houston said.
“Carrying the Flame” is Houston’s newest solo album, released last week, featuring performances by the Royal Flush band.
“The audience can expect to hear up-tempo music, some originals off my record, some old out-law, and some new out-law. I stick to out-law ‘cause it’s real life experiences that someone has been through, whether it’s me, or a member of the band,” Houston said.
Jake Houston and the Royal Flush members include Ivan Gates — bass/back ground vocals, Samantha Gates — fiddle, background vocals, Dre Ballard — lead guitar, back ground vocals, Casey Hansen — drums, Jake Houston — rhythm, guitar, lead vocals.
“My favorite thing about performances is the energy,” Houston said. “There are certain nights when you play a bar, filled with people you know, and it’s like a reunion. Then there’s certain nights when no one but 4 or 5 people are at the bar and a song can bring ‘em to tears. It’s the connection with strangers; it’s a nice human aspect.”
Seals, 22, is an acoustic country singer inspired by the works of Colbie Caillat and Jo Dee Messina. Seals began her music career when she was 17 years old, fascinated by an old guitar her parents had in the house.
“I asked my parents for a new guitar, and they thought it was just a phase, so I had to learn on the old one before they would buy me a new one, then my brother said, ‘why doesn’t anyone buy her a new guitar?’ and he bought me a new one,” Seals said.
“My favorite thing about performing is that I am able to do what I love, sing and perform, and people listen to me, and enjoy it, and want to hear it. The audience can expect to hear a few originals, I absolutely love the music that I write, as well as familiar country music that’s relatable and people can tap their toes to,” Seals said.
Seals gained fame after making it to Hollywood Week of American Idol during this season.
“(American Idol) has helped me so much locally, getting my name out there. I sang the National Anthem at the Aces game, and now the Nevada Appeal birthday party,” Seals said. “It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t know where to start. I get to perform at fun town events, and locals know me, everything I’m doing right now, I absolutely love.”
Seals upcoming performances include the Taste of Downtown in Carson City on June 20 and the Reno Rodeo on June 21. For more information about Seals, contact sealsmolly@yahoo.com.
Houston’s music is available on iTunes, Amazon or at Play Your Own Music located in the Carson Mall. For more information about Jake Houston and the Royal Flush contact officialjakehouston@gmail.com.