Red Voodoo opens Thursday’s yacht rock celebration, followed by Some Fear None with Waves of Distortion on Saturday
ORANGEVALE—The smooth sound of California yacht rock sails into Orangevale this Thursday, September 25, as Pablo Cruise docks at The Boardwalk for an intimate evening of timeless hits and good-time vibes. Presented by The Boardwalk, the show brings one of the genre’s original pioneers back to the stage, joined by special guest Red Voodoo, who will open the evening with an acoustic set.
Pablo Cruise first burst onto the national music scene in the mid-1970s with their signature West Coast blend of soft rock, soul, jazz, and pop. Defined by precision musicianship, breezy harmonies, and a laid-back California energy, the band quickly earned gold and platinum records while becoming a fixture on FM radio. Their 1977 breakthrough album A Place in the Sun and the 1978 follow-up Worlds Away solidified their mainstream appeal with unforgettable singles like “Whatcha Gonna Do (When She Says Goodbye?),” “Love Will Find a Way,” “Don’t Want to Live Without It,” and “I Want You Tonight.”
The group originally formed in San Francisco in 1973, created by members from Stoneground and It’s a Beautiful Day. Founders David Jenkins (guitar/vocals) and Cory Lerios (keyboards/vocals) remain at the helm today, ensuring that the band’s signature sound stays true to its roots. They are joined by an all-star lineup including powerhouse vocalist Robbie Wyckoff—whose career highlights include five years touring worldwide with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd—and bassist Larry Antonino, who has performed alongside Air Supply, Barry Manilow, and Jeff Beck. On drums, Sergio Gonzalez brings his global résumé, which includes playing for Jennifer Lopez, Keb’ Mo’, and even dignitaries such as the Queen of England.
During their peak years, Pablo Cruise was more than just a hit machine. They became cultural ambassadors of the breezy, feel-good “California Sound” that would later help define what we now call yacht rock. Their music became symbolic of a West Coast lifestyle that celebrated warmth, optimism, and sophistication—a sound that still resonates today thanks to yacht rock’s resurgence in playlists, documentaries, and popular culture.
Their live legacy is equally impressive. In their prime, they broke Elvis Presley’s attendance record at the Sahara Tahoe in Nevada, and they were the first rock act to step into venues traditionally reserved for country or classical performers, including the Grand Ole Opry. Their visibility was bolstered by countless television appearances and tours across the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
After stepping back from the spotlight for nearly 20 years, Pablo Cruise reunited in 2005 and has been an active force on the touring circuit ever since. What keeps audiences coming back is not just nostalgia but the band’s onstage chemistry. Jenkins and Lerios continue to bring authenticity to the music, and the newer members add freshness that makes every show feel alive and in-the-moment. Their live album and DVD, It’s Good to Be Live, perfectly captures the balance between their history and their enduring vitality.
That vitality has allowed Pablo Cruise to bridge generations. While longtime fans come to relive the songs that defined their youth, younger audiences are discovering the band through film soundtracks, streaming services, and the renewed popularity of yacht rock. The result is concerts filled with multiple generations singing along to the same timeless hits.
Adding to Thursday’s excitement is an opening acoustic set by local favorites Red Voodoo. Since forming in 2018, the band has built a reputation for energetic shows and polished harmonies that channel the spirit of ’70s and ’80s rock with a modern twist. Their stripped-down set will set the perfect tone for Pablo Cruise’s headline performance.
Some Fear None With Special Guest Waves of Distortion Saturday
On Saturday, September 27, the spotlight shifts to a much heavier sound as Some Fear None takes over The Boardwalk with special guest Waves of Distortion. Known for their harmony-driven, radio-ready hard rock, Some Fear None became one of Sacramento’s most recognized local bands during their original six-year run starting in 2010. With influences ranging from Deftones and Foo Fighters to Alice in Chains and Tool, the band built a loyal fanbase, performed on some of Northern California’s biggest stages, and racked up awards before stepping away in 2016.
Their return in 2025 has sparked major excitement in the Sacramento rock community, as longtime fans eagerly welcome back Nathan Giguiere, Charles Carrasco, Jason Weisker, and Gina Salatino. Their live shows are once again delivering the energy, precision, and emotional punch that made them a fan favorite a decade ago, with audiences connecting deeply to their mix of powerful riffs and lyrical honesty.
Waves of Distortion, also from Sacramento, will set the tone with their high-octane blend of alternative metal and nu-metal influences. Formed in 2018 by guitarist Brennen Von Slack, the band is known for balancing melodic textures with aggressive distortion, creating a modern sound that’s as heavy as it is dynamic.
Their debut album, Race Against Time, explores themes of struggle, brokenness, and perseverance, resonating strongly with fans who find strength in their message. Live, they’re a force of raw energy and emotion, making them the perfect complement to Some Fear None’s long-awaited return. This Saturday show is all ages with a parent or guardian for those under 21. All ticket sales are final.
For tickets and more details about Pablo Cruise, Some Fear None, and other upcoming shows, visit www.rocktheboardwalk.com.
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
