Music continues all weekend after New Year’s Eve as Powerhouse Pub keeps the celebration alive and pushes straight into the first weekend of 2026 with a packed slate of live music and DJ-driven dance nights. Beginning Friday, the Historic Folsom venue rolls into the new year with the same high-energy mix that has defined its entertainment calendar throughout 2025.
The first weekend begins Friday, January 2, withBlackout Friday, a late-night party built for dancing, cocktails and the unmistakable Powerhouse weekend atmosphere. The post-holiday celebration begins at 10 p.m. and invites guests to wear black and “bring the crew” for a night powered by three DJ rooms, premium cocktails from bartenders at the five bars throughout Powerhouse and Scarlet’s, and the lounge-style setting of Big Rob’s Cigar and Hookah Cabana. VIP and bottle service will also be available for groups looking to elevate the first Friday outing of the new year. The event is designed as the follow-up to New Year’s Eve, giving guests a second straight night to ring in 2026 in true Powerhouse fashion.
Saturday afternoon on January 3 brings the first live music set of the weekend with the Saturday Afternoon Dance Party featuring3 Shots of Rockat 3 p.m. Formed in 2018, the band features veteran Northern California musicians with decades of experience in some of the region’s top classic and hard-rock acts.
Their performances blend classic rock, southern rock and hard-edged modern staples, creating a tight, high-energy show that appeals to fans across multiple eras. Their stage chemistry and polished instrumentation have made them a favorite for afternoon sets at venues throughout the Sacramento area.
Saturday night continues withSuperBadat 10 p.m., one of Northern California’s most recognizable dance bands and a consistent crowd-favorite at Powerhouse. Led by six-foot-six frontman Henry Lange, SuperBad’s shows are known for their high energy, interactive stage presence and a playlist that spans the 1970s through today. Their blend of ’70s funk, ’80s and ’90s throwbacks, and modern top-40 hits fills dance floors from the opening song and creates the kind of atmosphere that has made them one of the most in-demand bands on the California club circuit.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with a rare and intimate performance fromRick Estrin & The Nightcats, taking the stage for Powerhouse of Blues at 3 p.m. Estrin’s storied career began in San Francisco, where his older sister introduced him to Ray Charles’ “The Genius Sings the Blues,” sparking a lifelong passion for the genre. By age 15 he was playing harmonica; by 18 he was performing in clubs across the city, earning the respect of Bay Area blues veterans. After early gigs with guitarist Travis Phillips and mentorship from Rodger Collins, Estrin moved to Chicago—the heart of the blues—where he jammed with legends including Lowell Fulson and Z.Z. Hill. Muddy Waters famously told him, “You outta sight, boy! You got that sound! You play like a man!”
Returning to the Bay Area, Estrin co-founded Little Charlie & The Nightcats before later forming the modern Nightcats lineup with guitarist Kid Andersen, keyboardist Lorenzo Farrell and drummer Derrick “D’Mar” Martin. Today, Estrin is regarded as one of the most charismatic performers in modern blues, known for his sly vocals, sharp songwriting, magnetic harmonica work and unfiltered stage storytelling. His performances blend humor, craftsmanship and the deep emotional resonance of traditional blues—creating live shows that critics consistently rank among the best in the genre.
For Estrin, the blues remains both personal and universal. “The blues has given my life meaning,” he has said. “People everywhere share the same needs, desires and emotions. I try to always appreciate what a blessing it is to bring our music to the people.” His Sunday appearance in Historic Folsom offers local audiences a chance to see a globally touring act in a close-up, club-style setting—an experience blues fans will not want to miss.
As Powerhouse moves into 2026, the venue continues to build on its reputation as one of Historic Folsom’s most active entertainment hubs, offering themed nights, premium dance events, rock showcases and weekly blues residencies that draw audiences from across the region.
Powerhouse Pub is located at 614 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom. All events are 21 and over. Tickets and details are available atwww.powerhousepub.com.
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