Elijah Scott brings soulful, gritty “Turnin’ Into Something” tour to Historic Folsom venue on Friday
FOLSOM — A rising voice from Nevada’s country scene will make a special Thursday night appearance in Historic Folsom as Jakota Wass takes the stage at the Folsom Hotel Saloon on Feb. 19.
Hailing from Carson Valley, Nevada, Wass represents what he calls “battle born small town roots,” a phrase that reflects both his Nevada upbringing and the country western influences that shaped him from an early age. Growing up surrounded by traditional country music, he quickly developed an affinity for the genre, translating that early inspiration into a growing catalog of performances across Northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region.
Long before stepping onto major stages, Wass displayed a natural ability to entertain. Friends and family recall a young performer who was never shy about stepping into the spotlight, whether to sing a song or deliver a quick joke to a crowd. By age 12, his father recognized a talent that demanded nurturing and enrolled him in guitar lessons, setting in motion what would become a defining relationship with the instrument.
“I fell in love with the never ending adventure of my guitar.” – Jakota Wass
That journey has been marked by steady growth. What began as playing for friends eventually expanded to smaller venues and then to larger stages where loyal fans began following him from show to show. Today, Wass performs regularly at more prominent locations, drawing crowds that often number in the hundreds and beyond. His reputation as both a skilled vocalist and an engaging live performer has helped him carve out a name in the regional country circuit.
Recently, Wass made a trip to Nashville, performing at the legendary Bluebird Cafe, a milestone venue for songwriters and artists seeking to establish themselves within the country music community. The appearance further signaled his ambitions to turn music into a full-time career, touring more broadly and sharing his Nevada roots with audiences well beyond his home state.
Thursday’s show at the Folsom Hotel Saloon offers local fans a chance to catch the emerging artist in an intimate setting. Established in 1885, the historic Folsom Hotel sits at the center of the Folsom Historic District and has long paired Old West character with a vibrant modern nightlife atmosphere. The saloon remains a popular stop for touring acts and regional artists alike, offering audiences an up-close concert experience inside one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Folsom Hotel Saloon, located at 703 Sutter St. The show is open to all ages. General admission tickets are available at www.folsomhotelsaloon.com.
Elijah Scott brings “Turnin’ Into Something” tour to Folsom Friday
Country’s evolving sound takes center stage Friday night, Feb. 20, as Elijah Scott rolls into the Folsom Hotel Saloon with his “Turnin’ Into Something” tour, delivering a style that blends traditional country storytelling with modern grit and soulful edge.
Scott is carving out a distinct lane in today’s country music landscape, fusing Americana narrative depth with the blues-infused texture of lived experience. His raspy, unmistakable voice carries the weight of every lyric, channeling the kind of raw authenticity often compared to legends such as Johnny Cash, Chris Stapleton, and James Brown.
Raised in the small town of Banning, California, Scott’s story is rooted in resilience. Growing up with a single mother, he found early refuge in classic country records passed down by his grandfather. A childhood concert featuring Toby Keith cemented his love for the genre, but his upbringing was far from insulated. Navigating an environment where gang culture loomed, Scott stayed anchored to music, choosing a path shaped by songwriting instead of circumstance.
That duality defines his sound. Every song draws from firsthand experience, heartbreak, hardship, family, and moments that linger long after they pass. His breakout track “Cigarettes” came from a simple exchange with his mother, proof that the most powerful stories often begin in everyday life. A self-taught songwriter who often writes through freestyle instinct, Scott leans into emotional honesty over polish, building a fan base drawn to truth over trend.
Friday’s performance continues the Folsom Hotel Saloon’s run of diverse touring acts, again offering fans an intimate, close-range experience inside the Historic District landmark.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Folsom Hotel Saloon. The show is open to all ages. Tickets are available at www.folsomhotelsaloon.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.
