Todd Morgan, Spazmatics and Mick Martin celebration of life complete weekend lineup
It’s shaping up to be another high-octane weekend of live music at Powerhouse Pub in Historic Folsom, with back-to-back performances that will take audiences on a journey from classic rock and country soul to dance-floor anthems and heartfelt blues. The weekend lineup kicks off on Friday evening and carries straight through to an emotional community tribute on Sunday, August 3, honoring the legacy of a regional music icon.
No Reason To Cry sets the tone early with a 7:00 p.m. Friday show, bringing a powerhouse tribute to two of music’s most iconic and influential voices: Eric Clapton and Linda Ronstadt. Fueled by the hard-driving rock ’n’ roll that shaped the 1970s and ’80s, this high-energy band delivers raw emotion, searing guitar solos, and the kind of commanding vocals that defined a generation.
From Clapton’s fiery licks on classics like Crossroads, Cocaine, and After Midnight to Ronstadt’s unmistakable power on hits such as You’re No Good, Poor Poor Pitiful Me, and Heat Wave, No Reason To Cry recreates every unforgettable note with authenticity and passion. Their performances are not just a musical tribute—they are full-throttle experiences, steeped in the grit, soul, and timeless energy that made Clapton and Ronstadt legends.
With a lineup of seasoned musicians who live and breathe classic rock, the band captures the essence of two musical giants who broke boundaries and owned the airwaves. Each show is a journey back to the golden age of rock, when emotion ran high, amplifiers blazed, and every chorus meant something. Whether you’re reliving the soundtrack of your youth or discovering these anthems for the first time, No Reason To Cry brings the fire of Clapton and the passion of Ronstadt together in one unforgettable performance.
8 Track Massacre takes the stage later that night at 10:00 p.m., keeping the energy pumping with their signature party atmosphere. With a setlist designed for maximum danceability, this band has been igniting stages since 2009. Their performances are packed with fan favorites spanning multiple decades, and their crowd-first approach ensures that every show becomes a celebration. Whether you’re into ‘80s pop, retro funk, or singalong rock, this is a band that guarantees a night of nonstop movement.
The groove continues into the afternoon on Saturday, August 2, with a 3:00 p.m. dance party led by Todd Morgan & The Emblems. Known for their throwback sound and commitment to delivering unforgettable performances, the Emblems blend vintage rock ‘n’ roll with a fresh, modern style. Their Saturday matinee is the perfect warm-up for a packed night ahead.
By Saturday night, the party shifts into high gear as the ever-entertaining Spazmatics take the stage at 10:00 p.m.Known for their geek-chic aesthetic, zany antics, and non-stop energy, the Spazmatics bring a wildly entertaining blend of musical talent and comedic flair that turns every show into a full-on production.
Clad in bow ties, taped glasses, suspenders, and headbands, these nerdy rockers dive headfirst into a setlist packed with high-octane hits from the golden age of ’80s new wave, synth-pop, and retro rock. Expect to hear crowd favorites like “Take On Me,” “Jessie’s Girl,” “Whip It,” and “She Blinded Me with Science”—and expect to sing every word.
The band’s backstory adds to the fun: born from a fictional bet between a physics teacher and a student, the Spazmatics fuse live music with theater, giving fans a show that’s as funny as it is unforgettable. With their tight musicianship, interactive crowd moments, and infectious enthusiasm, it’s no wonder they’ve become a Powerhouse staple and one of the most in-demand live acts on the West Coast.
The weekend culminates in a powerful and emotional celebration on Sunday, August 3 at 3:00 p.m., as Powerhouse Pub, together with the Sacramento region’s music community, honors the life and legacy of the late Mick Martin. The Mick Martin Celebration of Life will feature Mick Martin’s Big Blues Band along with a roster of special guests—friends, colleagues, and protégés—who will fill the venue with soul, blues, and memories.
Mick Martin, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 76, was more than a musician. He was a harmonica virtuoso, a respected bandleader, a revered radio host, a blues historian, and a guiding mentor to countless musicians across Northern California. He helped shape the Sacramento music scene over five decades, performing with groups like Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers, the Big Blues Band, and the Dixie Drifters, and winning acclaim for his signature instrumental piece, Cristo Redentor.
In 1994, Martin took the stage at Carnegie Hall alongside greats like Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Grover Washington Jr., a career-defining moment that placed him among blues royalty. His deep musical knowledge earned him three Sacramento Area Music Awards and induction into the Sacramento Blues Society Hall of Fame.
Blues musicians and friends from across the region will be part of Sunday’s celebration, including notable tributes from fellow artists. The Powerhouse stage this Sunday won’t just host a concert—it will carry a legacy. As harmonicas howl, guitars sing, and friends raise their voices, Mick Martin will be honored in the most fitting way possible: through the music he gave his life to. To read more about this show and Mick Martin’s incredible life and career, visit the full Folsom Times story about Sunday’s special event here.
Powerhouse Pub is located at 614 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom, just a couple blocks from the Historic Folsom Light Rail Station and the public parking garage. A free Sutter Street shuttle is available on weekend nights, making it easy to enjoy the night without the stress of parking. The venue features an immersive sound system, LED dance floor, two bars, and a high-energy atmosphere that makes it a staple for live music lovers across the region. All shows at Powerhouse are 21 and over. For tickets and more details, visit www.powerhousepub.com.
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