The Boardwalk is gearing up for a weekend of guitar talent as two powerful shows take its Orangevale stage in back-to-back fashion on Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, May 9, the spotlight turns to Lose Your Illusion, the premier Guns N’ Roses tribute band that delivers the full GN’R experience with stunning authenticity. From the explosive guitar solos of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” to the raw energy of “Welcome to the Jungle,” the band channels the spirit and spectacle of Guns N’ Roses’ legendary “Not In This Lifetime Tour.” With a setlist that spans the band’s career from the Sunset Strip days to modern stadium tours, Lose Your Illusion brings an unmatched level of showmanship that fans won’t want to miss. The show kicks off at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $20.
The momentum continues Saturday, May 10, when The Boardwalk hosts a night of local punk and alt-rock grit featuring Chick Habit, Power Chord Riot, and The Ellusive Fur’s. Headlining the night, Chick Habit is a female-fronted punk trio from Sacramento known for their raucous mix of hardcore, punk, and metal, combined with edgy, NSFW lyrics and relentless stage presence.
They’re joined by Power Chord Riot, a band that blends pop punk sensibility with metal edge—think Green Day and Blink-182 with an adrenaline boost. Rounding out the bill, the Ellusive Fur’s bring a unique groove to the night with their funky, heavy West Coast sound that draws from both classic and modern Bay Area rock roots. Saturday’s show begins at 8:00 p.m., and tickets are $15.
Both shows are all-ages with a responsible adult and promise an unforgettable live music experience in one of the region’s most beloved venues. The Boardwalk continues to be a pillar of the Northern California music scene, offering fans a chance to catch high-caliber tribute acts and homegrown talent in an intimate and energetic setting.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Boardwalk
The weekend fun doesn’t stop with Saturday’s show. On Sunday, May 11, The Boardwalk invites the community to celebrate all the amazing women in their lives with a special Mother’s Day Bottomless Mimosa Brunch and Video Music Bingo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This all-ages event is free to attend and open to everyone—not just moms! Guests can sip bottomless mimosas while enjoying a live round of Video Music Bingo featuring iconic music videos played on the venue’s massive 150-inch screen. Spot the tunes, mark your card, and win sweet prizes as you toast to Mom with a mix of music, memories, and community fun.
Italy’s country duo Lovesick make tour stop May 17
The following weekend, The Boardwalk welcomes one of its most unique and globally buzzed-about shows of the year with the arrival of Lovesick, an electrifying Italian trio blending vintage American country, western swing, and rock and roll. The group, led by multi-instrumentalists Paolo Roberto Pianezza and Francesca Alinovi, is joined by Alessandro Cosentino to create a dynamic, harmony-rich sound powered by lap steel, double bass, and feel-good rhythms. Their newest album Remember My Name was recorded in Los Angeles and is receiving acclaim worldwide.
Their energetic performances have drawn sold-out crowds across Europe and earned them an Ameripolitan Music Award nomination for Best Western Swing Band. From opening for legends like Ben Harper and Social Distortion to appearing in international film and television projects, Lovesick is a global act on the rise—and now Orangevale gets a front-row seat. Adding to the night’s appeal, the show opens with Geoffery Miller, a Northern California-based honky tonk artist whose critically praised albums All Night Honky Tonk Man and Leavin’ 101 have topped alt-country charts. Known for his vintage Bakersfield style, twangy Telecaster tones, and commanding stage presence, Miller is one of the leading voices in West Coast Americana. This 21+ event begins at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Tickets are $20.
Totally 80’s Tour June 7 features Big Country, Tommy Tutone and more
If high-energy nostalgia is more your style, get ready for the Totally 80’s Tour arriving Saturday, June 7, featuring four legendary bands that defined an era: Big Country, Tommy Tutone, Bow Wow Wow, and Gene Loves Jezebel.
Big Country brings decades of anthemic rock straight from Scotland, with their widescreen guitar melodies and iconic hits like “In a Big Country” and “Fields of Fire.” Known for their powerful live shows and historic appearances—like their performance at Live Aid and international tours during the Cold War—the band continues to electrify stages while celebrating milestone anniversaries of their early albums The Crossing and Steeltown.
Tommy Tutone will transport fans back to the golden days of MTV with the instantly recognizable “867-5309/Jenny,” while Bow Wow Wow delivers their new wave-meets-Burundi beat stylings with hits like “I Want Candy.” Finally, Gene Loves Jezebel brings their glam-infused post-punk to the lineup, fueled by their newest critically acclaimed release Love Death Sorrow. Together, these four acts offer an unforgettable celebration of ’80s pop and rock for longtime fans and new listeners alike. Tickets range from $55 to $130, and the event is 21 and over.
For tickets and more upcoming shows, visit rocktheboardwalk.com. Check FolsomTimes.com for more entertainment coverage and the area’s most complete community event calendar.
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