Petty Jack Flash, Gas Money and blues great Chris Cain round out full weekend of live music in Historic Folsom

Historic Folsom’s Powerhouse Pub is turning up the volume this weekend with a packed January lineup that begins Friday night and carries straight through Sunday, offering four distinct styles of live music inside one of the region’s most enduring nightlife venues.

The weekend opens Friday, January 9, at 6:30 p.m. withTotal Recall 90’s, the Sacramento-based rock band known for delivering high-energy renditions of alternative, pop punk and rock staples from the 1990s and early 2000s. Since forming in 2012, the group has performed nearly 400 shows, gaining popularity through their long-running “First Friday” residency at Pour House and a decade of crowd-drawing sets across Northern California. Their playlist spans everything from Blink-182, Nirvana and Green Day to Third Eye Blind, Foo Fighters and Oasis. The band frequently enhances their shows with a full horn section for ska-inspired tributes to Reel Big Fish, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and Cake, further fueling their reputation as one of the area’s most versatile nostalgia acts.

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The energy keeps climbing Friday at 10 p.m. when8 Track Massacretakes over with a dance-driven performance spanning multiple decades of rock, pop and party hits. Formed in 2009, the band’s motto has remained simple and unwavering: “It has to be danceable… period.” Their shows are built to keep the floor packed, combining seasoned musicianship with a catalog that encourages singing, moving and letting loose well into the night.

Saturday’s entertainment begins early with a 3 p.m. Saturday Afternoon Dance Party featuringPetty Jack Flash, a dynamic band that merges the best of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with the timeless swagger of the Rolling Stones. From Petty’s melodic anthems to the Stones’ gritty, full-throttle classics, Petty Jack Flash recreates both catalogs with reverence and electrifying stage presence. Their faithful interpretations and upbeat pacing make the afternoon show a standout opportunity for fans of two of rock’s most legendary acts to hear their favorite songs brought to life.

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The night continues Saturday at 10 p.m. withGas Money, a young and fast-rising band blending rock ’n’ roll attitude with Motown soul. Their high-energy sets feature a mix of powerful vocals, lively grooves and guitar-driven arrangements that appeal to audiences across generations. Known for their upbeat presence and crowd-engaging performances, Gas Money brings a fresh spark to the Powerhouse stage, creating the kind of Saturday night momentum that has long defined the venue’s weekend identity.

The weekend reaches its finale Sunday afternoon, January 11, when the Powerhouse of Blues series welcomes the return of world-renowned guitarist, vocalist and songwriterChris Cainat 3 p.m. Cain’s appearance offers a rare chance to experience one of the blues world’s most respected artists in an intimate club setting.

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Renowned for his masterful guitar technique, commanding vocals and emotionally rich songwriting, Cain has spent more than three decades carving out one of the most admired résumés in contemporary blues. He performs in Folsom as part of the continuing celebration of his latest studio album,Good Intentions Gone Bad, a project widely praised for its depth, maturity and musicianship.

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Cain’s history is woven with accolades from some of the greatest blues figures of all time. The late B.B. King famously said, “Now that boy can play the guitar,” while guitar icon Joe Bonamassa has repeatedly named Cain his “favorite blues player on the scene today,” calling him “a blinder of a guitarist, with the voice of B.B. King and the chops of Albert King.” Fellow legend Robben Ford has echoed that praise, describing Cain as an artist whose musical intensity “keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

With 15 albums to his name, Cain’s body of work continues to expand his legacy. His 2021 albumRaisin’ Cainearned four Blues Music Award nominations—Album of the Year, Best Guitarist, Best Contemporary Blues Album and Best Song—highlighting his continued influence on the genre. His newest release demonstrates a blend of blues, jazz, funk and soul that critics have called both timeless and forward-moving.

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Few artists in the blues world command as much respect from fellow musicians. As guitarist Kid Andersen puts it, “Ask any of your favorite guitar players who they think are the greatest living masters of the instrument, chances are they will all have Chris Cain at the very top of their list.”

The Sunday performance offers blues fans a powerful close to a varied weekend of music inside Historic Folsom. Powerhouse Pub is located at 614 Sutter Street. Tickets and additional weekend details are available at powerhousepub.com or by calling (916) 355-8586. All events are 21 and over.

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