Weekend shows include the Nipper Bros, Y2K Live and AC Miles over three days
The unmistakable sound of The Cars will help launch another packed weekend of live entertainment in Historic Folsom as The Used Cars bring the pioneering new wave band’s catalog to life Friday night at Powerhouse Pub. Known for blending power pop, pop rock, synth-pop and electronic rock into a sound that helped define late-1970s and 1980s radio, The Cars produced a string of enduring hits that continue to fill dance floors and playlists decades later.
From “Just What I Needed” and “Let’s Go” to “Drive,” “You Might Think” and “Magic,” The Used Cars faithfully recreate the music that made Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr and company one of the most influential bands of their era. Their appearance kicks off a weekend lineup that also includes a Grateful Dead tribute, a high-energy Y2K dance party and a Sunday blues performance from acclaimed guitarist and songwriter AC Miles.
The weekend begins Friday, June 5 with the TGIF Early Show featuring The Used Cars at 6:30 p.m. Dedicated to faithfully recreating the sound and energy of The Cars, the tribute band delivers the hits that helped define an era while capturing the distinctive chemistry between lead vocalists Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr.
Fans can expect favorites spanning the band’s catalog from their landmark 1978 debut album through Heartbeat City, the album that produced classics such as “Drive,” “Magic” and “You Might Think.” With dual lead vocalists recreating the signature sounds of Ocasek and Orr, The Used Cars have earned a reputation for delivering an authentic experience that transports audiences back to the heyday of MTV and FM radio dominance.
Combining synthesizer-driven hooks, memorable melodies and rock-and-roll energy, The Cars helped shape the soundtrack of a generation. The Used Cars carry that legacy forward with a performance designed to bring those songs back to life for longtime fans while introducing a new generation to one of rock’s most influential bands.
As the night continues, Powerhouse transitions into Blackout Fridays at 10 p.m., turning the venue into a full-scale nightlife experience. Featuring three DJ rooms, five bars, drink specials and Big Rob’s Hookah Cabana, the event transforms the venue into a late-night party destination where guests can dance, socialize and keep the weekend going well into the night.
Saturday, June 6 begins with the Saturday Afternoon Dance Party featuring Nipper Bros at 3 p.m. The Northern California group celebrates the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, focusing not only on recreating the songs but also the unique connection between band and audience that made Dead performances legendary
Led by brothers Joe and Scott Nipper, the band pays close attention to the vocal harmonies, melodies and storytelling that remain central to the Grateful Dead experience. Backed by a talented ensemble of musicians, Nipper Bros delivers an afternoon filled with beloved classics, improvisational jams and the communal spirit that has kept Deadhead culture thriving for decades.
For fans of the Grateful Dead, the performance offers more than a tribute concert. It recreates the shared experience that defined the band’s live shows, where every performance took on a life of its own and every audience became part of the music.
Saturday night then shifts gears from psychedelic rock to turn-of-the-century nostalgia as Y2K Live takes over the stage at 10 p.m. The popular production brings audiences back to the era of flip phones, TRL countdowns and early internet culture with a nonstop set of 2000s dance hits.
Expect music from Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Lil Jon, Will Smith, Smash Mouth, Blink-182 and more as Y2K Live recreates the soundtrack of a generation. Packed with singalongs, choreography and throwback energy, the production has become one of Powerhouse’s most popular themed entertainment nights.
Combined with the venue’s giant LED dance floor, multiple bars and DJ-driven atmosphere, Y2K Live promises another packed house and one of the weekend’s biggest dance parties.
The weekend concludes Sunday, June 7 with the Powerhouse of Blues series featuring AC Miles at 3 p.m.
Born to working-class parents in California’s agricultural communities, Miles developed his musical roots while touring with his own bands before expanding his career throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and beyond. Over the years he has performed nationally and internationally while building a reputation as a guitarist, songwriter and performer capable of blending multiple genres into a distinctive style.
His music ranges from soaring melodic guitar work and blues-infused rock to modern songwriting that incorporates elements of pop, southern rock and contemporary Americana. Songs such as “Moment Match Flash,” “3 Ways to Fall” and “Other Side” showcase both his guitar skills and songwriting versatility, earning praise from audiences throughout the country.
Whether delivering powerful guitar solos, soulful blues phrasing or radio-ready songwriting, AC Miles has developed a reputation as an artist whose performances leave a lasting impression. Sunday’s show offers local music fans an opportunity to experience one of Northern California’s most accomplished blues-rock performers in an intimate live setting as he closes out another diverse weekend of entertainment at Powerhouse.
From New Wave classics and Grateful Dead favorites to 2000s dance hits and blues-driven guitar work, the weekend lineup once again highlights the variety that continues to make Powerhouse Pub one of Folsom’s favorite entertainment spots in the city’s Historic District.
Located at 614 Sutter Street in the heart of Historic Folsom, Powerhouse Pub features multiple bars, a giant LED dance floor, VIP areas and a multi-room layout that keeps crowds moving from afternoon performances into late-night nightlife experiences. For tickets, VIP reservations and more information, visit www.powerhousepub.com.
All shows at Powerhouse are 21 and over.
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