Originally published in Moonshine Ink, 7/9/2026, written by Jon Grant
There was a moment at the second-ever Gambler’s Run in 2024 when The Main Squeeze was covering Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” and it all kind of came together for Crystal Bay Casino’s production/marketing manager Sam Shear.
“It was right at dusk,” he said. “The golden hour light. The energy of the band, the energy of the crowd. It was epic. All the work we’d done, a lot of things had to line up to make that moment happen.”
Things did line up and that moment did happen. More moments happened last year and more moments will happen in 2026, the festival gaining momentum like some incendiary fiddle solo played against a devil down in Georgia. This year, the String Cheese Incident leads its biggest lineup yet, headlining three days of deep-pooled musicality with their Thursday night set.
‘We are happy to announce our recent purchase of Vacation Station and Incline House Cleaning, both of which are long-time businesses based in our hometown of Incline Village,” said Blane Johnson, owner of Sun Bear Realty & Property Management. “We thank Don Cauley and Kathleen Savino for trusting us to continue their well-respected operations and wish them the best as they retire and enjoy their new adventures in life.”
With this most recent acquisition, Sun Bear is one of the largest, most respected, and dependable full-service real estate companies in North Lake Tahoe.
“The company’s experienced cleaning team has joined the Sun Bear family to service our existing property needs while they continue to attend to their existing clientele and build on their fine reputation. We also built a new in-house facility for the Incline House Cleaning operation,” said Johnson.
As an incentive to build new business, the company is offering a $50 credit to first-time clients who mention this introductory house-cleaning offer.
For over 30 years, Johnson and his team have provided year-round property management, vacation rentals, long-term leases and real estate advice and services through their office located at 811 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village, Nevada.
For more real estate, vacation and long-term rental information, visit Sunbearrealty.com or call (775) 831-9000. To learn more about their cleaning services, visit InclineHouseCleaning.com or call (775) 832-4853.
Summer in Incline Village and Crystal Bay is filled with live music, nearly every night of the week.
On any given evening, you can find yourself listening to a local favorite on a restaurant patio, discovering an emerging artist at Tunes on Tap, enjoying world-class musicians at Classical Tahoe, or spending the weekend at the Crystal Bay Club as touring bands make their Tahoe stop. This Thursday through Saturday, Gamblers Run Music Festival brings another lineup of talented artists to Crystal Bay, adding to a summer calendar that’s full of reasons to get out and enjoy the evening.
For a community our size, the variety is remarkable. Throughout the week, Music at Ski Beach, Tunes on Tap, live performances at Sage Leaf, Bowl Incline and Glasses Wine Bar, Classical Tahoe concerts, and events at the Crystal Bay Club mean there’s rarely a night without music somewhere in our community.
Music may be the soundtrack of summer, but it’s only part of the story. Alongside the concerts, our community calendar is filled with speaker series, community meetings, networking events, trivia nights, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare at Sand Harbor, family events at the library, and countless new events added to our calendar weekly.
Have a look at this week’s music line-up so far:
Music at Ski Beach (Wednesdays)
Live Music at Sage Leaf
Crystal Bay Club – Gamblers Run
Bowl Incline: Live Music (Thursday & Saturday)
Alibi Ale Works: Tunes on Tap Summer Music Series
Music at Ski Beach (Fridays)
Music at the Beach (Kings Beach – Fridays)
Classical Tahoe Weekend Performances
Alibi Ale Works: Country Fridays Line Dancing
Alibi Ale Works: Neon Nights
Glasses Wine Bar: Live Music Saturday
Bowl Incline: Disco Bowling & DJ Beats
Rather than searching multiple websites or social media pages, theIVCBA Community Calendar brings together events from local businesses, nonprofits, arts organizations, and community groups in one place. Whether you’re planning an evening out or looking ahead to the weekend, it’s the easiest way to see what’s happening in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
If you’d rather have the week’s highlights delivered directly to your inbox, the IVCBA SnapShot arrives every Wednesday with a curated selection of community news, upcoming events, local business updates, and stories from around Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
In The News – Washoe County Sheriff’s Office adds RECCO SAR helicopter detector
July 20, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/20/2026, Staff Report
Becomes 11th U.S. agency to deploy the technology
WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. – RECCO, a global search and rescue technology, recently announced that the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada has equipped its RAVEN (Regional Aviation Enforcement) helicopter program with a RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector, making it the 11th organization in the United States and the 54th worldwide to deploy the aerial system.
The RECCO system operates on a passive radar principle. The helicopter-carried detector emits a radar signal that bounces off a RECCO reflector, which is a small, lightweight, battery-free device integrated into outdoor clothing, helmets, backpacks and boots, and echoes back to the detector, guiding the aircrew directly to the person’s location.
In The News – North Lake Tahoe Fire starts Worm Project Phase 2
July 20, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/20/2026, Staff Report
In 2025, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), in partnership with the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), launched the 176.5-acre Worm Project, a wildfire fuels reduction initiative named for the long, narrow shape of the treatment area.
The project is creating an intensively managed forest buffer around neighborhoods above Highway 431 in Incline Village, extending from private property boundaries onto IVGID and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands. By reducing hazardous vegetation, the project helps lower wildfire risk, improve firefighter access, and strengthen the protection of lives, homes, and critical infrastructure.
Work includes thinning understory vegetation and removing smaller, suppressed trees while retaining approximately 10–15% of native brush in a mosaic pattern. This approach supports wildlife habitat, protects soil stability and water quality, and preserves the area’s natural forest character.
In The News – Classical Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Dance Collective partner for 2nd annual ‘Music in Motion’
July 16, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/16/2026, Staff Report
Annual event sells out as partnership between the two organizations grows
Classical Tahoe and Lake Tahoe Dance Collective (LTDC) will present the second annual “Music in Motion” on Saturday, July 25, at the Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. The sold-out performance brings together live chamber music and world-class dance, featuring principal dancers from New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Ballet Arizona, all accompanied by Classical Tahoe musicians.
“Music in Motion has added a marvelous new dimension to Classical Tahoe’s summer lineup,” said Laura Hamilton, artistic director of Classical Tahoe. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the great artists from Lake Tahoe Dance Collective. We look forward to building on the partnership in the future – the sky’s the limit.”
In The News – Tahoe Fund welcomes 3 new board members
July 15, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published by the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/15/2026, Staff Report
The nonprofit Tahoe Fund announced today that Tom Baxter, Chris McNamara, and Tom Seeliger have joined its Board of Directors. Each of the three bring valuable professional experience and deep connections to the Tahoe region that will help advance the efforts of the organization to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.
“I’m pleased to welcome Tom, Chris, and Tom to the Tahoe Fund Board of Directors and excited about the invaluable experience and leadership each brings to our efforts,” said John Jones, Tahoe Fund board chair. “All three have strong histories of supporting the Lake Tahoe environment that will be beneficial as we continue to pursue opportunities to bring transformational change to Tahoe.”
The Local Lens – Bringing World-Class Music to Incline Village
July 15, 2026 | Member Submitted
Written by Joanne Taylor, Development Director at Classical Tahoe
Joanne Taylor is the Development Director at Classical Tahoe. A native Nevadan and graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, she has spent a lifetime enjoying the beauty of Lake Tahoe—from summers on its beaches to winters in the surrounding mountains. She is proud to help bring world-class music and arts to the community she has long called home.
Each summer, Classical Tahoe presents a four-week, world-class jazz and classical music festival in an intimate outdoor pavilion nestled in the majestic pines of Incline Village, at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Lake Tahoe campus. Featured are top jazz players and principal musicians from major orchestras throughout North America, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Seattle Symphony, L.A. Phil, and Toronto Symphony Orchestra, just to name a few.
Bringing together the more than 100 musicians who join us over the next four weeks on stage, in classrooms, and in the community is no easy feat. We begin planning each season immediately after the current one concludes.
Strategic planning and budgeting come first, led by Classical Tahoe’s Executive Director, David Pratt, with input and participation from staff and the board. (Note that when I mention staff, I’m referring only to three full-time employees, myself included, and a handful of contractors.) Simultaneously, Artistic Director Laura Hamilton begins to put together the classical programs and hire musicians, guest artists, and conductors. David works closely with Laura to accomplish this, among many other things, including coordination with the Brubeck Jazz Summit. Festival Administrator Anna King Box begins to set up ticketing and seating for subscribers. During this time, I am focused on securing corporate and individual sponsorships, grants, and major gifts. I also work to get housing hosts for musicians (we’re always looking for new housing hosts, so contact me if you are interested!) And, all of us, along with a committee, start planning our annual gala. We’re exhausted by December!
Now celebrating its 15th season, Classical Tahoe presents more performances, reaches more students, and engages more community members than ever before. We’ve accomplished this through important partnerships with the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe, corporate sponsors and foundations (too many to name!), and other arts organizations such as the Brubeck Living Legacy and Lake Tahoe Dance Collective. And, of course, there are the hundreds of individuals who believe in our mission and support our organization through contributions and volunteerism. Add to that the commitment and generosity of our 18 board members, and you have the formula for our success.
The 2026 Classical Tahoe festival dates are July 11-Aug. 9. Click here for a complete Classical Tahoe 2026 Festival program guide. Many of the performances are sold out but there are still tickets available for the concerts below. And don’t forget—orchestra rehearsals are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m., offering a rare opportunity to watch world-class musicians at work.
Thursday, July 16 – The Sound of Today: Contemporary Masters Sextet
Featuring Roxy Coss, Lucas Pino, Michael Rodriguez, Rachel Eckroth, Gerald Cannon & Bryan Carter. Special appearance from Chris and Dan Brubeck.
7 PM | Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion
Friday, July 17 – The Future of Jazz: Brubeck Jazz Summit Rising Stars
Featuring Chris and Dan Brubeck, summit participants, and Contemporary Masters Sextet
August 1 – Family Concert and Music Maker’s Faire: Kids Take the Stage
11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion, 291 Country Club Dr., Incline Village.
This concert and day of music exploration for families, is priced to reduce the cost barrier for some to attend. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults, though Classical Tahoe will happily waive the ticket price for anyone that asks.
Whether you’re attending your first concert or returning for another unforgettable season, we invite you to experience the artistry, inspiration, and sense of community that make Classical Tahoe so special. We look forward to seeing you.
Check Out the Monthly Thrifty Thursday & Community Festivities
July 15, 2026 | Member Submitted
🛍️🎉 THRIFTY THURSDAY IS ALMOST HERE! 🎉🛍️
Get ready for one of the best shopping days of the month! Grab your friends and spend the day exploring amazing deals, unique treasures, and supporting the local businesses and nonprofits that make our community so special. ❤️
🌟 THRIFT STORE HIGHLIGHTS 🌟
🛋️ Tahoe Family Solutions Thrift Store ✨ 50% OFF ALL Indoor Furniture 👕 Fill a bag of clothing for just $20 (White tags excluded) 🎟️ Spend $25 or more and be entered to win our Thrifty Thursday Raffle!
🪑 Village Christian Thrift Store 👔 Men’s Shirts & Tees – 50% OFF 👖 Ladies Pants & Jeans – 50% OFF 🛋️ Furniture – 50% OFF
🐾 Pet Network Thrift Store 🛍️ 25% OFF Storewide!
👞 Village Pet Foundation Thrift Store located in Christmas Tree Village 👟 50% OFF ALL Shoes 📚 FREE Book with Any Purchase (Limit 2 books per customer) excludes table books
🪑 Furniture Gallery (Unit 15) 🚪 Special Back Room Sale! You never know what hidden treasures you’ll discover!
🌟 PLUS MORE GREAT DEALS! 🌟
🍓 Grocery Outlet Fresh produce specials all day long! 🎟️ Spend $25 or more at Grocery Outlet, bring your receipt to Tahoe Family Solutions Thrift Store, and you’ll be entered into our raffle!
🧦 Yami Leo’s Little Shop 🧦 50% OFF All Socks
🚲 Tahoe Multisport 🚲 Sale on used child & kids’ bike seats and trailers.
🌸 Wyld Peony 🌺 15% OFF Tahoe Love Merchandise
🍷 Glasses Wine Bar 🍷 Happy Hour starts at 3 PM
🌮 Lupita’s 🌮 2-for-1 Street Tacos from 2 PM–5 PM (Dine-in only)
❤️ Shop local. 🛍️ Save big. ♻️ Support local nonprofits and small businesses. 🎉 Make a day of it and discover your next great find!
📍 Village Shopping Center – Incline Village 🗓️ Thursday, July 16
Every third Thursday all summer long! We can’t wait to see you! ☀️🎉
In The News – Swinging for mental health care: Golf tournament supports service member interventions
July 13, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/13/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh
An organization providing mental health care assistance to service members raised funds for the cause during a round of golf at the Incline Village Championship Golf Course on June 15.
PTSD NOW! is an organization based out of Incline Village that advocates for solutions that support military personnel experiencing stress or depression during deployment or after. Interventions include immediate, no-cost access to mental health in its mission to reduce suicide and improve long-term well-being.
The organization raised over $100,000 at the 4th Annual Thank A Vet Golf Tournament. In doing so, it brought together sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and community partners.
