“What I want people to know about my music is how keeping the overlooked rich and very short early history of Truckee alive is necessary.  The names of developments and streets are all around Truckee, but the stories disappear just like the towns and building that burned down. Sometimes the only thing left is just the wind in the sage.“- Richard Blair

We are elated that musician Richard Blair is part of the 2014 Historical Haunted Tour in Truckee!  He’s come out with even more new music about old Truckee.

Blair has an uncanny talent for sharing Truckee's history via song. His newest CD "Truckee Roots" was inspired by the stories from the first CD, "Streets of Truckee," which was more about places and people. Truckee Roots is generally about their journeys. Blair is from Truckee and records at his local studio (Russell Valley Recording) using acoustic guitars he built locally (Sierra Guitar) so he and his music are truly, as he puts it, "Truckee Home Grown."

When asked about his creative process, Blair explains, “I was always interested in Truckee history. Didn't study it, but generally interesting stuff!  I have done other CDs and started introducing songs about Truckee into my live shows. People loved them. As a singer/songwriter, I was having writers block and all of a sudden I realized there was a wealth of stories to write about just staring me.  It just snowballed. The more Truckee songs I wrote, the more interesting the history became and audiences loved the songs. I realized it was not only great stories to write about, it was important, gratifying and fulfilling. I'm helping to keep the stories alive.” And, we think that – and Blair himself – are very cool!

On Oct. 2, Blair’s "Truckee Roots” will be released. Find out more on his site, http://truckee-blair.squarespace.com. Copies will also be available for sale at Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats during the Historical Haunted Tour.

Oct. 16 and 17 are not the only times to see Blair and hear his music live. Check out his upcoming shows:

First Friday Concert, 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 3
Community Art Center on Church Street, Truckee
Tickets: Call 530 582-7720

Cottonwood, 6:30 p.m. on Oct 26, Nov. 9, Nov. 23 and Dec 10
Call Cottonwood at (530) 587-5711 for dinner reservations

Open your purse strings for a great cause!

100 percent of the funds raised from the Truckee Historical Haunted Tour raffle on Oct. 16 and 17 go directly to Trails and Vistas, the 501 c 3 nonprofit organization that produces an annual art hike and field trip.

If you are interested in supporting the 2014 tour, don't delay! Contact event producer Christina Stoever Young.