Sierra Valley Lodge in Calpine
Newly renovated, Sierra Valley Lodge has opened in the town of Calpine to great fanfare. An excited community has welcomed the new development with open arms.
The real heart of the project is the music venue that promises to host some of the best musical talent in the country. Jason Perkins, managing partner of Parish Entertainment Group, headquartered in San Francisco, says the
entertainment company has worked hard to make Sierra Valley Lodge a regional destination, attracting people from far and wide who are looking to have an extraordinary musical experience.
The company operates a number of live music venues in the Bay area, including a DJ Club and bars.
“We’ve been looking for a family-friendly location like Sierra Valley Lodge for a while,” Jason shares. “And we found an area here in the Sierras that we loved more than anywhere else.”
The Sierra Valley Lodge itself is a 100-year-old historical building with a lot of character and appeal, “and it seemed that transforming it into a place that featured musical groups would bring something wonderful to the community of Calpine” added Jason.
Choosing a more rural setting for its open scenery and spacious outdoors location was a conscious decision, Jason explains. Music venues are usually situated in the bigger cities. “That’s why we’ve been in the forefront of an urban renewal process. It’s part of our main goal, without changing the overall nature of the community that we wish to embrace.”
There are actually two large buildings on the property. The music hall featuring a raised stage and a balcony, plus a bar and restaurant in one structure, and a separate building with lodging facilities that maintains 13 newly renovated rooms that are available for guests looking for overnight accommodations or who want to extend their stay several extra days.
The rooms do not, however, include TVs or phones, explains Nate Scott, grounds manager and
bartender. “We wanted to provide more of a rural, cabin-like setting, where people can appreciate a simpler lifestyle, enjoying a mountain getaway retreat,” he says. In addition, the property will have tent sites for overnight camping that can hold eight people per site. There is also parking for RVers available.
The interiors of both buildings, from the plumbing to the electrical, are all new, with modern bathrooms and large upgraded bedroom suites designed to contemporary standards, but also “having a ‘mountain-vibe’ to them.”
The western-themed full bar will be open seven nights a week, and features two televisions, a jukebox, a functional fireplace, an ATM machine, and a pool table.
Guests can expect such delicious fare from Head Chef Ron Allen to include Smoked Prime Rib, Top Sirloin Steak, Cedar Plate Salmon, Yukon Mashed Potatoes, Fried Chicken, Oxtail Soup, Salads, and of course Hamburgers & Fries. An interesting twist is that patrons can bring in freshly caught fish into the restaurant and it will be cleaned and cooked for them, Nate says.
But the greatest attraction at Sierra Valley Lodge is the broad variety of musical groups who will be playing inside the western-mountain-themed music hall, including Rock & Roll, Folk, Country, Blues, you name it.
Just a few of the renowned acts booked for the summer include Chris Robinson
Brotherhood, The Monophonics, The Mother Hips, Sam Outlaw and Sean Hayes.
“We’ve installed a state-of-the-art sound system and stage lighting,” Nate remarks. “It’s going to offer a really
extraordinary experience to those who come to the performances.” They’ll also be sponsoring some outdoor concerts as well, he adds.
“We’re trying to bring the sophistication of city music
venues to a small town,” Nate says. “We want to offer a great music experience to our guests that they will long remember.”
Located off Highway 89 at 103 Main St. in Calpine, CA., 96124. Phone: 530-562-7051. For detailed driving directions, and upcoming events: www.sierravalleylodge.net.
