Located on the shores of Lake Tahoe at the historic Tallac Site, the Valhalla Arts and Music Festival www.ValhallaTahoe.com is celebrating its 30th anniversary festival season with a summer-long entertainment series. An entire line-up of classical chamber music concerts, Jazz and Celtic performers, film nights, theatre productions, and Toccata Chorus and Orchestra is planned in addition to a variety of ethnic and popular music such as the Wa She Shu It Deh Native American and Tibetan Festivals.

Opening weekend is June 19 at the Tahoe Tallac historic 74-acre setting which is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places http://www.nps.gov/nr/ and was a favorite getaway in the late 1800’s for Northern California’s elite members of society. Glamorous parties, summertime festivities and beach-side recreation provided the perfect escape from city living. Some things never change, as the Tallac site is still an ideal retreat and the current site of the Valhalla Arts and Music Festival.

“It will be a memorable experience as locals, visitors and families can enjoy pristine scenery, unique entertainment and historic education all in one place,” says Steve Farnsley, executive director of the nonprofit Tahoe Tallac Association. “The combination of the performing arts in the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre, one of Tahoe’s most prestigious historic places, is an unmatched cultural experience for guests.”

The Valhalla Boathouse Theatre is located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Its structure dates back to the turn-of-the century, distinguishing it as one of Tahoe’s earliest preserved buildings.

The Art Gallery located in the Valhalla Grand Hall showcases regional artists Monday thru Friday where at times, one hundred artists participate annually. In addition, there are Children’s Art workshops, ‘In the Meadow’ sing-alongs, and children and youth theatre camps. The workshops focus on establishing an early awareness for art and nature.

Here are some highlighted events for the upcoming months. For a full event calendar, including photos and videos, visit www.ValhallaTahoe.com or call (530) 541-4975.

July 7, 7:30 pm Dream Spirit Baroque Band – Valhalla Grand Hall: An original mix of instruments including dulcimer, guitar, violin, cello and recorder. Adults $15/Seniors $12/Children $5

July, 9, 6:30 pm Wine Tasting & Play (The Dinning Room) – Valhalla Grand Lawn: An evening of wine tasting, live theatre, and incredible views of Lake Tahoe. Après Wine Bar will pour/describe several varietals before & during intermission of "The Dining Room", by American playwright A.R. Gurney, a delightful comedy of manners & a quick study of the WASP family throughout the ages. Additional wine available for purchase. Play starts at 7:30. $30 per person or $55 per couple includes wine tasting and play. Play only/$18 per person.

July 12, 10 am – 6 pm Latino Day – Valhalla Grand Estate: Music, dancing, food, and art/crafts of the Latino community. FREE

July 25 & 26, all day Wa She Shu It Deh Native American Festival – Valhalla Estate: Basket weaving competition, native film festival, traditional dance, native artists and performers, hand game tournament, raffle prizes, and authentic food. FREE

August 21, 7:30 pm Tahoe Dance Band – Valhalla Grand Hall: Big Band/Swing concert by a 17-piece band that plays and sings the standards including fox trots, waltzes, tangos, swing, and polkas. Adults $15/Seniors $12/Children $5

Sept. 3-5; & 11-13 “The Rabbit Hole”, presented by Dakota Organization – Boathouse Theater: Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. "Rabbit Hole" charts their search for comfort in the darkest of places and a path that will lead them back into the light of day. Adults $18/Seniors $15/Children $5

Sept. 26, 7:30 pm Black Irish Band – Boathouse Theater: From the historic Gold Rush Country of America with nineteen years and a musical style that is as timeless as the rugged landscape of the west this traditional maritime and railroad music is rounded out with ethnic tunes from Irish, Italian, and American folk music. Adults $15/Seniors $12/Children $5

Nov. 20, 5:30 pm Valhalla Holiday Faire Arts and Crafts Festival – Valhalla Grand Hall: Holiday crafts, gift items and entertainment featuring local children’s choir, professional musicians and seasonal treats in the spirit of the season. FREE

The Tallac Historic Site and Valhalla Estate Cultural Arts Store offers collector and specialty gifts, hand crafted by local artists and special logo wear to honor the 30th anniversary of the Tahoe Tallac Association. Clothing items are eco-friendly.

The Cultural Arts Store is located in the Twin Cabins in front of the Valhalla Grand Hall and is staffed by artists and volunteers. Visitors may also meet the artist of the item they buy. A portion of purchases is tax deductible and funds go to the arts and events programs and to the ongoing restoration of the Valhalla Grand Hall and grounds. The store is open 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, June 15 through September 15. For more information, please call (530) 542-2787.

The Tahoe Tallac Association was formed in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the goal of assisting the Forest Service in restoring the three estates on the Tallac Historic Site, developing the site as a historic center, and sponsoring/producing the Valhalla Arts & Music Festival held annually on the Heller Estate of the Tallac Historic Site.