Open it up

Getting the party started and the mood set for the remainder of the night is the job of the openers for any concert. Rollin’ On the River has some great openers to start the show. The first night of Rollin’ On the River is a little different this year because it falls on Independence Day, but here are the openers for the rest of the nights.

The Novelists perform lyrical rock and are based in Reno. They formed back in July of 2011 and have toured extensively since then. The band consists of vocalist, guitarist and mandolinist Joel Ackerson, vocalist and pianist Eric Andersen and vocalist and bassist Zack Teran. Their first album was titled Backstory, and they released Book 1 back in April of this year. They have plans to release another full-length album later this year, too.

The Novelists have played throughout the U.S. and have upcoming tour dates throughout the region, which can be found on their website at thenovelists.com. They will play at Wingfield Park on July 11, 5:30 p.m.

Opening for Los Pinguos (see page 7).

Guitar Woody and the Boilers are veterans to Rollin’ On the River. They opened for Janiva Magness during last year’s series. This group plays blues-based R&B and funk music and have been playing in Reno for more than 20 years. Guitar Woody—or Woody Soules—started the band after taking a break from music for about four or five years in Reno. He befriended some local musicians and soon enough Guitar Woody and the Boilers became a reality.

To keep up to date with Guitar Woody and the Boilers, visit their Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/ljmy9se. They will be performing on July 18, 5:30 p.m. at Wingfield Park.

Opening for Brad Wilson (see page 8).

First Take featuring Rick Metz performs vocal jazz from popular and important American popular songs of the 20th century. The members of the band vary from performance to performance, which is why Metz calls the group First Take. No matter who plays with him, they have to get the song correct on the “first take.” It was also the name of his college jazz group. Metz plays the saxophone most frequently, but also plays a variety of instruments in different performances. The band plays selections from artists including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Mel Torme, Harry Connick, Jr. and Duke Ellington. Metz will stick around after this performance to play saxophone with the headlining band, The System, too.

Come out to see First Take featuring Rick Metz on July 25, 5:30 p.m. At Wingfield Park, and for more information, visit www.rickmetz.com/Site/First_Take.html.

Opening for The System: The Bob Seger Tribute Band (see page 9).