Sample the Sierra is all about the food, wine, and fresh produce, but that’s not all you’ll find at this year’s festival!
See the 2019 perfect pairings here
Check out the 2019 Entertainment Schedule
12 p.m. — FESTIVAL OPENS!
12:00- 2 p.m. — Main Stage, Live Music: Rebel Tahoe Heart
2-3:30 p.m. — Sierra Stage, 8th annual Sierra Chef Challenge
- Amateur Chef Michael Sheldon
- Chef Michael Lynard (Cold Water Brewery & Grill)
- Chef Andrew Anderson (Gunbarrel Tavern and Eatery)
- Chef Lonny Huot (Edgewood Tahoe)
- Chef Dean Hiatt (Poor Red’s)
2:30 – 5 p.m. — Main Stage, Live Music: Taking Root
4 p.m. — Festival tasting booths close
4:30 p.m. — Main Stage
- Winner of the Sierra Chef Challenge announced
- Winner of the Best Tasting Experience announced
5 p.m. — FESTIVAL CLOSES
Live Music
Kicking off the soundtrack for the 10th Annual Sample the Sierra will be a new soulful hitting duo called Rebel Heart. Mike Smith from Kansas City (guitar and vocals) brings musical influences from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Alice in Chains to their sounds, while Taylor Huff from Santa Rosa (vocals) incorporates notes of blues like Etta James and newer soulful artists like Elle King. Together, Mike and Taylor communicate a lot of emotion in their music to really make an impact on their listeners. Their playlist is a fun mix of top hits and original songs.
Taking Root is a Reggae/Fusion band from South Lake Tahoe California who formed in 2014 and plays classic reggae from Bob Marley to Slightly Stoopid. They add alternate and classic rock songs to our repertoire with our own reggae twist, and have an extensive list of locations they have played in Lake Tahoe and beyond. They are also able to set the mood and cater to a variety of functions from cocktail receptions to outdoor festivals. The band consists of up to 5 very dedicated members who have been in the music industry for 10+ years. Taking Root sets a high standard for professionalism and integrity to the band, and their focus is to make their fans enjoy and have fun.
8th annual Sierra Chef Challenge
The field has been set for the Sierra Chef Challenge and it will feature five of the top culinary talents in South Lake Tahoe! Competing in the Chopped-style cooking competition will be the four local chef’s and an amateur chef. The contest begins at 2 p.m. on the Sierra Stage and will conclude around 3:30 p.m.
Lonny Huot, Assistant Executive Chef at Edgewood Tahoe will be returning to the competition for his second year and taking on Chef Michael Lynard from Cold Water Brewery and Grill, Chef Andrew Anderson from Gunbarrel Tavern and Eatery, and Chef Dean Hiatt from Poor Red’s.
A new component in this year’s competition is the inclusion of an amateur chef battling it out for the coveted Sierra Chef title, Michael Sheldon. Don’t let his Financial Lender look fool you — Michael has a ton of cooking experience under his belt and he is ready to battle with the best.
