Sierra Center Stage kick-off and TV schedule

The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is throwing a party May 11 in the Big Room to launch its new public TV music series. Fittingly, it will be a concert by Roy Rogers, the featured performer on the first show in the series. He’ll be joined by his band, the Delta Rhythm Kings, and by fiddle master Tom Rigney, who also appears in the show. For ticket info, go to www.sierranevada.com.

Here’s the KIXE viewing schedule for the series, which begins May 14:

“Roy Rogers: Slide Guitar Wizard": The reigning master of contemporary slide guitar is joined by his band, the Delta Rhythm Kings, as well as harpist Norton Buffalo, keyboardist Phil Aaberg, vocalist Shana Morrison and fiddler Tom Rigney. Debuts May 14, 9 p.m. Repeats May 15 and 16, 11 p.m.

“Strunz & Farah: Fiery Latin Rhythms": Strong percussion and acoustic guitar pyrotechnics showcase the music that earned Strunz & Farah a Grammy nomination and Billboard’s World Music Album of the Year honor. Debuts May 21 at 9 p.m. Repeats May 22 and 23 at 11 p.m.

“Ford Brothers Blues Band featuring Robben Ford": Grammy nominee and former sideman for Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, George Harrison and the Yellowjackets, Robben Ford joins his brothers Mark (harp) and Pat (drums), as well as Chris Cain and Volker Strifler. This rousing, emotion show premieres on May 28 at 9 p.m. and repeats on May 30 and 31 at 11 p.m.

“Tommy Emmanuel": This amazing Australian guitarist, who’s won every possible award in his homeland including entertainer of the year (three times), takes the Big Room stage by storm. Series host Bob Littell surprises the audience and almost steals the show with a cameo appearance on harmonica, showing chops equaling those of the best in the country. Debuts June 4 at 9 p.m. Repeats June 5 and 6 at 11 p.m.—R.S.