History of Red Dog Saloon
June 1965
“The Red Dog Experience”
During the summer of 1965, Laughlin (better known in media as Travus T. Hipp, a disc jockey and news commentator, recruited much of the original talent that led to a mix of traditional folk music and psychedelic rock. He and his friends created what became known as “The Red Dog Experience,” featuring previously unknown musical acts — Big Brother and the Holding Company, The Charlatans, The Wildflower and others — who played in the refurbished saloon during 1965 – 66. There was no clear delineation between “performers” and “audience” in “The Red Dog Experience,” during which music, psychedelic experimentation and Bill Ham’s first primitive light shows combined to create a new sense of community. Laughlin and George Hunter of the Charlatans were termed “proto-hippies”, with their long hair, boots and clothing of a distinctly Native American heritage.
The poster for the first six-week stint of performances from The Charlatans beginning in June 1965 is a rare psychedelic poster. It is known as “The Seed”.
The Last
Red Dog House Band
The Scragg Family, one of California's premier old time and bluegrass bands, performed throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest for more than ten years beginning in 1963.
Their repeated performances at Hollywood's Ash Grove and Virginia City's Red Dog Saloon (they were the house band for the entire summer and fall of 1967) are legendary, entailing what Feldmann calls an "out of multi-body experience". (Read More)
Red Dog Saloon napkin circa 1967.
The Show Must Go On!
Live music remains the corner stone today at the Red Dog Saloon. With some of the best musicians, beginners as well as seasoned veterans of their trade we strive to entertain you. We bring some of the best food and libation to Northern Nevada with Ruby’s Pizza and some of the best on tap beers and quality well liquors!
