Two nights of country music are on tap to kickstart the weekend in Historic Folsom as Serena Karise and Tony Garcia with his Hired Guns bring back-to-back performances to the Folsom Hotel Saloon Friday and Saturday.
The weekend begins Friday night with Karise taking the stage, followed by Garcia and The Hired Guns on Saturday, giving country music fans a pair of performances that showcase both emerging talent and seasoned musicianship rooted in modern country traditions.
Karise has steadily built a reputation across the regional country music circuit for her powerful vocals, engaging stage presence and energetic performances that blend classic country storytelling with a modern edge.
Drawing inspiration from the strong female voices that helped define 1990s country music, Karise channels influences from artists such as Jo Dee Messina and Reba McEntire while incorporating contemporary sounds reminiscent of performers like Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson.
The result is a style that bridges generations of country music, honoring traditional roots while delivering the grit, attitude and energy that define today’s country landscape.
Originally from Northern California, Karise has become known for an electrifying stage presence that keeps audiences engaged from the opening song to the final encore. Whether performing heartfelt originals or adding her own spin to familiar country favorites, her shows are built around audience connection, pairing strong vocals with a lively, band-driven sound.
Her growing reputation has led to appearances at festivals, fairs, casinos and music venues throughout the region. Along the way, Karise has shared stages with national touring artists including Lily Rose and has opened performances for country stars Sara Evans, Gabby Barrett and Deana Carter.
Those opportunities have helped her cultivate a devoted following among fans who appreciate both the nostalgic influence of traditional country and the fresh energy she brings to every performance.
Karise’s original music highlights both sides of her artistry. Her single “Your Side of Town” is a stripped-back acoustic track focused on heartbreak, small-town reflection and lingering memories. Follow-up release “Bad Love” shifts gears into a more upbeat, 1990s-inspired country sound built for the stage, demonstrating her versatility as both a songwriter and performer.
Known for stepping off the stage and into the crowd, Karise transforms performances into shared experiences rather than traditional concerts. Her shows blend country, rock and soul influences into high-energy sets that keep audiences engaged from beginning to end.
Away from the spotlight, she balances touring with life on an off-grid Northern California homestead, reflecting the independent spirit that continues to shape both her music and career.
Tony Garcia & The Hired Guns take over Saturday
Saturday night brings Garcia and The Hired Guns to the Folsom Hotel stage, delivering a high-energy blend of country rock that combines modern country sounds with classic influences and a rock-and-roll edge.
Known for dynamic live performances, Garcia and his band mix crowd-favorite covers with original music, creating shows designed to keep audiences singing and dancing throughout the evening. Their sound combines authentic storytelling, powerful vocals and driving guitars while staying firmly rooted in country traditions.
Garcia’s latest chapter as an artist is deeply connected to the release of his album, “LISTEN,” a project inspired by friendship, loss and the enduring connection that music creates.
The story behind the album dates back to Garcia’s childhood, when he and his best friend bought their first guitars at age 13 and dreamed of becoming musicians. Though life eventually sent them in different directions—one toward Los Angeles and the other toward Nashville—their friendship remained connected through music.
In 2025, Garcia received news that his longtime friend had passed away unexpectedly. During a celebration of life, he was reunited with one of the guitars they had shared memories with as young musicians. The instrument was later given to Garcia by his friend’s mother and has since become his primary guitar both on stage and in the studio.
That same guitar appears in the artwork and imagery surrounding “LISTEN,” an album that Garcia describes as a reminder to not simply hear music, but to truly listen to it, feel it and allow it to connect people long after the final note fades.
The deeply personal story has resonated with audiences and helped shape a collection of songs centered on friendship, memories and the enduring power of music.
Together with The Hired Guns, Garcia continues to build a reputation for delivering energetic country-rock performances that blend heartfelt originals with the kind of familiar songs that bring crowds together.
Located at 703 Sutter Street in the heart of Historic Folsom, the Folsom Hotel Saloon continues to attract a diverse lineup of touring and regional artists spanning country, Americana, roots, bluegrass and rock genres.
Serena Karise performs Friday, June 5, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tony Garcia & The Hired Guns follow on Saturday, June 6, also with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Tickets for both performances are available at www.folsomhotelsaloon.com.
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