The weather featured the perfect temperature for an outdoor concert in Tuolumne at Black Oak’s Westside Pavilion this past Saturday night, July 6 as Snoop Dogg and friends hit the stage to a sold out crowd. The concert began at 7 p.m. and the Isley Brothers that are still going strong featuring Ronald Isley with lead vocals and Ernie Isley on guitar along with dancers and background singers, had people on their feet, dancing and singing. The brothers belted out their popular hits through their long list of tunes that began in the ‘50s. Ernie jammed on the guitar doing rifts that filled the open air with melodies that led to loud applause and cheers. They wrapped their performance with their hit from 1959 that most people – of any age – know really well called “Shout!”
The sold out show had just under 6,000 guests in attendance, according to BJ Nelson, Executive Director of Operations at the Westside Pavilion.
“This was the largest crowd we have ever had at the Westside Pavilion and we were very pleased at how everything went,” said Nelson. “We had plenty of parking on site for all guests and the shuttle service from the casino ran very smoothly too. Guests loved the selection of food and beverages our vendors offered. The VIP area continues to get great reviews for its atmosphere and amenities (private restrooms, private bar/lounge).”
Snoop Dogg took quite a while to hit the stage so the DJ was spinning beats as the crowd’s anticipation and excitement grew. Once he finally came out on stage he did not disappoint, performing his tracks that got him to where he is now including “Drop it like it’s hot,” and “Gin & Juice.” Warren G joined Snoop on stage bringing his lyrics and the G Funk to the Westside Pavilion. There were dancers on stage as well, as in true Doggy Dogg fashion he was joined by dancing ladies as he puffed on a joint on stage. He also had a money gun that he used to shoot out bills at a rapid pace.
“Snoop did take the stage a little tardy, but it was worth the wait as the show he and Warren G put on was awesome,” expressed Nelson. “We were really excited to bring Snoop/The Isley Brothers/Warren G/Kurupt to Tuolumne County and the attendance numbers proved that the show was well received by ticket buyers.”
The crowd was on their feet for the majority of the performance singing, dancing, cheering, and clapping. The open outdoor venue allowed the breeze to keep things cool and the plumes of smoke to be carried off in the night sky.
Recognizing and honoring those that have passed, Snoop Dogg gave the late Nipsey Hussle, Eazy-E, Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious B.I.G, and Tupac Shakur some love during his performance on Saturday night. The audience was exhilarated and joined him in singing a few of their tracks.
The show continued into the late hours of the night as the ‘Doggfather’ floated across the stage with his gold microphone and sunglasses.
There are VIP packages which give each guest an added value including a designated parking area, a specific entrance, food and beverage booths with shorter lines and private restrooms. For dinner, VIP guests were served smoked beef brisket, tequila lime grilled chicken, red skinned mashed potatoes brown sugar baked beans, mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, herb croutons with ranch and Italian dressing seasonal vegetables warm biscuits, and chocolate chip cookies.
With its second year of bringing entertainment to the Central Valley the Westside Pavilion has not disappointed with its lineup. This was the first concert that has sold out and the acts will keep coming all the way through October. From classic rock, hip hop, to country there is something for everyone.
