The Reno-Tahoe Blues Festival made its debut August 13th and 14th, 2005. The star-studded two-day event was held at the spacious Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, Nevada. Appearing on the bill were: Sista Monica, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Eddie Cotton, Bobby Rush, Bobby Womack, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Clarence Carter, Robert Cray, Etta James, and Gladys Knight. The emcee for both days was the legendary comedian, Larry LaLa.