Matt Axton, son of the great Hoyt Axton to play the Red Dog Saloon in Virginia City

Admission is $10. See video below.

Matt Axton is a gifted singer/songwriter with a killer band. Granted, that’s a claim made by many artists that inhabit the world of Americana these days, but in Matt’s case, it’s more than a mere boast. The ability to make music is firmly infused in his genes, courtesy of a family history that implanted that ability in him early on.

While he modestly describes his sound as a “humble slice of Americana,” it’s clear that it possesses so much more. With a style that encompasses country, folk, roots, rock, R&B, and pure pop proficiency, he defies easy categorization. With a rich reservoir of original tunes — over 300 in fact — and three well received albums (Blue Sky Rain, Matthew C. Axton and Badmoon), he’s established himself as a prolific and proficient singer, songwriter and guitarist, both on his own and at the helm of his various ensembles.

Even a small sampling of his musical output proves the point. His current single, “Blue Sky Rain,” the title track of his current album, is both stirring and seductive, an easy amble that belies its description of the topsy turvy travails that accompany the entanglements of relationships.

“Born of Chains,” culled from Badmoon, is flush with steadfast determination, a rugged, relentless bluesy-rocker that conveys clear conviction and a desire to overcome whatever obstacles are tossed in his way.

On the other hand, the good-natured “Everything” is an homage to romance, desire and faithfulness shared with some upbeat bluegrass banter. Here again, Matt demonstrates his remarkable fluidity and a decidedly affable attitude.

Notably, he also keeps good company. Matt has recorded original material with Steve Ferrone (drummer for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) and Hal Cragin (bassist for Iggy Pop), and shared sessions at the legendary East West Studios in Hollywood where Tom Petty recorded much of his work. The songs include: “Last search, a Southern rock-style anthem; “Born of Chains,” which shares a sparse and dark singer/songwriter vibe, the Americana style “What a Day,” the soulful strains of “Soul to Sell,” and “The Big “South, a blues groove reminiscent ZZ Top.

He’s also recently collaborated with the L.A. funk ensemble Loud as Funk , Bluegrass band Water Tower and the Lake Tahoe-based Americana band Dead Winter Carpenters. The verve and versatility underscore the fact that Matt is a master of many motifs.

Indeed, his has been an interesting journey, one spawned from a family lineage that’s both respected and revered. Matt’s grandmother, Mae Boren Axton, co-wrote “Heartbreak Hotel” for Elvis Presley. His dad, the legendary singer-songwriter Hoyt Axton, penned some of the most indelible songs within the entire canon of popular music, among them, “Joy to the World” and “Never Been to Spain” for Three Dog Night, “The Pusher” for the band Steppenwolf, and “The No No Song,” covered by Ringo Starr. So too, his mother, Donna Axton, was a composer, an astute pianist and a respected music professor.

“I grew up with music that filtered down to me from both sides of my family,” Matt recalls. “Each had a distinctly different connection to their craft, but it was that genuine love for music as a power for good that inspired their desire to embrace all that it could offer.”

Nevertheless, coming from such auspicious lineage can be intimidating, but happily, Matt’s made a mark all on his own. Born and raised at Lake Tahoe, he spent his younger years hopping on and off tour buses, hanging out backstage and becoming acquainted with the colorful characters that inhabit the inner sanctums of show biz. Ironically, he never considered a career that involved making music until an injury made him bed-ridden, and, with little else to occupy his time, led him to pick up a guitar and share some songs of his own.

After reaching adulthood, he resettled in Los Angeles, and embarked on a quest to find his muse. He gained inspiration through his journey and the scenic surroundings of his western environs. “Playing music makes me feel whole,” Matt insists. “When the song is clicking, and the band and audience are moving along to the groove, it’s the best feeling in the world. It’s my drug. It’s the closest thing to magic I’ve found. Music can cross oceans, transcend cultures, bridge generations, and lift people up. It’s capable of bringing unity, transformation and momentary escape from the trials and tribulations of a decidedly difficult world.”

The Red Dog Saloon is located at 76 North C Street in Virginia City. The historic venue offers a full service bar, with a fine selection of beers on tap, excellent pizza and a variety of other menu items.