Lydia Pense and Cold Blood

Back by popular demand! Lydia Pense & Cold Blood return to Nashville Social Club for a night of powerhouse R&B and soul. With a voice that’s been compared to Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin, Lydia has been commanding the stage since the late ‘60s, blending raw energy with deep, groove-driven rhythms. Originally discovered by Janis Joplin and signed by Bill Graham, Cold Blood helped define the East Bay sound—a horn-infused mix of jazz, soul, and blues. Don’t miss this chance to see a true legend in action!

🎟️ Secure your spot now for a night of timeless soul and unstoppable grooves.

The word legend certainly applies to Lydia Pense and Cold Blood…and not in some past tense-make-a-living-as-an-oldies-act sort of way either. Pense can still shout like a 60's soul diva and purr a slow blues tune with spine-tingling subtlety.
Cold Blood, as a whole, features a stellar group of musicians who have been playing together for nearly 20 years including Steve Dunne on guitar, Steve Salinas on keyboards, a gritty-growling horn section comprised of John Hablieb and Rob Zuckerman along with a stellar rhythm section featuring Evan Palmerston on bass and T Moran on drums. The band members are all veteran Bay Area musicians who have played with many great artists including Elvin Bishop, Jefferson Starship, Boz Skaggs, Albert Collins and more.
Of course there is Lydia who still has the chops with the patina of a seasoned veteran who's done and seen it all. Together she and the band continue to twist together R&B, (both Old School and New School); into something that doesn't have a label... On any given night, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood power through their historic essentials, like "You Got Me Hummin'," "I Just Want To Make Love To You," "I'm A Good Woman," and "Down to the Bone."
It's been a long road, over 40 years to be exact with a break somewhere in the middle. But, Lydia and the band are living proof that a little time off can be a really good thing. With their new CD, "COLD BLUE HEART" turning heads across the country, fans are remembering just what has been missing from music in the last few decades. The 8 songs exemplify how a performer can take great strides forward, without forgetting her roots. Using "COLD BLUE HEART" as their muse there is a renewed interest in live performances, from both the band, and venue owners. Cold Blood is booking dozens of shows across the country, entertaining generations of club, theatre and festival goers.
And, of course, anything Lydia sings is sung well.
She has a list of famous admirers that includes Bonnie Raitt, Michelle Shocked, David Lee Roth, even Janis Joplin back in the day.

Discover Nashville Social Club in Carson City! Located at 1105 S Carson St, NSC offers a unique blend of Nashville-inspired dining, live music, and entertainment. Indulge in southern specialties like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and heavenly desserts like ‘Lovin’ From the Oven’.

The Swan Music Hall hosts national touring artists in an intimate concert setting, complemented by regular shows each month. Visitors to NSC can also tour the Wander Hall, a permanent rock-hall-themed exhibit featuring memorabilia from co-owner John Procaccini’s decades in the music industry, including priceless items from The Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, and Frank Sinatra.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, reservations are recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on the ultimate NSC experience. Contact us at (775) 515-0020 or visit our website to secure your table and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of NSC, where dining, music, and entertainment converge.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nashville Social Club Carson City, 1105 South Carson Street, Carson City, United States