Making a Life in Music: Career stories, lessons, and advice with Gary Tackett and special guests

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 12-1:30 PM

While in Boise for their 5th Annual Smoke on the Water show at The Riverside Hotel’s iconic Sapphire Room, Gary Tackett and his all-star lineup of Tony Lindsay, Walfredo Reyes Jr., Myron Dove, and Eamonn Flynn have kindly agreed to join us for a special informal talk and Q&A session.

MAKING A LIFE IN MUSIC: Career stories, lessons, and advice with Gary Tackett and special guests brings together an extraordinary group of musicians whose collective credits span some of the biggest names in rock, blues, country, and soul. Between them, these musicians have performed and worked with artists including Santana, Chicago, Steve Winwood, Lindsey Buckingham, Merle Haggard, Billy Currington, Robben Ford and Michael Franti & Spearhead, with Eamonn Flynn also appearing as a pianist on the soundtrack to The Commitments.

Drawing on their own very different career journeys, Gary and the group will talk about the realities of building and sustaining a professional life in music — getting started and creating opportunities, navigating challenges and setbacks, developing professional relationships and networks, adapting to a changing music industry, and some of the most important lessons they've learned along the way.

Together, these musicians represent decades of touring, recording, and performing at the highest levels of the music industry. With plenty of opportunity for questions and conversation, this is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from five highly experienced musicians and gain practical insights and advice for building your own life and career in music.

Tony Lindsay — Vocals
11-time Grammy Award winner and lead vocalist for Santana for more than 15 years. Tony’s powerhouse voice has been heard on stages around the world.
TonyLindsay.com

Myron Dove — Bass
A 14-year veteran of Santana whose credits also include Robben Ford, Montrose, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, and John Lee Hooker.

Gary Tackett — Guitar
Known as the “Guitarist to the Stars,” Gary recorded guitars with Merle Haggard on the Blue Jungle album and later served as Billy Currington’s bandleader, guitarist, and tour manager.
www.garytackett.com

Walfredo Reyes Jr. — Drums
Current drummer for Chicago and a 14+ year veteran of Santana, with an extensive résumé that also includes Steve Winwood, Lindsey Buckingham, and Robbie Robertson.
WalfredoReyesJr.com

Eamonn Flynn — Keyboards
Accomplished keyboardist whose credits include The Commitments and Michael Franti & Spearhead.
https://www.eamonnflynn.com/

Admission: Free and open to members of the public.

Parking: Convenient hourly public parking for non-Boise State parking permit holders attending Music Department events is available just south of the Morrison Center in the Brady Street Garage. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted at the parking kiosks in the garage.