Arts and Entertainment

The film "The Darkest Hour," flickering at the Fandango Galaxy in Carson City and elsewhere, is a desperate stab at making a movie. It had little intelligence, a poor cast and a lot of scientific hokum that apparently depends on audiences being to poorly educated to know when the science is all goofy.

Join the BAC to Broadway Kids for a fun-filled evening full of music and dance. All your favorite family-friendly Broadway shows from the past 10 years all together in a magical evening of song and dance. Featuring show-stoppers from “Wicked, Shrek, The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Hairspray, Mary Poppins” and much more!
Performances are January 20th and 21st at 7pm and January 22nd at 2pm.
Tickets are $10.00 General Admission, $8.00 Students/Seniors, $6.00 BAC Members.

Enjoy the acoustical sounds of Tyler Stafford, February 4th from 2 – 5pm in the Brewery Arts Center’s Artisans Store. The Reno native has been impressing audiences with his smooth voice and guitar playing talent. Stafford will perform songs from his newly released album “On a String”. The Reno Gazette Journal named it one of the 10 best albums released by area artists this year.

After gaining experience playing open mics around Reno, Stafford became a regular performer at area restaurants and bars. His musical talent, low key stage presence and good looks earned him a large following.

Stop wondering what you are going to do to celebrate the New Year....

Come celebrate at Bella Fiore Wines and dance the night away with the DJ Bebop playing from 9:00pm to Early AM. There will be Wine and Drink specials all night and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. Remember there's never a cover charge!
So get your Masquerade costumes ready and your dancing shoes on, come spend New Year's Eve at Bella Fiore Wines.

The Bella Family
224 So. Carson St ,Suite #8
Corner of 3rd & Curry Sts, Carson City
775-888-9463 (WINE)
bellafiorewines@yahoo.com

Director David Fincher's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," currently showing at the Fandango Galaxy multiplex in Carson City, is an exciting thriller with dramatic overtones. It's based on the novel by Stieg Larsson which was a big best seller.

Daniel Craig stars as a Swedish journalist facing a big fine over slander in an article he wrote about a Swedish industrialist. Rooney Mara plays Lisbeth Salander, computer wizard and extreme individualist tendencies.

This Thursday program is bi-monthly and hosts presentations by people from other countries or by those who have traveled to faraway places.
If interested in presenting a country please call Elisa at 887-2244 Ext. 1021

Swing into the new year with the Mile High Jazz Band at "Cool Jazz in January," a big-band event with vocalist Sheryl Adams at Comma Coffee, on Tuesday, January 10, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Comma Coffee, 312 S. Carson Street, is across the street from the state legislature building in Carson City. General admission is $5 at the door, and is free for age 18 and under. Come early for dance instruction, 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., $5 additional.

It's "big-band jazz times two" when the Mile High Jazz Band presents the ninth annual Mile High-Carson High Jazz Extravaganza, on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 7:30 p.m., in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street, Carson City. The event is sponsored by the Mile High Jazz Band Association and the Carson City Band Association to benefit for Carson High Jazz Band programs.

Get out your lucky hat, because the Proscenium Players in conjunction with the Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino in Carson City is about to unveil a mystery dinner show that spoofs the movie “Casablanca” and the American dream of winning the jackpot. Penned by Tony Schwartz and Marylou Ambrose, the show, "Dealt a Deadly Hand: Murder at the Carson City Casino Royale," takes place at Rick’s club, the first legal gambling casino in Carson City. Rick dreams of striking it rich – then two crafty Native Americans try to claim the land and his gold-digging ex-wife Lola shows up.

Carter & Peggy Twedt-Benefactors-Since September 2011

Bob & Susan Crowell-Patrons-Since July 2011

Sheila & Jim Barth-Patrons-Since October 2011

Larry & Susan Messina-Patrons- Since October 2011

Wayne Carlson-Patron-Since November 2011

Hair Studio & Spear Me, Perry & Starr Nixdorf-Patrons-Since December 2011

Jim Costa-Supporter-Since June 2011

Robert Knutson-Supporter-Since July 2011

Resource Concepts, Marvin Tebeau-Supporter-Since July 2011

Steve Van Denburgh-Supporter-Since July 2011

Jeff Buckley sings "Hallelujah". Hat tip to Charlie Abowd. If you see videos you would like to share with Carson Now readers, go here.

Zephyrus Brass Quintet, an affiliate of the Carson City Symphony, will perform inside Carson Mall, 1313 S. Carson Street in Carson City, on Sunday, December 18, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The quintet, hosted by Carson Mall, will play a free concert of holiday brass music to lift your spirits.

Mall Manager Kevin Ray said, "It's a wonderful day of music and shopping, with thirty unique vendors, including Hickory Farms and See's Candies, and of course, Santa!"

Sometimes watching a dreck movie and enjoying it can be embarrassing. Such is the case with "New Year's Eve," a multifaceted comedy of sorts playing at the Fandango Galaxy cinema in Carson City. The cast is all-star, from Hilary Swank to Robert De Niro. And while the film is pure twaddle, director Gary Marshall keeps all the balls in the air. And he should be able to; he made the same movie last year on a Valentine's Day theme.

"The Sitter," billed as a black comedy and currently flickering at the Fandango Galaxy cineplex in Carson City, is mercifully only 81 minutes long, but that's long enough to spell disaster to any discriminating movie goer.

It stars comic actor Jonah Hill as college failure Noah forced into baby sitting three of the most repellent child actors in living memory. He is also pursuing a blonde who is suggesting intimacy that night.

Help make a child smile at Christmas by attending the second annual “Cookies with Santa,” a benefit for The Ron Wood Family Resource Center, Saturday, Dec. 10, at Adele’s Restaurant and Lounge.

The Ron Wood Family Resource Center helps individuals, families and the community locate assistance and provides an array of support services.

The fun takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes a visit and photograph with Santa Claus, cookies, cocoa and cider, as well as acoustic Christmas music performed in the lounge by The Dowell Boyz.

The spirit of Christmas will be celebrated with a holiday concert featuring the Western Nevada College concert choir and the Douglas High School Madrigal Singers Tuesday.
The choirs, directed by musician and DHS band director Bill Zabelsky, will feature a myriad of fine music including "The Snow Carol," "All on a Cold Winter's Night," Earlene Rentz's "Agnus Dei," and a Mac Huff arrangement of the popular "Home for Christmas.

The traditional lighting of the Christmas trees – both State and City – has been on-going here in the capital city for well over 22 years. This year, Silver & Snowflakes Holiday Tree Lighting is becoming a new tradition, Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Lights and it begins on Friday evening, December 2nd.

The Brewery Arts Center is pleased to announce that the Proscenium Players, Inc. theater company will perform during the 2011/2012 season at the BAC. They will kick off their season with the production of “A Tuna Christmas”.

The PPI was founded in 1965 and since then has continuously entertained Carson City residents with a variety of shows. Over the years, the shows have been varied: drama, musicals, comedy, classical, improvisational, old favorites and avant-garde. Now, after a two year hiatus, the performance troupe is returning to the BAC.

Glory be, what's going on in Hollywood? First there was Scorsese's "Hugo," an excellent non-Christmas homage to a French motion picture innovator. Now there's "Arthur's Christmas," in 3D that actually uses that medium to enhance a fine animation updating of the Yule story. It's playing at the Fandango Galaxy cineplex in Carson City and well worth your visit.

What could be more delicious than your favorite after dinner port and decadent chocolate for dessert? Come by and indulge!
6pm to 9pm, $15pp.

Bella Fiore Wines
224 So. Carson St ,Suite #8
Corner of 3rd & Curry Sts, Carson City
775-888-9463 (WINE)
bellafiorewines@yahoo.com
www.bellafiorewinesbar.com

For the lucky 7,500 people who scored tickets on the V&T Railway's Polar Express this year, you are in for a fantastic treat. My wife Tracy and I took our daughter Mira last night, and everyone had a great time.

Judy Monson, founder and director of the Carson Chamber Singers since 1985, has announced her decision to retire in June 2012 after the Pops Party concert. A well known and loved educator, vocalist, and conductor in Carson City and Reno, Ms. Monson has led the Chamber Singers in inspiring performances in Carson City, Reno, Virginia City, Minden, Genoa, and Fallon.

The Mile High Jazz Band and vocalist Sheryl Adams will be joined by Rita Geil and other award-winning poets for an evening of big-band jazz and poetry on Tuesday, December 13, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., at Comma Coffee. The theme of the evening, "Illuminations," relates to the holidays and to life.

Comma Coffee, 312 S. Carson Street, is across the street from the state legislature building in Carson City.

General admission is $5 at the door, and free for age 18 and under. Dance instruction, 6:00-7:15 p.m. is $5 additional.

It's a Holiday Treat for all - seasonal and holiday music in many styles! The Carson City Symphony presents the 28th annual Holiday Treat concert on Sunday, December 11, 2011, 4:00 p.m., at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street.

The latest take on the popular teen-aimed "Twilight" sci-fi-fantasy-horror film series is in town and it's playing at the Fandango Galaxy cineplex.

It's called 'Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn Part 1," and it brings back most of the cast of the earlier movies, although this is P-13 stuff with a lot of eroticism as well as all those fanged wolves. A teen film it is not, but you can bet a lot of teens are going to see it.

Sometimes one wonders if casting calls in Hollywood consisted of the males baring pectorals and the women an ability to look good but not have to have any actings skills. And for directors to have a good visual sense but no idea of what a story it supposed to do.

That sentiment is triggered by the movie "Immortals," currently flickering at the Fandango Galaxy cineplex in Carson City.

Support Your Local Sheriff
...and your Mayor...and your Assessor. Now is your chance to show your support and give your community leaders a hearty cheer! Join the fun at Pinkerton Ballet Theatre's 23rd annual production of "The Nutcracker Ballet". Each of our special guest performers brings his own persona to characterize "Mother Gigogne;" an ever-popular comedic character with exaggerated makeup, costume and flamboyant behavior. Mother Gigogne, a role which is traditionally played by a man, is an enormous woman who conceals a whole brood of children beneath her skirts.

December 6th is our annual Ladies Night Out at the Carson Mall! Grab your girlfriends and enjoy delicious food and wine while Christmas shopping. We will also have great raffle prizes as you browse through crafts and unique products from talented people in our community. Proceeds from this evening will benefit the hungry children in our community.

Buy your ticket today! Call 775-885-7770.

The folks over at Virginia and Truckee Railroad (the V&T) and the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau are giving away a pair of tickets for the Polar Express train that will run on Saturday, Nov 26, at 8:30 p.m. If you're on Facebook, hit the "like" button and write what you would name Santa's 10th reindeer. A winner will be picked on Thursday, Nov. 17 at noon.