McAvoy Layne's Mark Twain at Piper's Opera House on Saturday
As every schoolchild knows, Sam Clemens first used the byline Mark Twain on February 3, 1863, while a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise in Virginia City.
What's not so well known is that he took the name, not as a tribute to the river pilot Captain Sellers (as he wrote in "Life on the Mississippi") but from his facetious way of calling out additions to his bar tab.
Sam and his pals used to stop in at the Old Corner Bar in the Opera House after they put the paper to bed. When Sam bought a drink for Dan De Quille, Steve Gillis or another one of his buddies, he called out "Mark Twain" and John Piper chalked two more drinks on his tab.
So, on Saturday May 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the hallowed precincts of the Corner Bar at Piper's Opera House, as a tribute to newspaper reporters everywhere, we are re-enacting the bestowal of the Great Name on the scalawag reporter Sam Clemens, as portrayed by McAvoy Layne.
Every bona fide newspaper reporter who can get there in time will receive two free drinks ("Mark Twain!"). Everyone is invited, but only the reporters get the free drinks.
If you are a newspaper reporter please register below. Your drink chits will be waiting in your name at Will Call at the Opera House.
Discounted rooms and a breakfast coupon are available for those prudent enough to stay overnight.
Go to www.nevadaweb.com/reporterregistration.html to sign up if you want to go.