blues

Get ready for a cold one. We get a short reprieve from the wet stuff, but the thermometer isn’t expected to inch above freezing today. Be safe on the roads out there, it could be icy. Tonight’s a great night for some local talent. Check out local songwriters at Comma Coffee and warm up with some hot cocoa, coffee or tea. A to Zen holds a weekly Open Mic, but mixes it up a little the first Friday of the month: dress to the nines and bring something for a potluck. The BAC Blowhards will have you in stitches at Improv Night at the Brewery Arts Center.

FRIDAY:

Friday is finally here, and it gets the distinction of being the last one of 2016. New Year’s Eve tomorrow will be as chilly as the champagne, but the parties will be hot. Go HERE for a list of what your revelry options are. Tonight, you can get a sneak preview of some of the bands that will be playing: Route 66 at the Max Casino, Pearl Sky at Fandango, or Escalade at the Carson Nugget.

Rumor has it, there’s a storm on the way. Bundle up and do a snow dance if you want a white Christmas. It’s the first day of winter break hours at the Arlington Square Ice Rink; it’s a perfect place for the kids to burn off some holiday energy. Genoa Candy and Coffee invites everyone to enjoy story time tonight.

Just five days before Christmas, the state of Nevada has ensured something under the tree for hundreds of local children in the Carson City area this year.

Oh baby, it’s cold outside. Jack Frost seems to be working overtime this weekend, bringing temperatures that will barely rise above freezing. I suggest some hot cocoa. Join Santa at Adele’s for pictures, cookies, and something warm to drink, just remember to bring an unwrapped toy to donate.

The countdown continues. Just one weekend is separating us from Christmas, so go enjoy the friends, family, and holiday cheer that surround us. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada welcomes a special visit from Santa and offers fun crafts for the kids. Browse the sale in their gift shop and consider a membership for a year full of free entry. The talented kids of All About Dance perform at the CVIC Hall in Minden. Handel’s Messiah will fill the rafters of Corpus Christi Church when the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus take to the stage. Continue reading for even more options.

The Carson City Library has something in common with the epic spaghetti western ‘The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly’: they are both 50 years old. Celebrate the classic film and our classy library with an afternoon showing of the movie. Join Cherie Shipley at the Brewery Arts Center; the annual ‘Joyful Noise’ Community Holiday Show is full of cheer for all ages. Our high school and middle school student orchestras invite you to their free winter concert at the Community Center this evening. Living the Good Life welcomes singer/songwriter Liam Kyle Cahill back to their stage tonight.

It’s that time! Cherie Shipley and Lake Tahoe Entertainment present the 15th Annual Community Holiday Show “JOYFUL NOISE”.

It’s an energetic musical evening of glee, laughter and inspiration! Who will join the Conga line this year? Experience “down-home” comfort and joy with these talented performers. Aside from some heartfelt traditional songs, there is the annual “Christmas Conga” a “Louisiana Christmas Day” experience, and a trip down memory lane with RETRO holiday songs from the 60’s!

I hope you got your fill of naps last weekend because this weekend is chock full of fun to be had for all. You can Wine Walk until you Holiday Crawl downtown. Take your pick of craft shows in town. Kids won’t want to miss the Santa Train at the State Railroad Museum or one of the two performances of ‘The Peanutcracker’ at the Community Center. Whether you’d like to spend the days indoors or out, there is something for all ages in the Carson City area this weekend.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Artists Association Art Exhibit at the Carson Visitor Center (8am-6pm)

Tonight’s the night! With one flip of the switch all of downtown joins in the Christmas Spirit. The Silver and Snowflakes Festival includes carols, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, and of course, the lighting of the Capitol. Don’t forget to head to the First Presbyterian Church for the Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. You’ll get a handmade, hand painted ceramic bowl to keep and lots of yummy food to keep you warm. The talented kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater hit the stage for opening night of ‘Elf Jr.

David Lee's 23rd book, "Bluebonnets, Firewheels, and Brown-Eyed Susans, Or, Poems New and Used from the Bandera Rag and Bone Shop," was published recently. He's been on tour, reading and teaching at the Cliff Notes Writing Conference in Utah and at poetry festivals in Ohio, among others.

The turkeys have been cooked, the dishes done, and the largest shopping weekend of the year is off and running. Show some love locally during Shop Small Business Saturday. Great little shops, restaurants, and services offer something unique for those on your gift list. Gift Certificates are never a bad way to go either: who wouldn’t want a massage, a night on the town, or maybe some music lessons? Santa has returned to town and can be found at the Carson Mall or at Billow’s Embroidery. Keep reading and you’ll find some great ways to spend this holiday weekend.

I’m not trying to rush you, but the holidays season approaches. As such, the holiday craft fairs, bazaars, and bake sales have arrived. You may as well start looking at that gift list to see who would enjoy something one-of-a-kind and locally crafted. If not for gift giving, these fairs are an excellent way to find fun ways to decorate your home. Other than that, the weekend is kind of quiet, but you'll want take a look at the list and see what catches your fancy.

SATURDAY:

A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who has served or is serving in our Armed Forces. Further thank yous go to their loved ones for the sacrifices they make. This Veterans’ Day several local and national businesses have some special offers for you: free food, drinks, and even pet adoptions. You’ll find them all listed here. It’s also a Friday, so Carson City has some fun packed into our little valley. Enjoy live music at Westside Pour House or Living the Good Life. It’s a DJ Dance Party at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar.

Happy Birthday Nevada. My favorite holiday has arrived, and with it a mountain of fun to be had. Normally my weekend list is sorted by chronological start time, but for this one I will be separating out the downtown parade related activities for your ease. Keep reading and have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Parade Day Fun Stuff in Downtown Carson City:

• BAWN Pancake Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 (6am-10am; $6/$3 kids)

Even though Carson City is awash with Nevada Day festivities, Halloween is just as important. Here is an updated list of all the reasons to throw on a costume Saturday through Monday in Carson City and the surrounding valleys. Remember, rain is expected on Friday and Sunday, so consider an umbrella if you don’t want your make-up to run!
Adults only parties are in italics.

Let’s just call this Nevad-oween weekend. So much crazy fun awaits: whether it’s the celebration of our ‘new’ downtown, Halloween parties for kids and adults alike, or our State Museum’s 75th Anniversary. Start your day at the Museum, hang around for the downtown ribbon cutting and festivities, then join in the costumed fun as Blinky Man hits the streets. Do the time warp at the Brewery Arts Center: the Rocky Horror Picture Show Party starts at 8:30 p.m. This is going to be one amazing weekend, so let’s get this party started.

It’s that time of year again. The ghosts and ghouls come out of hiding and paint the town orange. Halloween isn’t just one night around here. Combined with the festivities of Nevada Day, you can be sure to enjoy at least a week’s worth of celebrating.

Here is a comprehensive list of fall festivals, Halloween parties, and fun for all. Items in italic are for those 21 and older only.

Saturday, Oct. 22:

“Legend tells us of an extraordinary leader who arose from the chaos to unite a troubled kingdom. A man with a vision, who gathered knights together in a Holy Quest.” You’ll find that man and quite a few others on the black box stage of the Brewery Arts Center as the Proscenium Players present ‘Spamalot.’ You’ll find great music around town: Jaime Rollins, Whiskey Lung, and Motown Music. The boys of J and M Productions bring karaoke to Whiskey Tavern. Kick up your cowboy boots with DJ Bobby Truesdale at Carson Lanes’ Country Dance Party.

Hello there, Carson City. Wednesday has arrived and brings several options to help get you over the workweek hump. Geeks Who Drink Trivia at Westside Pour House, an open mic and jam at Firkin and Fox, and Jazz with Judith and Rocky at Living the Good Life all prove to be a good time. The Mayoral and Board of Supervisor candidates take the stage at the Brewery Art Center Performance Hall for another voter’s forum; the ballot question on Gas Tax Indexing will be discussed as well.

The weekend continues for school students. While Columbus Day is usually not celebrated in Nevada, it is a professional development day for our school district. Take the kids to Carson Lanes for $1 bowling. Carson Library is offering a Makerspace for Kids this afternoon with hands-on STEAM activities that make learning fun. It’s the Buccaneers versus the Panthers for Monday Night Football: drink specials can be found all over town. Sing the ‘weekend’s over’ blues during karaoke at the Firkin and Fox.

MONDAY:

• Carson City School District: No School today

The weekend is here and you’ll find plenty to do in Carson City and the surrounding valleys. Run from zombies in Virginia City as the REDRUN obstacle race returns. Find the perfect pumpkin at the annual Seeliger Elementary Pumpkin Patch. The long-awaited Animal Shelter has been built and is now home to adoptable pets waiting for a home: take a tour at their open house after the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting. Keep reading and you’ll find a great way to enjoy the weekend.

SATURDAY:

• Nevada Day Treasure Hunt: today’s clue at http://www.nvdaytreasurehunt.com/

It’s Friday, Carson City. Time to shake off the workweek and take a break. The Trippin King Snakes hit the stage at Living the Good Life and will keep you on the dance floor. Capital City Arts Initiative keeps three galleries packed with new and interesting exhibits. Today, they welcome artist Chelsea Pegram to their space on the second floor of the Courthouse: all are welcome to the reception this evening at 5 p.m. The night sky is the topic of today’s program at Washoe Lake State Park; look up after dusk for a chance to catch some shooting stars.

FRIDAY:

Enjoy an evening of big-band music with vocalist Jakki Ford at Comma Coffee on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 7:30 to 9:30 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; free for age 18 and under.

The leaves are changing, and the sweaters are coming out for the season. Chilly days are perfect for curling up with a good book: meet a local author at the Douglas Library this evening, you never know if you'll find a new favorite. Scott Tazbir has moved into the Backseat Gallery at Comma Coffee. A reception highlighting his drawings will be tonight at 5 p.m. Celebrate National 4-H Week with an open house at the UNR Cooperative Extention Office.

Holy smokes, it’s the last day of September! We’ve enjoyed a summer and now it’s time to embrace the pumpkin, scarves, and all things autumn. Enjoy the nice evenings while we have them with an outdoor concert at Living the Good Life or a presentation on the night sky at Washoe Lake State Park. Sassafras is the place for some bluesy Americana with Muddy Boots and the Porch Pounders. Help cheer on our new Wildcats Soccer Team as they take on UC Davis and shout GO BIG BLUE as the CHS Varsity team battles Galena at tonight’s Homecoming football game. Keep reading for all of our local happenings.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. Celebrate National Drink a Beer Day with drink specials at the Firkin and Fox. Kick up your heels at Carson Lanes: Country Line dance lessons tonight. Westside Pour House hosts the Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz each week; it’s a great excuse to grab some friends and fight for bragging rights. Check out SlotWorld for their new karaoke night or the Jazz Jam at Living the Good Life. Carson High continues their Homecoming Week festivities: Wednesday Night Live in the Community Center Theater features some very funny students.

WEDNESDAY:

Get your motor running, Street Vibrations Fall Rally roars into town today. Check out the new Battle Born Harley-Davidson: five days of demos, an open house, vendors, and much more. Learn about what technology the Carson City School District is using during a special presentation at the Carson Library. Karaoke is now at SlotWorld on the east end of town for our local singers, or check out the open mic at the Firkin and Fox. There are plenty of things to help you get through the workweek, keep reading to find them all.

WEDNESDAY:

Counting down the minutes until the weekend? Your wait is almost over, Carson City. Relax in the Glen Eagle’s Lounge with music by Terri and Craig. Dance the night away with Mo’z Motley Blues at Living the Good Life. For something a little different, check out the Delbert Anderson Trio, a Native American Jazz/Hip Hop Quartet hitting the stage at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint. Get your swing on at Yaple’s Ballroom or sing your heart out at Carson Lanes or Whiskey Tavern. Read on for even more ways to leave the workweek behind you.

FRIDAY:

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. The week keeps on rolling along and every day brings some new kind of fun. Kick up your heels at Carson Lanes: Country Line dance lessons tonight. Westside Pour House hosts the Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz each week; it’s a great excuse to grab some friends and fight for bragging rights. The International Air Races in Stead begin today and take flight through Sunday. A special opportunity to fly in a B25 Bomber awaits at the Carson Airport; call for reservations.