Comma Coffee

Internationally traveling band Blood Drum Spirit visited Carson High School on Tuesday to jam with students in Brian Fox’s orchestra classes. But it wasn’t a technical lesson.

I hope everyone had a great first day of school. It always takes a moment to get back into the swing of things, so you’ll still want to leave yourself a little cushion when it comes to your morning drive time. If you’ve got little ones at home, consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; there are many fun, interactive exhibits, in addition to today’s Storytime Adventure activity. For those nostalgic for their own early childhood, the Carson City Library offers a monthly Coloring Night for the young-at-heart.

TUESDAY, August 21: Things to do in Carson City

The public is invited to an art exhibit featuring the art of Deana Hoover through September at Comma Coffee’s Backseat Gallery, with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m, Sept. 5.

The show is the last planned event featuring the current body of work, primarily featuring wild and domesticated animals in their natural environments. Several original paintings along with some small scale sculptures will be shown.

Meet the artist on the first Wednesday of September at 5 p.m., or view the art throughout the entire month of September.

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

Thank goodness for Thursday. The weekend is just hours away, but there is no reason to wait for the fun to start. Take a stroll with Muscle Powered: today’s hike will wind through the far east side of Carson, from Silver Saddle Ranch to Mexican Dam. Artsy Fartsy Art Galley hosts an artist meet and greet for Catherine King; enjoy a glass of wine while discovering her newest work. Head down the rabbit hole, and you may wind up on McFadden Plaza. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club brings the recent live-action version of Alice in Wonderland to the big screen on the downtown stage.

Let’s give this outdoors thing another try. Yesterday’s Jazz and beyond performances were moved indoors at the Brewery Arts Center when the rain hit, but I have more hope for today’s skies. Look for The Other Brothers Band this evening in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Carson City BMX hosts practice and racing at the track in the Livermore Sports Complex; all ages are invited to participate, and one day memberships are available for those who’d like to try it out.

It’s a happening day around Carson City. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival makes an appearance downtown with Under the Radar in the Comma Coffee Courtyard, followed by the Mile High Jazz Band in McFadden Square. Head up the short hill to Silver City for a special hands-on Engineering activity for kids. Join local author Cindy Sutherland for this month’s edition of the Brown Bag Lunch Series at the Nevada State Library and Archives. Freshman, and their parents, are welcomed to Carson High School this morning for orientation, an overview of policies, and a tour.

With less than a month until the doors open, Jukebox International Film Festival (JIFF), the only festival to feature films with music as a central driving theme, has announced that two bands appearing in two films screening at the festival will be appearing live in Carson City that week.

I’m not even going to speculate on the air quality, but please use your best judgement when choosing your activities and there may be some cancellations that I am not aware of. Downtown has a full day of options, but the back roads may be a little more difficult to navigate due to construction projects. The great music that awaits will be worth the hassle. Read on and you’ll find indoors and outdoors activities that will help alleviate the cabin fever.

SATURDAY:

It is finally Friday. As August melts away, it brings us closer to the new school year. Carson High returning students are invited to the Senator Kick-off this morning to get their fill of back-to-school updates. Families will love the Movie in the Park; bring a blanket or chairs and come prepared to enjoy ‘Coco.’ Three days of high-flying fun begins today at Heritage Park in Gardnerville as the Splash Dogs competition gets underway. You will always find live music around town on Fridays, but during the Jazz and Beyond Festival, it seems like music is everywhere.

Looks like another great day to stay indoors. The Carson City Library has several activities planned today, and one of them might be what you’re looking for. Story time this morning is for the little ones. Just about everyone is welcome to participate in their weekly Lego Club build. Families will enjoy movie night; just make sure to register online if you’re planning on seeing Peter Rabbit with them this evening. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival is in full swing, so you’ll find plenty of music around.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. It’s another lazy, hazy day in Northern Nevada. You’ll want to keep your outdoor activities limited when the air is like this, but it understandably leads to a feeling of cabin-fever. Take the family out for dinner tonight at Firehouse Subs on Highway 50; they are raising funds for a local family recovering from a car accident. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival gets into the swing of things with the Echoes Band in the Comma Coffee Courtyard. Keep reading for all of today’s happenings.

WEDNESDAY, August 8: Things to do in Carson City

Reno Swing Set performs at the Comma Coffee Court Yard as part of the Carson City's 15th annual Jazz and Beyond Music and Art Festival.

Batten down the hatches, the smoky days continue. My thoughts and appreciation are with those fighting the multiple fires in Nevada and California. Learn more about our emergency responders at tonight’s annual ‘Partnership in Action’ National Night Out at Mills Park. Free hot dogs, chips, and soda, multiple exhibits and activities, and so much more make this an exciting event for kids of all ages. Muscle Powered has cancelled its evening hike, but the early birds can meet up at the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center for a stroll indoors.

TUESDAY, August 7: Things to do in Carson City

Due to heavy smoke settling on the area, the RoseBud's Dance Band's performance for Monday, Aug. 6, as part of the Carson City Jazz and Beyond Music and Art Festival has been moved to inside the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St. The concert was originally planned for Comma Courtyard, but the performers want to present the event in a comfortable and healthy atmosphere.

I wish there was something I could do about the smoke in the air; it’s difficult not knowing if the wind is going to help or hurt the situation. Luckily, you’ll always have some choices that let you stay indoors and break routine. You’ll find bowling specials at the Gold Dust West and at Carson Lanes if the kids need to burn off some energy. A trip to one of our local art galleries will bring some color (and air conditioning) into your day. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival features RoseBud’s Dance Band at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall this evening for a toe-tapping good time.

Let’s get August off to a good start. The first Saturday of the month always plays host to the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk, but with the Jazz and Beyond Musical Festival in full swing, you’ll have even more reasons to meander around downtown. The afternoon ice cream social at the historic Foreman-Roberts House is a perfect family-friendly treat before heading to the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. Keep reading, you’ll find a little bit of something for everyone in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

Get ready for all things shiny, whether it be brass or chrome. You’ll find plenty of horns playing during the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival that kicks off today. Just about every event is free to the public and family friendly, so get ready for a melodic few weeks. The historic Bliss Mansion, across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, hosts the opening night Garden Party. Hot August Nights gets an early start in Virginia City with a show and shine and poker run; 400 classic cars are waxed up and ready to impress.

FRIDAY, August 3: Things to do in Carson City

The Washoe Zephyr is a double-sided coin. The breeze is a welcome reprieve from hot summer afternoons and can do wonders clearing the smoke from the valley. On the other hand, that wind does local firefighters no favors if it just helps push the fire line faster. There may be some relief from the bad air today, but you’ll still want to take it easy.

Friday opens the 15th annual Jazz and Beyond Music and Art Festival in Carson City that features 17 days of music, art and film at multiple venues in Carson City, August 3-19.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. Another hot, smoky day is on tap, so you’ll want to find indoor activities and nothing too strenuous. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada offers a story book and craft activity on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; a family membership makes this a great place for summer fun. The Fox Brewpub welcomes all ages to participate in their weekly DJ Trivia tournament; get their early for a good seat and some pub-style eats.

TUESDAY, July 31: Things to do in Carson City

Carson City author Teri Case, who was raised on Tiger Drive and penned a novel by the same name "Tiger Drive," has won Best New Fiction with the 2018 American Fiction Awards for her work.

Yeah, it’s hot out there, but it’s the area happenings that are sizzling. The Carson City Fair at Fuji Park offers a plethora of entertainment for all ages including tractor pulls, a carnival, and farm animals. Under the shade of the Mills Park cottonwoods, you’ll have all day to peruse the varied vehicles in the annual Run Whatcha Brung Car Show. The sun will come out tomorrow, but it’s the stars that are coming out tonight for the free Levitt Amp Concert at the Brewery Arts Center.

It almost seems like the weekend is starting early, with all the great times offered today. The Carson City Fair is in full swing and will offer family-friendly fun through Sunday. Movie-lovers of all ages will enjoy tonight’s Movie on the Plaza: Princess Bride. It’s free to attend, but you’ll want to bring your own seating. Learn more about what lurks in the deep during tonight’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum; Dr.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. You’re looking at a morning filled with sunshine, but come afternoon, anything goes. The Muscle Powered Hikes are always contingent on the weather, so the later trek may be moved to the MAC if the rain shows. Whatever the day brings, you can always grab your boots and head to Carson Lanes for Country/Pop Line Dancing; they’ll even teach you some new moves. If you drive by Fuji Park today, you’ll see quite a bit of activity. The Carson City Fair begins tomorrow, and they are working hard to get everything just right.

I have long found it impossible to decide which Carson City event is my favorite: forever waffling between Nevada Day and the Taste of Downtown. Seeing as the annual parade is still months away, I’m going to side with ‘The Taste’ purely for its timeliness. With over forty local eateries participating, multiple raffles at downtown shops, and seven bands rocking every corner of the event, it’s practically impossible to have a bad time. This might be the biggest happening in town, but it’s by no means the only good time: read on for all this weekend’s options.

SATURDAY:

There is more hot and smoky in store for the day, including a very real threat of thunderstorms. You may want to stick to indoor activities when the air quality is low like this. The Capital City Community Band has a free concert and ice cream social scheduled for this afternoon at the First United Methodist Church. All are welcome, and it’s hard to argue with ice cream on a day like this. If you are looking to start your own business, but still some legal guidance, you’ll find the ‘Lunch-n-Learn’ workshop at the Adams Hub extremely helpful.

It’s going to be a hot one today. With temperatures flirting with three digits, you’ll want to stay hydrated and limit your exertion. Keep the kitchen cool by letting IHOP take care of breakfast; a short stack is only 60 cents today in celebration of their anniversary. Muscle Powered leads a hike this afternoon to the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe’s Skunk Harbor. Ladies are invited each week to join the Ash Canyon Women’s Mountain Bike Ride, just make sure you bring your helmet.

TUESDAY, July 17: Things to do in Carson City

Summer fun is heating up! Let the kids burn off some energy at the Kids Triathlon at Mills Park. You’ll find all the colors of the rainbow, plus great music and fun times, at the Festival of Unity and Community: Sassabration. Get your grub on at the annual Nevada Honor Flight Chili Cook-off at Glen Eagles, and make sure to check out the craft vendors. The Brewery Arts Center free Concert Series continues tonight with Remember Jones on the stage; bring the family and your friends for a good time had by all. Read on for even more hot summer fun.

SATURDAY:

Summer heat is in full effect and with thunderstorms threatening the Sierra, wildfires are even more likely. Luckily, you’ll find some ways to entertain the kids without having to head outdoors. Head down for family story time at the Carson City Library with the young ones; older kids will want to check out the weekly Lego Club this afternoon. The Rally Route 50 West automotive scavenger hunt and race comes to an end this evening in McFadden Plaza with an announcement of the winners. Summertime Cruise Nights continue with this week’s meet-up at Johnny Rockets.