lecture series

Sunny days are here again, and Carson City gives you plenty of ways to enjoy it. It’s the boys in blue versus the fire fighters in today’s Battle of the Badge Blood Drive. Bikers won’t want to miss the weekly party at Battle Born Harley with house band, the Smoken Rabbits; all vehicles are welcome to join in the fun and get some grub from the Rollin Pizza Pie food truck. The whole family will enjoy tonight’s Twilight Concert with the Sextones at the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch. Learn about Virginia City ghosts with authors Sandie LaNae and Arlene Laferry at the haunted Gold Hill Hotel.

Please remember that I am just the messenger and the bad news is that you can only be one place at once. You'll have to choose between a Beatles Experience in McFadden Plaza and the concert at the Brewery Arts Center Minnesota Street Stage, where the Big Bad Voodoo Daddies kick off the first of the Levitt Concert Summer Series. Get yourself registered for the Karson Kruzerz' annual 'Run Whatcha Brung' at the Max Casino and stick around for Route 66 on the stage. You'll have to keep reading for the rest of it - summer fun has arrived in full force.

FRIDAY:

The weekends seem to start earlier in summertime. Head down to Mills Park for the first of the rat-rods rolling in for this weekend’s Rockabilly Riot and to catch the motorcycle cops running some practice loops around the obstacle course. Seniors can head to the Community Center for vouchers good at the Third and Curry Farmers Market, residency and income restrictions apply. Join Mo’z Motley Blues on the lawn of the Dangberg Home Historic Ranch for a summer twilight concert – bring a chair or blanket, I suggest some bug spray and a picnic, as well.

THURSDAY:

Can you feel the excitement in the air?

Hold onto those hats, Carson City, summer is off like a shot.

You’re almost there. The long weekend is just around the corner, and everywhere I go I hear of camping trips and bbq plans. As the weather heats up, Muscle Powered compensates by moving their easy hike to the cooler hours of the morning. Chef Mitchell Tufts has found a new home at the new Cadillac Café at the Silver Oak Golf Course: the Grand Opening is at noon. Author and journalist, David Toll, tells the tale of the defunct newspaper, The Gold Hill News, at this month’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum.

It looks like spring just skipped right by us this year. It took a while, but we’re finally on the upswing towards summer. Celebrate with some fresh produce from the first-of-the-season Sierra Chef Farmers Market in Gardnerville’s Lampe Park. ‘Explore Summer Programs’ at the Carson City Library will introduce you to some options for your kids during the long break. Muscle Powered invites you to participate in their ‘Ride of Silence’ to bring awareness to the importance of sharing the road; meet at Telegraph Square at 7 p.m., and don’t forget your helmet.

Bike month rolls right along with an evening ride under the big, beautiful moon this evening. You’ll need a helmet and bike light, of course. The evening will be just as nice Thursday, when the annual RSVP Spring Carnival opens at Mills Park. Head to Dayton for the next installment of this month’s Historical Society Lecture Series as Kay Winters reminisces on life as a farmer’s wife in the 1950s and 60s. Ev Musselman rocks the stage at the Max Casino and you’ll find John and Cherie Shipley leading the jazz jam at Living the Good Life.

WEDNESDAY:

Sports historians often call the 1960 Winter Olympics held at Squaw Valley “the last great games.” In an intimate, unspoiled setting, the best winter athletes from around the globe converged on the previously unheralded ski resort for 11 days. Television cameras (and Walter Cronkite) were there and Walt Disney choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies.

Legends on the Comstock Lode have a way of coming back to life and that’s exactly what happened in the mid-1970s when the Gold Hill News was resurrected after a 92-year slumber.

More beautiful weather is on its way. If I seem a little excited about a little bit of sunshine, its because I am, especially after this very long, gray, wet winter. Today we celebrate the Arts in Nevada at the Legislature and salute the painters, potters, makers, sculptors, singers, dancers, actors, writers, poets, and musicians that capture all that is Nevada in their work.

I hope you didn't blow away. Yesterday's wind gusts were fierce. Take it easy today and enjoy what Thursday has to offer. The monthly lecture at the Nevada State Museum brings Levi Strauss to life. A hike along the Wellness Trail with Muscle Powered will get the blood flowing. Let Chili's take care of dinner and you'll be lending a hand to the Douglas County Special Olympics.

THURSDAY:

• -- Local Government Day AND Alumni Day at the Nevada State Legislature

The story Reno, Nevada played in the life and times of Levi Strauss – the man and the company who made blue jeans famous – is both rich and riveting – literally.

The week winds to a close, but the events are all gearing up. Today kicks off the three-day High School Rodeo at the Douglas Fairgrounds, and if all goes well, it should remain dry for our local ropers and riders. Kids will want to test their skill at the ‘Pitch, Hit, Run’ Competition at the Boys and Girls Club. Secret Agents are the topic at the monthly Mike Thompson Lecture at the Plaza Hotel if you’re looking for intrigue.

Today is a day to give big. A one day fundraising drive for our favorite non-profit charities is happening right now, whether it’s animals, arts. Kids, veterans, or the environment. Thursdays also mean a fun night at Jimmy G’s Karaoke. The Trippin King Snakes help celebrate everyone with a March birthday at the Cigar Bar (AKA Carson Cigar Co.) If you have a two wheeled mistress, the Bike Night at Battle Born Harley may be up your alley.

THURSDAY:

University of Nevada, Reno professor Sudeep Chandra leads an active and interesting life. And he gets to fish – a lot!

From working to preserve lakes around the globe to conserving the world’s largest trout (the Taimen, also known as the Siberian River Shark) in Northern Mongolia to developing public-private partnerships to protect species and habitats, Chandra is also an expert on local waters, including Lake Tahoe.

Our favorite red-headed orphan sings that ‘the sun’ll come out tomorrow.’ Luckily we don’t have to wait: for the sunshine or for the Wild Horse Children’s Theater’s production of Annie, Jr. You’ll find the musical at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall this weekend and next. Kids are welcome to make a free craft or decorate a St. Patrick’s Day Cookie at Genoa Candy and Coffee. Go on an ‘American Road Trip’ at the Plaza Hotel as part of their Mike Thompson Lecture Series. Keep reading for all of the great ways to spend the day.

FRIDAY:

Bundle up, Carson City. We aren’t due for any more wet stuff today, but the air will have a bitter chill to it. The monthly lecture at the Nevada State Museum will explore what it took to make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Nevada. Sing your heart out with J and M Productions at Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar. Jimmy Mallett takes you back to the rat pack days at Living the Good Life. If you’ve had a birthday this month, let Carson Cigar Company help you celebrate.

THURSDAY:

• Senior Issues at the Nevada State Legislature

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is a federal holiday, but wasn’t always a state holiday. As the chairperson of the Northern Nevada Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Advisory Committee, Bertha Mullins has a unique insight into the story of the political wrangling involved in creating this state holiday.

Western Nevada College began its semester earlier this week, and student artists will soon be featured in a CCAI exhibit at the BRIC building on East Proctor. Catch a last glimpse of the current exhibit with Sierra Nevada College talent today or tomorrow. Read on for more ....

An interesting and engaging lecture about our most intimate attire, underwear, will be featured at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

I wish everyone luck keeping their triskaidekaphobia at bay. The number thirteen is nothing to fear, even when it falls on a Friday. (I’m not going to lie: triskaidekaphobia is one of my favorite words and I very rarely get the chance to use it in a sentence.) Mother Nature has thrown us for a loop this week, and we deserve the chance to enjoy the break in the storm. Take the family down to the Library for their game corner, or cheer on the talented cast of ‘The Lion King, Jr.’ at the Community Center.

Why is Elon Musk’s electric car company named Tesla? Visionary inventor Nikola Tesla served as that inspiration for his humanitarian efforts to make the world a better place for people through his research work and inventions.

With Thanksgiving just one week away, it’s hard not to get excited: food, friends, family, and a long weekend. In the meantime, stay busy with something fun to do right here in our valley. Natalie Blaver invites you to sing along with karaoke at Living the Good Life. It’s adults only for ‘round the world’ trivia night at the Carson Library with Geeks Who Drink Trivia. The colorful Nevada character, Alexander Parker Crittenden, is subject of tonight’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum. All aboard the Polar Express.

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.

The Frances Humphrey Lecture Series at the Nevada State Museum will feature a discussion on Alexander Parker
Crittenden, a Nevada mining lawyer and adventurer. The Nov. 17 lecture will be by Paul Franklin. It begins at 6:30 p.m.

If today is any indication of how hard it is going to choose between fun activities, we have a tough few days ahead. The Carson Tahoe Spooktacular is an annual favorite for the kids, complete with treats, activities, and helicopers. It’s Family Night at the RSVP Nevada Day Carnival: thanks to Carson City Toyota-Scion, all rides are just $1. Dayton offers a Haunted Hayride through their old town history. Costumes are encouraged for this family fun event. Root beer floats await at the grand opening celebration of the newly renovated FISH.

You know you’re probably going to need some coffee, so head over to Dutch Brothers in the Carson Mall parking lot. One dollar of every drink goes to the Carson High Safe Grad Celebration. Western Nevada College is hosting an open house in the Reynolds Center for Technology featuring some of their great programs. Stick around for the artist reception celebrating the ‘521 Days’ exhibit by artist Wes Lee in the Bristlecone Building’s main gallery. Stop what you’re doing at 10:20 a.m. and brace yourself: the Great Nevada Shake-out Drill reminds us to be ready for earthquakes.

Author Jack Harpster is the featured speaker at the October lecture of the Nevada State Museum, Carson City. Harpster will discuss his new book “The Genesis of Reno: The History of the Riverside Hotel and the Virginia Street Bridge” from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27 as part of the museum’s monthly Frances Humphrey Lecture Series.

“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.