Nevada State Legislature

Get your fill of sunshine today, we’ve got a wet wine walk weekend coming. The stars will be shining bright tonight, though, Western Nevada Musical Theater Company debuts its spring musical ‘Nice Work if You Can Get It’ complete with amazing choreography, melodies, and an exceptional cast. Cinco de Mayo parties all over town offer up food and drink specials, in addition to the fun times that can usually be found on a Friday night. Start the day with a cup of joe or a yummy blended drink at Dutch Brothers Coffee and you’ll be helping find a cure for ALS.

So many things deserve to be in this first sentence: do I mention the annual West Side Bike Month Cruiser Ride, make a Star Wars pun about May the Fourth, or focus on the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony? What I love most about Carson City is our ability to be outdoorsy, patriotic, geeky, and none of the above - all at the same time. If you don’t find something you absolutely have to check out in today’s “Things to Do”, please look at my list again in a day or two, or sometime next week.

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.

Happy Tuesday, Carson City. The valley is abuzz in blooming flowers and happenings. Tag along with one of the guided planned walks today; the afternoon one will prove more challenging, but perfect for getting ready for summer. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club showcases a different film each month: catch Bette Davis in ‘Of Human Bondage’ tonight at the BAC’s Performance Hall. Even more awaits if you keep reading, including Penguin Taco Tuesday at Westside Pour House.

TUESDAY:

Finally it feels like spring, and not a moment too soon. Mondays aren’t quite as bad when it’s a beautiful day. The first day of May kicks off Bike Month in Carson City. Muscle Powered has some fun rides to celebrate the annual event, including the Celebrity Bike ride tomorrow and the costumed Westside Cruise on Thursday. Go HERE for more information.

Hang in there, Carson City, spring is coming. If you can make it through today you’ll be rewarded with warming temperatures, with Sunday starting a nice little run in the 70s. Celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting at Mills Park, and if you’re one of the first fifty arrivals you’ll get your own sapling to plant. Afterwards, take a stroll with the Carson City Historical Society and learn about the history of our big downtown trees. Tonight, Carson Comedy takes over the Carson Nugget and the Brewery Arts Center as Dan Gabriel and Chris Franjola bring the laughs.

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is once again coordinating the collaborative efforts of federal, state and local fire services, public safety agencies, community organizations and others to participate in Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month throughout May.

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

Today has quite a bit going for it, hard to believe that it’s a Wednesday. Learn more about the Craft Brew industry in Nevada and how to support its growth at the ‘Free My Beer Festival’ at Fox Brewpub. Fritch Elementary School is the beneficiary of tonight’s ‘McTeacher’ Night fundraiser at the South Carson McDonalds; both drive-thru and dine-in orders count. It’s Red vs. Blue in the Morse Burley Gym at Carson High School. The traditional basketball game between Democrat and Republican legislators also raises money for local seniors.

As the week rolls along, it’s easy to get excited about the weekend. Genoa’s Cowboy Festival takes over the tiny town with music, poetry, artisans, food, and fun and the Comstock hills will roar to life with motorbikes during the annual Virginia City Grand Prix. While you’re waiting, enjoy a jaunt with Muscle Powered along the Carson River or take an Easy Walk to the Pioneer Cemetery. Tonight, songstress Canyon White will take the stage at Living the Good Life.

TUESDAY:

Monday’s starting out a little damp and chilly. Got to love that Northern Nevada weather, right? Expect the temperature to yo-yo between 50s one day and 60s the next all week, with a breeze and some rain thrown in the mix. Author and meditation instructor Molly Dahl leads a workshop designed to help participants create healthier, more balanced lives at the Adam’s Hub on West Proctor Street. No reason to get the Monday blues, but you can head to karaoke at the Fox Brewpub if you want to sing them anyway.

MONDAY:

• -- YMCA Day at the Nevada State Legislature

The State of Nevada Housing Division has raised the household income limit for its Home Is Possible programs, making even more Nevadans eligible for down payment assistance. Since the programs started in 2014, the income limit has been $95,500. In keeping with Nevada’s rising incomes, the limit has been raised three percent to $98,500.

Have you ever had one of those weeks? Well, thank goodness it's Friday. Carson City will help you decompress and forget your troubles. Students, K-12 and University, will enjoy the free swim day at the Carson Hot Springs. The Carson Nugget is turning into quite the downtown hotspot with a different headlining comedian each Friday, in addition to live music in two places. Check out their newest offering, the Beer Bar, during tonight's grand opening. So much more awaits you today, you'll just have to see what strikes your fancy.

FRIDAY:

Carson City is smoking hot when it comes to great things to do today. Capital City Farm Days takes over Fuji Park with information and presentations for area schoolkids. The Youth Strings Program is ready to dazzle you their Spring Fling Concert tonight at the Community Center. Photographer Fred Howland goes black and white at a special show at Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery. Join Sassafras in welcoming Country singer/songwriter Savannah King for a special one-night only show. You’ll want to keep reading, this is just a small preview of the day’s offerings.

THURSDAY:

Do you believe in magic? The Friends of the Carson Middle School Band Program hope you do and come out to enjoy an evening of illusion at the Community Center. Earth week kicks off at Western Nevada College with a clothing donation drive for Big Brothers and Sisters. Learn about various organizations, Carson City history and heritage, and enter the free raffle at tonight’s ‘Explore Culture and Diversity’ event at the Carson Library. Join the boys of J and M Productions for another fun night of karaoke at Caterpillar’s Hookah Lounge.

WEDNESDAY:

The Carson Visitor’s Center has put together a great art walk pamphlet that helps you explore our downtown culture. The Legislature is home to a few rotating galleries; you’ll find lots of local art at the Brewery Arts Center; and Capital City Arts Initiative sponsors shows at the Courthouse, Community Center and in the Community Development building by City Hall. Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors activities, today has something to offer.

If these April showers are indicative of anything, it’s that we will have impressive May flowers. The drizzle continues off and on for at least the next day or two, so keep your umbrella handy. Get the week off to a fun start with Karaoke at Fox Brewpub. Kick up your heels at El Charro Avita, the High Sierra Swing Dance Club hosts their weekly night out. Find some inner peace as you meditate with the Dharma Zephyr Sangah Sitting Group.

MONDAY:

• -- Douglas County School District Spring Break

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.

Strike a pose, Carson City, it’s the Nevada Library Association’s Snapshot Day. Try to swing by today to help your Library capture the many reasons we enjoy them; you may just find something new to explore. Carson High Performing Arts opens their show ‘Godspell’ tonight in the Community Center’s Bob Boldrick Theater. Break a leg to our young thespians; they’ll be performing Friday and Saturday, as well.

Easter weekend is almost upon us and there are a multitude of egg hunts and festivities to choose from. Whether you live in Carson City, Dayton, or Douglas County or fancy the Easter bonnet and pet parade in Virginia City, there’s something in your neighborhood. Take a look at my Easter guide HERE, and go have a great time with the kids.

Spring is what you make of it. It’s not going to be that warm today, but it’ll be dry, so embrace the day. Tuesdays are for hiking and biking in Carson. The morning easy walk will take you from Mills Park to the Capitol and the afternoon conditioning hike will give you well-deserved views from C-Hill. Now that we’ve warmed up some, the Tuesday evening ladies’ ride in Ash Canyon has started up again: don’t forget your helmet. Congratulations to Mile High Jazz Band for 16 years of monthly concerts at Comma Coffee. Enjoy a night of great music, yummy drinks, and a birthday cake to celebrate.

Monday strikes again, but hopefully it won’t be too painful. If you’re off work early, grab some friends and hit up Red’s Old 395 for Martini Monday. Sing Manic Monday at the Fox Brewpub’s weekly karaoke night with J and M Productions. Find something new for your child’s bookcase at the Minden Library Children’s Book Swap; it’s a great way to keep them challenged. Local theater group, the Proscenium Players, welcomes you to check out their monthly meeting. They are always looking for new talent, whether it’s on stage or behind the scenes.

MONDAY:

April showers are bringing some unusual blooms to the Legislative lawn. Join Prevent Child Abuse Nevada and Advocates to End Domestic Violence in the annual planting of the pinwheels. We should have a break from the rain by then, but it’ll still be a windy day. Stick around downtown for a special tour of our historic Capitol with Muscle Powered. The storm won’t stop the fun to be found in the valley tonight. Read on to see all your nightlife options, including a free concert at the Sierra at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church and two performances by comedian Kevin Farley at the Nugget.

The Littlest Things in Carson City is more than a petting zoo, it’s a refuge. You’ll find ponies, goats, puppies, ducks, and more at this great non-profit rescue and they are always looking for animal-loving volunteers. Stop by their open house/volunteer orientation this afternoon to check it out. It’s Tartan Day at the Legislature, so don’t be alarmed if you see a few kilts around town. Karaoke at Jimmy G’s, live music at Glen Eagles and Living the Good Life, and Bike Night at Battle Born Harley are just a sample of tonight’s offerings. Read on and you’ll know all that Carson has to offer.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. No reason to wait for the weekend, there’s always something happening around town. Sip and paint for a good cause at Van Gogh and Vino. You’ll need to head to their website to sign up for the special Cold Nose Rescue fundraiser. See what funny-lady Kat Simmons has taught her comedy students at a their debut Showcase tonight. Aspiring cosmetologists have a new local option. Sierra Academy of Style welcomes you to an open house today to meet the owners and instructors.

WEDNESDAY:

You’ll want to read today’s list, fun stuff all over and something for everyone. Psst… Daytonites… Your kids are on spring break right now, and Carson has some great ways to keep them entertained. Younger ones will enjoy a trip to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada; Tuesdays feature a story and craft activity that’s included with admission. A quick trip to the Galaxy Theater website gets you a rewards card good for Tuesday discount tickets. The Deputy Howell Memorial Musical Festival is holding a volunteer organization meeting tonight at Battle Born Harley.

March Madness spills into April with the NCAA Championship Game final showdown. Watch the Gonzaga Bulldogs take on the UNC Tar Heels tonight at 6 p.m. If you find yourself at the Fox Brewpub you may be one of the two lucky people with a chance at free beer for a year. Find out what the city has planned as they walk you through the upcoming budget offered at two public open house presentations. It’s a firefighter kind of day. Not only will they be honored at today’s Legislative Session, Firehouse Subs is hosting a fundraiser for the Fritch Elementary School’s PTA.

MONDAY:

They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. We’ve survived the freakish lamb-lion hybrid of March and we’ve survived the week, so let’s celebrate. Laugh it up with Kathleen Dunbar or Geechy Guy; Carson Comedy takes over the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall as well as their regular venue inside the Nugget. Live music, karaoke, and DJ dance parties can be found at all your favorite water holes and hot spots. Meet artist, Mike Bond, at Carson City Art Gallery at their monthly reception.

I hope nobody thought Thursdays were boring: this list will prove them quite very wrong. Art Galleries galore, an author meet/greet, and book discussion, karaoke, and Bike Night at Battle Born Harley. I love Carson City for the wonderful diversity in our many varied interests. Our local game shop, Hydra’s Lair, invites you to movie night. If Star Wars III isn’t your style, then” our worst fears have been realized. We must move quickly if the Jedi Order is to survive.”

THURSDAY:

We’ve got a wonderful Wednesday ahead. Learn about your true colors at the Chamber of Commerce’s Soup’s On luncheon. Get your boogie on at Carson Lanes: country dance lessons are every Tuesday and Wednesday in their Eleventh Frame Lounge. It’s a jazzy night at Living the Good Life or rockin with Ev Musselman at the Max Casino. The upcoming Citywide Film Competition is the focus of this month’s Wired Wednesday meeting. If you have interest in digital arts and filmmaking, then you are welcome to join in the fun.

WEDNESDAY: