Open Mic

Carson City again welcomes the Fathers’ Day PowWow to the Stewart Indian School Campus for a weekend of dancing, vendors and crafts, and community. Now, when I say bicycle invasion, I’m not exaggerating. The Carson City Off-Road hosted by Epic Rides brings mountain bike enthusiasts from all over to compete in our hills. You’ll find downtown road-closures to make way for the race routes, a bike expo, beer garden, and a music festival on Saturday. Head up to Western Nevada College to welcome the Journey of Hope Bike Tour.

There will be some tales told today. The Dayton Historical Society had to postpone the last lecture in their May series until tonight, so you still have a chance to hear Karen Howe’s presentation on the Dayton Cemetery and who you’ll find there. Local author Jennifer Quashnick visits the Browsers Corner Book Store for a meet-and-greet, and to discuss the latest addition to her Mountain Girl book series. Get the little ones in their jammies and head to the Carson Library for Pajama Storytime.

If you didn’t take advantage of early voting, then today is the day to cast that Primary ballot. The local library can be your best friend during summer vacation; Carson City celebrated the kick-off to their summer program on Sunday, while the library in Minden will host a party this evening to get the summer events started. The State Library and Archives have started a new lunchtime program. Join them for Archives Appetizer, a monthly speaker program that will cover different topics of Nevada History. Muscle Powered features two guided hikes on Tuesdays.

School let out and summer wasted no time getting to the fun stuff. This weekend will bring the Revival Car Show and the annual Capital City Brewfest downtown, in addition to a wine walk at the Carson Mall and the Fair/Rendezvous at Mills Park. Today, you can enjoy some live music at Living the Good Life or Bella Vita Bistro, get your karaoke fix at Whiskey Tavern, or head to the Carson Mall for their monthly cruise night.

Break up the middle of the workweek with something fun. If karaoke is your thing, then head to the Westside Pour House. Like to dance? Then Country/Pop night at the Eleventh Frame Lounge in Carson Lanes is right up your alley. Get some jazz in your soul at Living the Good Life. Trivia buffs now have a Wednesday option; DJ Trivia starts tonight at Bella Fiore Wines. Satisfy your need for a good love story with The Princess Bride at Galaxy Theater.

WEDNESDAY, June 6: Things to do in Carson City

From art and exercise classes, nature walks to gallery showings, fundraisers and afternoon happy hours that extend from one end of Carson Street to the other, Carson City showers itself this Tuesday with an action-packed all-ages calendar of arts, fitness and entertainment. Here's what's happening around town on this June 5, 2018:

It’s not just Friday, it’s the very first day of June and I love June. We are already off to a great start with the first of the Friday at Third concerts tonight in McFadden Plaza. Shane Dwight is back to perform for this free, family friendly event. The NEA sponsored Carson Big Read event comes to a close tonight with a free showing of 2010’s movie, True Grit in the Community Center Theater. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum for a special Night of Magic with Phoenix Phenomenal.

I hate to be a tease, but I just have to say something about this upcoming weekend. Friday night brings us the Fox Brewpub's first summer concert featuring Shane Dwight in McFadden Plaza, the Broncs and Bulls Smackdown at Fuji Park, or the kick off to Street Vibrations Spring Rally at Battle Born Harley. Saturday welcomes the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the year, the monthly Wine Walk, and Dayton’s annual Oodles of Noodles Festival and Pasta Cook-off.

Today is definitely an out-doorsy kind of day: two Muscle Powered hikes, the Ladies Ash Canyon Bike Ride, and the annual Bike Month Full Moon Night Mountain Bike Ride. Early voting for the 2018 Primary has begun, and all registered Carson City voters can head down to the Clerks office in the Courthouse to cast their ballot. If you’re in Minden, or up for a short drive, check out the Farmers Market on Esmerelda Street. It runs from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to grab something fresh to throw in with dinner.

Don’t let the weather fool you. Once we get past the gloomy skies of today, we’re on track for a beautiful Memorial Day weekend. The inaugural Rockin’ Rib Fest at Fandango begins this afternoon and runs until Monday, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample some grilled bbq. The Proscenium Players begin their run of ‘The Hit’ in the Brewery Arts Center’s Black Box Theater; break a leg. Lend a hand to our various Veterans’ organizations this afternoon as they plant flags on the graves of those who served in the Lone Mountain Cemetery: many hands make light work.

Lightning in Northern Nevada, while pretty to see in the sky, can be devastating once it strikes ground. We don’t have the same negative thoughts about thunder, though, especially when talking about Blue Thunder, the award-winning band from Carson High. See what the rumble is about during their free spring concert this evening in the Bob Boldrick Theater. 3-D Printing is a brand-new technology, and almost something out of science-fiction.

Western Nevada College may be finished with its semester, but they don’t just shutter the doors and pack it in. Go check out the Bristlecone Art Gallery where you’ll find a plethora of True-Grit inspired artwork: it’s pretty spectacular what these artists have done with a simple deck of playing cards. It may be a little too wet for this evening’s Muscle Powered hike, but you’ll find other opportunities to burn off a little steam. Try Carson Lanes Country/Pop Dance Night, or try your hand at all-ages trivia at the Fox Brewpub or Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint.

We’re in for another gray day, but that won’t affect the fun to be had. Bike to Work Week always ends in a big bash. Head down to McFadden Plaza, even if you didn’t take the challenge personally. You’ll find live music, raffles, bike games, and too much fun. Western Nevada Musical Theater Company returns for another weekend of Singin’ in the Rain at the Bob Boldrick Theater. Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours are waiting to entertain you at the Brewery Arts Center. There may be some balcony seating still available, but tickets are very limited.

Welcome to Wednesday, Carson City. Let Chili’s take care of lunch or dinner today and you’ll be helping take care of the Boys and Girls Club, just let your server know you are there for their Give Back Fundraiser. Cyclists and pedestrians are invited to join the Ride (and Walk) of Silence this evening. It’s meant to bring awareness to safety issues faced by everyone sharing the road. The Historical Society of Dayton Valley continues their lecture series with a presentation by Laura Tennant. Learn about Dayton’s History as a Chinatown and how that contributed to the town it is today.

Carson City is in the midst of the NEA’s Big Read, with True Grit by Charles Portis at the designated book. Julie Buntin’s tome, ‘Marlena: A Novel,’ is the chosen Nevada Reads book, and Nevada Humanities has brought the author here for a discussion and reading. Find Ms. Buntin at the Nevada State Library and Archives at lunchtime or hear her thoughts at the Minden Library this evening. Keep an eye to the skies if you’re interested in today’s Muscle Powered hikes; they will walk on the indoor track at the Multi-purpose Athletic Center if it’s rainy.

'Singin in the Rain' is probably one of my favorite movies, but I have no doubt that the Western Nevada Musical Theater Company has taken the classic to new heights. Get tickets now if you'd like to catch their production, they are known for sold-out shows. Funnel cakes, Ferris Wheels, and more are waiting for you at Mills Park. A carnival is a great way to help Mom celebrate her special day.

Come help us say "Happy Birthday" to our own Canyon White. Canyon has hosted the open mic at A to Zen for many years and we want to help her celebrate another year around the sun.

This week is just flying by and the weekend is just around the corner. Mothers’ Day is this Sunday and there will be plenty of ways to spoil Mom. A trip to Virginia City on the V & T Steam Train is always memorable. The annual RSVP Spring Celebration Carnival opens tomorrow in Mills Park.

It’s Bike Month in Carson City, and the ladies’ Tuesday bike ride up Ash Canyon has returned for the season. You’ll need a helmet and a trail-ready bike if you’d like to join in. A hike up Goni Road with Muscle Powered will be worth the views and a good work-out. Mile High Jazz Band has teamed up with vocalist Jakki Ford for this month’s performance; you’ll find them tonight at Living the Good Life. Learn more about how the internet affects our lives during the free presentation by Sierra Nevada Forums.

TUESDAY, May 8: Things to do in Carson City

Oh, wow. May is starting off with a bang. Today is jam-packed with options for families, adults, and everyone in-between. The True Grit: Carson City Big Read kicked off yesterday, and today you’ll find the original 1969 version of the film playing at the Brewery Arts Center. The Children’s Museum hosts a Friday Fun Night with a True Grit Buckaroo Sing-a-long. Your options hardly end there. With live music, improv and comedy, theater, karaoke, and some pre-Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout Carson City and beyond, you’ll have plenty of reasons to hit the town.

The Nursing program at Western Nevada College is one of the state’s best. Attend today’s informational meeting and walk away knowing everything you’ll need to do for a career in the medical field.

I’m ready for spring. My allergies don’t seem to be as enthusiastic, but I love watching our valley awaken from its gray winter slumber. Muscle Powered’s guided hikes are a great way to explore our town and learn about the many trails hidden in the hills. The Carson City Classic Cinema Club gets an extra-special visitor at tonight’s film viewing; STRAZZ, the Carson City Symphony’s Youth String Orchestra will be performing before ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ lights up the screen. Sandie LaNae and Arlene La Ferry are the featured authors at Browsers Corner Book Store this evening.

I may be dating myself, but I’ve got John Denver’s voice stuck in my head singing ‘Plant a tree for your tomorrow.’ It’s Arbor Day, so Mayor Bob Crowell will be doing just that, planting a tree in Mills Park. The kids of Wild Horse Children’s Theater continue their successful run of Junie B. Jones at the Brewery Arts Center - it’s their final weekend, so don’t miss out. Maddie’s Adoption Days is a state-wide event trying to find forever homes for dogs and cats; you’ll find several local shelters and rescues participating in the free adoption days.

It’s Denim Day in Nevada, which is just a way to show support for the survivors of sexual assault and bring awareness to the issue. Your early morning coffee might even come with a specially made heat sleeve in honor of the occasion. The Carson City Library is continually bringing something new to our community. Today, you can get certified to use their laser cutter and engraver in the new Maker Space, or you can get a dose of some international flavor. Their Diversity in Action program features Peruvian and Latin American Folkloric music, and is suitable for all ages.

The Senior Center recently hosted ‘Carson’s Got Talent,’ so they know the caliber of performers hidden in our midst. Auditions for their annual show, Senior Follies, continue this evening and are open to all ages. CCAI’s art exhibit in the Community Development Building on E. Proctor features work from several high school artists. Join them in celebrating this young talent at a reception tonight. The day should be gorgeous; a hike with Muscle Powered is the perfect way to embrace the spring.

‘Break a leg’ to the talented kids in Wild Horse Children’s Theater. Their newest production, ‘Junie B. Jones, Jr.' opens at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall tonight. The Reno Coin Club has returned to the Nevada State Museum for it’s annual National Coin Week celebration with lectures, demonstrations, and foreign coins for kids. It’s a BINGO kind of night. Dayton High School is raising funds for their Safe Grad Night with a huge raffle and plenty of family-friendly BINGO fun. Join the Carson Victory Rollers roller derby girls at Battle Born Social for a Friday Night BINGO Bash.

The international jewel that is Lake Tahoe is just a short trip up the hill. Save your gas money and head to the Carson City Library for a presentation on our beautiful lake and the diverse ecosystem that makes it special. Lending a hand to the Boys and Girls Club can be as easy as lunch or dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings; their annual Team Up for Kids Community Day raises funds for our local organization. Put some swing in that thing during Jazz Night at Living the Good Life, just get there in time for their delicious dinner menu.

Well, we won’t see any wet stuff today, but the clear skies could mean a nip to the air. You can join Muscle Powered for one of today’s two walks, but I won’t blame you if you’d prefer an indoor activity. Join the Carson Library for coloring night; they have plenty of pictures to choose from. Bobbie Ann Howell is at the center of today’s Artist Reception at the Nevada Arts Council. You’ll hear her discuss her exhibit ‘Vistas and Viewpoints.’ Head down to Pizza Factory to lend a hand to Mark Twain Elementary School: just make sure to mention you are there for the fundraiser.

You’re going to have some choices to make today. Just how much fun are you looking for, and what kind? Live music takes over at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, Bella Vita Bistro, Living the Good Life, and the Brewery Arts Center. Belly laughs can be found at Carson Comedy inside the Carson Nugget on Fridays and Saturdays. A Father-daughter dance at the High School in Dayton is sure to thrill some little princesses.

For the last several months, the Galaxy Theater has been playing a movie from yesteryear on Sundays and Wednesdays. This week’s ‘Flashback’ is the disco classic ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ in all its polyester glory. For those interested in a nursing career, Western Nevada College is hosting an informational meeting that will cover what can be expected for those enrolling in the educational program. Now that spring is more or less here, Carson City BMX is back on the track. You’ll find their races on Sunday mornings, but Wednesdays are for practice.