opera

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Nevada state capital, and there is no shortage of holiday events and activities to make the season bright.

Holding with tradition, Virginia City is once again putting on its festive hat for a holiday celebration with music, lights, and heaps of holiday spirit.

CARSON CITY — From the historic United States Branch Mint to the V&T Railroad to the fact it remains one of the most sparsely populated state capitals, Carson City has a colorful and unique history.

Every spooky Halloween or family friendly fall themed event in Carson City, Gardnerville, Virginia City, Reno, Sparks, Dayton, and more.

When the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra held its very first concert fifty years ago, it played the music of the iconic American composer George Gershwin.

As part of its Reno Philharmonic Exhibition Lecture Series, the Nevada Historical Society will welcome guest lecturers Dr. Mark Clague and Timothy Freeze, both musicologists, who take on the topic, “Gershwin’s Legacy.”

Mother Nature and Father Time often don't agree here in Northern Nevada. While the calendar marks today as the official start to Fall, the weather still feels like summer.

Sierra Music Society is pleased to announce that the always popular “P’Opera!”-pop to opera is planning a fun-filled evening with its “P’Opera! On Tap” at Napa-Sonoma South in Reno at 7671 S. Virginia Street on Sunday, Oct. 14.

Beatles Flashback performs a concert at Pipers Opera House on Friday, Sept. 28 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Don't miss this great show at a historic venue!

Tickets $20 at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pipers-opera-house-8134094864

Good Day Carson City. It is Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018. Health and wellness, art events, live jazz and “Ideas on Tap” are featured around town.

Time for some Sunday holiday adventure. The Carson Nugget has something special tonight, a Van Halen Tribute Band plays two concerts in their upstairs ballroom. For a lazy afternoon in the shade, you’ll find live music on the porch of the Genoa Bar. The Tahoe Orchestra brings their annual 9/11 Memorial Concert to St. Gall’s Church in Gardnerville. Virginia City is trapped in a time loop during Civil War Days. Don’t forget to get your grub on at the annual Rib Cook-off in Sparks. Read on for more events for both Sunday and Monday.

It’s nice that the beginning of the school year is almost immediately rewarded with a three-day weekend. You’ll find annual events like Civil War Days in Virginia City and the Best in the West Rib Cook-off in Sparks, in addition to smaller happenings like the monthly Downtown Carson City Wine Walk and a roller derby double-header. If you haven’t made plans to head for the hills, take a look at your options and have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

SATURDAY:

Bodie has long been a ghost town tourist destination, and though it might reside in California, we in Northern Nevada still claim its lore as our own, since we are familiar with all things that are spooky, cursed, and rich in Old West history. Bodie encompasses all of these traits, but what has also put it on the map, is the fabled Bodie Curse.

Sierra Music Society continues its popular Salon Series with P’Opera!-Pop to Opera soloists, delectable small bites, wonderful wines, and fun on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 5 to 8 pm.

We will present “An Enchanted Evening” in the beautiful home of Christel Hinckley located in Southwest Reno. For just $75 you will enjoy wine tastings and food pairings provided by Roundabout Catering.

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.

Chautauquan Deke DiMarzo will portray Watchman Alex Coryell: Virginia City Police Department 1873 to 1891 at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

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.

The Friends of South Lake Tahoe Library invite you to come up the hill for an informative afternoon with Dr. Peter Mires.

Carson City has the distinction of being one of the least populated state capitals in the nation, but its contributions to Nevada’s history are anything but diminutive. Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s a quintessential Wild West town.

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.

AUDITIONS! Piper’s Players, a community theater based in Virginia City, Nevada, is holding auditions for this year's production of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Auditions will be held at Piper’s Opera House (12 B Street) on August 15 and 16 from 6p.m. – 8p.m. (Bring water – it’s a historical building.) Callbacks will be on August 20, between 6pm and 8pm.

Performances will be December 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16, 2018 at Piper's Opera House.

What do you need to audition?

Music: Be ready to sing for up to a minute.

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:

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:

Piper’s Players, a growing Community Theater through the beautiful and historic Piper’s Opera House, presents a musical rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, adapted by Marieka Peterson Greene, directed by Rene Branstetter.

Anyone who was around in the late 1980s and early 1990s (or who watches the nostalgia channels on cable) remembers television's Golden Girls — Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia.

What a week. I hope you’ve had the chance to catch your breath from Independence Day, we’ve got a wine walk on its way tomorrow. Tonight, head down to McFadden Plaza at Third and Carson. Tonight’s outdoor concert features the Reno Swing Set, so bring your dancing shoes. The ‘Dive-In’ Movie at the Carson Aquatic Center is a fun option for families. Artist Mimi Gomberg will be on hand at the Carson City Art Gallery for a reception celebrating some of her newest work. Read on for all of today's local happenings.

FRIDAY, July 6: Things to do in Carson City

The Nevada Commission on Tourism on Monday approved more than $1 million in grant funding to rural communities to promote tourism through marketing projects. Among the Carson City area programs funded through the marketing grants:

It’s going to be a chili weekend, and that has nothing to do with the weather. The annual Chili on the Comstock Competition takes over the tiny town of Virginia City, including a saloon crawl Saturday and the hilarious ‘Fun with the Runs’ 5K. Families will have a hard time choosing between the Cops and Kids Open House and Safety Fair at the Sheriff’s Office and the ‘Kids to Parks’ Day activities at Silver Saddle Ranch. Keep reading, and I apologize in advance for throwing so many great options your way.

SATURDAY:  

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.

'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.