poetry

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.

The Mile High Jazz Band with vocalists Jakki Ford and June Joplin will be joined by six poets and readers for "Oh, Say Can You C?," a lively evening of big-band jazz music and poetry.

This first weekend of June packs quite a punch: activities and events abound. Head downtown for the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the season, then wander a few blocks north for Due Sorella’s Spring Vintage Market. You may as well just keep the car parked. With the monthly Wine Walk, Pour for Paws in McFadden Plaza, and Crystal’s Crusade Street Party Fundraiser on W. Telegraph, downtown is the place to be. There are so many options this weekend, so take a gander and enjoy your weekend.

SATURDAY:  

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.

Award winning poet Gary Short is the current Resident at the Resident Artist Program in Silver City where he’s completing his fourth book of poetry. He’ll offer a poetry reading, followed by an optional, free poetry writing workshop Saturday, June 2 at 2 p.m. at the Silver City School House.

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.

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.

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.

(Editor’s Note: Brian Fox, PhD, is the String Orchestra Director for CHS, CMS, and EVMS)

The CHS Chamber Orchestra, directed by Dr. Brian Fox, is back from its spring trip to the Bay Area. The Chamber Orchestra competed in the Forum Music Festival at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, earning a gold rating from the adjudicators; the top rating.

Hold onto your hat, Carson City, we’re in for one heck of a weekend. It’ll be cowboy hats and pioneer bonnets in Genoa for Western Heritage Day. Keep an eye out for Mark Twain, plenty of music, and fun for all. Leis are the preferred accessory for Lei Day at the Nevada State Museum where you’ll be treated to Polynesian surprises and free admission. With three local theater groups performing this weekend, you’re sure to find a performance that’s right up your alley. Read on and be prepared to be bombarded with options.

SATURDAY:     

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.

Nevada Humanities will welcome author Julie Buntin at a series of events throughout Northern Nevada during the month of May. Ms. Buntin is the author of Marlena: A Novel, the 2018 pick for Nevada Reads — a statewide, public book club. Nevada Reads invites Nevadans to read selected works of literature and to come together in their communities to share the ideas and perceptions inspired by the book club selections.

‘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.

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.

Well, the expected rain didn’t show up overnight, but that doesn’t mean it’s not on its way. The brand-new Friday morning walk with Muscle Powered is weather permitting and will meet at the Multi-purpose Athletic Center instead of Fuji Park if it’s wet out. You’ll notice a sea of blue downtown after noon as the annual pinwheel planting for Child Abuse Awareness takes place; the community is welcomed to lend a hand. It’s aviation night at the Children’s Museum with paper airplanes and pilots on the agenda.

Songwriter and cowboy Mike Beck will appear in concert on April 29th at the Silver City School House in Silver City. The concert is a benefit for the Silver City School House and arts events held there.

Mike Beck is asolo artist who is a regularly featured performer at The National Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering in Elko. He has cowboyed on some of central Nevada's largest cattle ranches.

Easter weekend is just hours away. If you haven’t yet decided on an egg hunt or celebration, check out my list of everything Easter HERE; I’ve included events in Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton, and of course, the Virginia City Parade. Start today out with some Dutch Bros. coffee for a good cause.

What a blast it is to participate in competitive endeavors and events, whether the competitors be children or world class champions, whether the challenge be a sporting event or a writing competition.

We aren’t expecting any rain today, but weather control is well above my pay-grade. The recent downpour filled a few reservoirs around town, including the one at the corner of Roop Street and Little Lane.

Okay. This is one of the hardest weekend lists I’ve ever had to do. This dump of snow has cancelled some events, but others are in full force. Best I can tell, St. Patrick’s Day parties are not deterred by a little snowfall. There will be no parade in Virginia City, but the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fest is on. Head to downtown Carson for more green beer, Irish music, and corned beef and cabbage than you’ll know what to do with.

SATURDAY: St. Patrick’s Day

Winter may be showing up fashionably late, but she was certain to make an entrance. Schools in Carson City are closed due to the snowfall we received last night, but Carson Valley and Lyon County schools will be open. For the kids of Youth Theater Carson City: the show must go on.

I hope you got your fill of sunshine yesterday because we have got some cloudy days on the horizon. Luckily, there are enough things going on to keep you distracted, and inside away from the rain. Jazz and Poetry, courtesy of the Mile High Jazz Band, takes place tonight at Comma Coffee, with the lovely June Joplin on vocals. Trade a pint for a pint.

The week winds down, but the happenings in Carson City are gearing up. Kids are going to have a fun time at the Carson Montessori Carnival Night. Help Relay for Life kick-off this year’s theme during their ‘Surfing for a Cure’ Luau at the Casino Fandango; you’ll have the opportunity to sign up your team, as well. No whining allowed, just fun times, at the Governor’s Mansion during tonight’s 'Let’s Wine Together' silent auction and wine fundraiser for the Carson High Band program.

The Mile High Jazz Band with vocalist June Joplin will be joined by several poets and readers on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 7:30-9:30 p.m., for an evening of big-band music and poetry on the theme "Springboards."

Yerington High School senior Grey Hunt has become accustomed to hearing her name called at the Nevada Poetry Out Loud State Finals, but the two-time defending state winner admitted to being a nervous after three rounds on Saturday.

The snow finally fell, and continues to fall. The Carson City and Douglas County School Districts have closed all schools due to the weather; Lyon County Schools are on a two hour delay. If you do have to head out, give yourself extra time to travel. Take a look in today’s happenings for family friendly options at the Carson Library or the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. A celebration of new art exhibits and local artists can be found at the Carson City Art Gallery, in the Sierra Room of the Community Center, and in the Brewery Arts Center.

A public reception for emerging artist Allison Rasmussen is being hosted by the Resident Artist Program in Silver City on Saturday, March 3 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the McCormick House, 142 High Street, the residence for visiting artists with the Resident Artist Program.

It’s been a cold week, and today is no exception, but you can have a hot time tonight. Live music, comedy, and karaoke are just some of your nightlife options. It’s family BINGO and Chili night at Carson Middle School: get some grub, maybe win one of the great prizes, and help the CMS Band Program raise funds. Dayton has a BINGO night of its own. Head to Dayton High School to get in on the action. It’s opening night for the Proscenium Players. Their production of ‘Love Letters’ runs for one weekend only, so get your tickets early. Stay safe out there, and have a great weekend.

Nine high school students from around the state will take center stage at the 13th annual Nevada Poetry Out Loud State Finals, Saturday, March 3.