A to Zen

Wow, Carson City! Is it Friday already?! Indeed, we have reached the end of another work week.

Go for a swim during lunch or after work at the newly reopened Carson Aquatic Center before catching some live entertainment this evening at Living the Good Life Nightclub-Bistro-Lounge, Bella Vita Bistro and A to Zen, featuring its weekly Open Mic Night.

Good day Carson City. It is Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. Heading into the weekend it looks like the heavy stuff is out of the way weather wise. Today we'll see a slight chance of rain and snow after 10 a.m. with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 46. Saturday we are looking at partly sunny skies and a high in the low 50s.

Good morning Carson City and welcome to your weekend. Weather is expected to be mild for most of this weekend, partly sunny with daytime high temperatures in the mid- to upper 40s.

Here is what's happening around Carson City on Saturday, Jan. 12:

Hello and good day Carson City. We are headed into the end of the work week, Friday, Jan. 11, 2019. We're looking at partly sunny skies ahead into the weekend, with a chance of rain or snow showers to round out Sunday. Stay tuned. Here's what's happening around Carson City today:

Welcome to the first Friday of 2019 Carson City. We'll see mostly cloudy skies and a high near 50 ahead of a storm system moving into the area by Saturday. Rain and snow showers are possible on the valley floors.

A to Zen has been a Carson City staple for the past decade. While they’re mostly known for their assortment of vintage finds, their large record and book collection, handmade gifts, costumes, and what may be the largest collection of knick-knacks in Carson City, they’ve also been engaging in community activities for years.

This isn’t your traditional namaste, peaceful wind chime yoga. The yoga itself may be gentle and restorative, but the practices surrounding it are a little different.

Do you want a safe place to release all the tension, stress, frustrations that have built up? Look no further. You can now join a gentle yoga class in Carson City where sessions begin with participants screaming their lungs out, followed by a gentle, restorative yoga geared for all levels of experience.

The Giants of Zen will be playing their first concert of the year on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the A to Zen, 1803 N. Carson Street in Carson City. The duo is known for their catchy original songs, plus everything from David Grey to Led Zeppelin.

Hello Carson City. The weekend approaches and we're still wondering how we went from Thanksgiving to Christmas so fast. We are coming into Friday, Dec. 28, 2018. Besides having to put on an extra layer of clothing and setting the thermostat a couple degrees warmer, conditions outside are what can be expected as we head into 2019: Cloudy to sunny with a continued chill in the air.

Open Mic Night is held at A to Zen Gift Shop on the Zen Den Stage. All talents, creative projects welcome. Come practice being on stage. There will be music, comedy, poetry, magic, and more. All ages and skill levels welcome.

There are only two more Saturdays until Christmas, and Santa Claus is back in Carson City again this weekend ahead of the big holiday.

"Another Decade Gone." Celebrate with Keith Alan Barnett by joining him for his 60th Birthday Party and Concert. He has chosen A to Zen for this milestone merrymaking event to say thank you to Mike and April Epps and the whole A to Zen family, as well as his friends who support him so graciously at his performances around town.

Keith will be performing songs from his upcoming album as well as many of your favorites. Be sure to drop by and request a song.

Nevada Day and the big parade are just one week away, but first is the annual Carson City Ghost Walk this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in downtown Carson City.

Last Friday, I was enjoying Open Mic Night at A to Zen and sipping on a cup of tea, when my heart and mind was captured by a ukulele and the voice of Carson City newcomer Kelsey Kelly.

Don’t let finding something fun for Labor Day be laborious, just keep reading. Virginia City hosts a noontime parade to celebrate. You’ll want to stick around as the Comstock Civil War Reenactors wage a “Battle for ‘C’ Street.” Join your neighbors at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for the annual Interfaith Potluck Picnic and food drive for Friends in Service Helping (FISH).

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:

August comes to an end today, and with it the end of an era. You are reading my last weekday list of things to do. Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with ‘Cruise Night’ at the Carson Mall, some great live music, or a comedy show.

It’s time for the students of Western Nevada College to head back to school. In order to help the day go smoothly, you’ll find coffee and snacks placed strategically around campus. Make sure to spend a moment checking out the new art installation in the main gallery: ‘The Surrealist Eye’ is on display and will have an artist reception on Thursday evening. Have a great week, Carson City.

MONDAY, August 27: Things to do in Carson City

The last weekend of August holds tight to summertime tradition. Get something fresh from the field at Farmers Markets in Carson City, Genoa, and Dayton. Celebrate the end of summer with La Chamba on the Brewery Arts Center outdoor stage – one more season of Levitt Amp Community Concerts successfully behind us. Whether you want something fun to do with your ‘grown-up’ friends or something for the whole family to enjoy, take a look! There’s a little bit for everyone.

SATURDAY:

As your reward for making it through the first school-week of the year, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate. Hopefest8 at the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center is a free concert featuring folk/pop singer, Tyrone Wells, bringing awareness and raising funds for local patient resources. The grand prize of their raffle is a brand-new car, so good luck. It’s a birthday bash at Living the Good Life. Wish proprietress, Gina, many happy returns and groove to the sounds of the Trippin’ King Snakes.

I don’t often have something new to say about Monday, but it’s not every day that the new schoolyear begins. That’s right, Carson City, summer vacation is officially over. Please give yourself a little more time to get to work: the school zones are back in effect, school buses will be making their rounds, and kids of all ages will be on the sidewalks and in the crosswalks. Good luck to all of our students and teachers, may this year be the best yet.

MONDAY, August 20: Things to do in Carson City

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

It’s a very special Friday for the kids of Carson City: it’s the last day of summer vacation. Take full advantage of your free time and check out some of today’s activities. Live music at McFadden Plaza tonight features local cover band, Deception. The Bowers Mansion Bluegrass Festival kicks off tonight with a band in the Davis Creek Campground. The U.S. Air Force’s Jazz Ensemble performs at the Bob Boldrick Theater as part of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival. Free tickets have been available at the Chamber of Commerce for a few weeks, and if any are left, their numbers will be limited.

It’s back to school for our Carson Valley neighbors to the south. Carson City still has one week before the papers, pencils, and notebooks take over for summer freedom. If you have a student in need of vaccines, our Health and Human Services Department offers a week-long, walk-in clinic to get you up to speed. These next couple days come with a fun, mathematical quirk: it’s palindrome week. Today is 8-13-18, the same forwards and backwards. Have a great day, Carson City, you’ll find what Monday has to offer in my list below.

MONDAY, August 18: Things to do in Carson City

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.

I wish there was something I could do about the smoke in the air; it’s difficult not knowing if the wind is going to help or hurt the situation. Luckily, you’ll always have some choices that let you stay indoors and break routine. You’ll find bowling specials at the Gold Dust West and at Carson Lanes if the kids need to burn off some energy. A trip to one of our local art galleries will bring some color (and air conditioning) into your day. The Jazz and Beyond Music Festival features RoseBud’s Dance Band at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall this evening for a toe-tapping good time.

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.

Get ready for all things shiny, whether it be brass or chrome. You’ll find plenty of horns playing during the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival that kicks off today. Just about every event is free to the public and family friendly, so get ready for a melodic few weeks. The historic Bliss Mansion, across the street from the Governor’s Mansion, hosts the opening night Garden Party. Hot August Nights gets an early start in Virginia City with a show and shine and poker run; 400 classic cars are waxed up and ready to impress.

FRIDAY, August 3: Things to do in Carson City